Cats are amazing friends and companions. However, people who are unfamiliar with cats need to educate themselves on proper ways to raise a cat. The tips that follow regarding owning a cat are truly priceless.

A heated tile can be positioned beneath the bed of a mature cat. You should heat a terra cotta tile with your oven, at about 200 degrees, for around fifteen minutes. Keep this underneath your cat’s resting space for extra warmth. When the tile cools down, change it out for a fresh, warm one.

TIP! Drape cords should be kept distant from cats. Keep the cat away from these cords as they tend to form loops when the cat is playing around, and it could accidentally go around their neck and strangle them.

Cats are partially nocturnal. This means nighttime is an active time for your cat. If your busy kitties are keeping you up into the wee hours, try simply closing your bedroom door. This will stop them from bothering you at night, and playing with your feet beneath the covers.

Give your cat lots of attention and love. Think of all the friendship and comfort cats provide to us. Like many people, cats need to socialize with people so that they feel like they are an important part of their family’s lives. This will increase the love that surrounds the family.

If you’re taking a trip with your cat, be sure to protect its ears. You may prefer loud music as you drive down the freeway, blasting your stereo, but your feline friend likes softer sounds better. Reduce the volume of the music and keep the windows up; let your cat rest!

TIP! Check out your local shelter if you are thinking about getting a cat. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering.

Speak to other people if you’re having cat troubles. Although you may want to go it alone, it can be helpful to seek advice from other people that have experience owning cats. There are many online cat forums that will help you get questions answered. You could also try asking your vet.

If you wish to add another cat to your home, give it a couple weeks for your old cat and your new cat to grow accustomed to each other. Two cats may fight, hiss, or hide from each other until they become more comfortable. Eventually, they become used to each other and are comfortable together.

If you want a cat with long hair, be prepared to put in extra time and care. All that hair will be literally everywhere. Do not choose a long-haired cat unless you can commit to the added cleanup. There will be hairball issues as well.

TIP! Make sure your cat is regularly visiting the vet for checkups. Cats require special shots to prevent illness and the vet can check their overall health.

Is cat hair getting into everything you own? Cats shed quite often, so make sure that you brush them a lot. If your cat sheds, it’s important to brush then frequently. This will make your cat’s coat nice and smooth.

Keep your cat’s vaccinations and checkups up to date with the vet. Kittens need proper medical care just like young children, and its best to bring them in every so often for health checks to ensure nothing terrible is going on. Remember that the four-pawed members of your family need healthcare just as much as the ones that walk on two feet.

Litter Box

TIP! If your cat is a female, be sure to get her spayed when she is old enough. Even if you own an indoor cat, it might produce many kittens if it escapes during mating season.

Take notice if and when your cat ever stops conducting their business in their litter box. Abandoning proper litter box habits is often a warning sign of serious health problems in cats. A UTI or kidney infection may be the reason for its bathroom problems. Call the vet if your cat refuses to use the litter box.

Have your cat sport a collar that includes information regarding the owner’s name, address and telephone number. Even if they’re an indoor cat, they may get out. It is important that you provide a way that they can get back home if that should happen.

Your food isn’t necessarily good for your cat. These foods include grapes, onions green tomatoes and garlic. If your cat eats these, it may cause him to get really sick or even worse. Too much milk can also be a bad thing for a grown cat.

TIP! Never use a product on your cat that is intended for dogs. It is possible that a dog’s product could cause a serious adverse effect on a cat.

Getting a cat is great decision. They can be comforting and relieve a lot of stress. Still, it is important to learn as much as possible about cat care so that both of you are happy. Following the guidelines you’ve just read will allow you to improve the quality and quantity of your cat’s years.