Cats are both incredible and incredibly finicky. You have many issues to consider when you have one, ranging from different diets to having their nails clipped at the vet’s office. The article below offers tips you can use to offer your cat whatever it needs.

Keep your cat groomed. A cat requires regularly brushing and combing. If yu do this quite often, it will help them stay clean. It also reduces their shedding and hairballs. In order to keep shed hair down to a minimum, plus have a beautiful cat, you must groom your cat regularly.

TIP! Make sure your cat is regularly visiting the vet for checkups. Not only will a veterinarian give a general physical exam, he or she will also make sure they have necessary vaccinations.

Take your cat in for regular vet exams. Cats need to get shots so they don’t get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay. When you find a vet you like, stick with them. This one vet will be aware of the cat’s history.

If your cat is getting older, you can increase it’s comfort by placing its bed over a heated tile. You can do this simply with a terra cotta tile measuring a square foot. Heated in your oven around 200 degrees, it can be ready in as little as 15 minutes. Then, wrap this up into a towel and place it underneath your cat’s bed. This should be changed a few times a day to maximize comfort.

If you own a female cat, it’s crucial to spay it at the appropriate age. While your cat may be an indoor one, there is always the possibility it can get out and you wind up with kittens one day. Spray your cat so that this does not occur.

TIP! Make sure your cat is out of harms way by putting a little bitter apple on all the electrical cords to avoid them getting shocked. If your cat still insists on chewing your cords, try to cover as many of them as possible.

Adore your cat! They give lots of affection and need some in return. Cats have a need to communicate with others to show they are part of the family. A cat can feel that he is a valuable, cherished part of their household.

Use quality food to prevent crystals from forming in a cat’s urine. These are very painful and expensive to treat. Choose a low magnesium food. Be sure that you read the label. Fish products can have more magnesium when compared to poultry.

Do you have both a dog and a cat? That dog will really love stalking (and eating) that cat food. Consider placing the cat food on a location away from where the dog can reach. This will also prevent squabbles between them.

TIP! You should never allow your cat to be bored all the time. Every cat needs exercise time and play! Sadly, this is overlooked by many cat owners.

Provide your cat with canned food rather than dry. Even though the dry versions can be more cost-effective, canned cat food usually is more beneficial. They have more water, protein and fat too. Older cats also find it easier to chew up. Talk to the veterinarian prior to making any big changes; but, usually, canned food is best for your cat.

Litter Box

You need to carefully consider where you put the litter box for your cat. Many people want it in an out of the way spot. Make sure that your cat can get to its litter box very easily. To satisfy a cat’s demanding requirements, the litter box needs to be sited somewhere convenient and comfortable. Keeping litter boxes on cement floors that are cold can be remedied by placing a rug or mat under it.

TIP! Cats are often nocturnal creatures. Because of this, night time is when they are most active.

You should worry if your cat is no longer using its litter box. This could be a side effect of a health problem. Kidney, bladder and infection issues can make this occur. If this happens, you are advised to take your cat to the vet.

Give your cat a collar that features your contact information. An indoor cat should also have a tag with this information because he or she can sometimes escape. If this occurs, make sure they can return home.

You should always try to keep your cat in your home as much as you can. Cats who stay inside for most of their lives have a much better life span and are less likely to get diseases and parasites. Outdoor cats can be attacked by other animals and exposed to many harmful influences. Play with your cat daily to give it adequate exercise.

TIP! Make sure your cat gets lots of love. They want warm companionship since that’s what they provide to you.

Panting is something that you may encounter with your cat. Dogs normally do pant. Your cat may pant if it is anxious or overheated, but panting may also indicate a more serious problem. Be sure to talk to a vet, particularly if the cat is prone to respiratory issues.

If your cat gets hairballs often and you have been brushing her regularly, there are other things that may help. Add one teaspoon of pumpkin to your cat’s food. A teaspoon of tuna water mixed with pumpkin can also work. It is also possible to get help from cat food varieties containing fiber and other ingredients.

Cats can contract many illnesses that you do. Your cat is a member of the family, so you know better than anyone when your cat isn’t feeling well. Take your cat to the vet as often as possible. Your vet can often rule out the possibility of serious conditions.

TIP! If you’re getting a kitten for your children, discuss this with them before bringing the cat home. Make sure your children know where in the house the cat is permitted to be.

Inspect your home for holes that could possibly be dangerous for your cat. Keep in mind that a tiny gap is enough for your cat to go outside. Kittens especially can fit into small spaces. This is essential when you purchase a new cat. Repair any holes, or change furniture arrangements in problem areas.

You should reconsider a choice of providing table scraps to your cat. Because of the additives and cooking techniques used in human food, you should avoid feeding it to your cat. However, many cats relish a small cube of cooked, unseasoned beef or chicken. Eggs are also welcomed. If you go by the feeding instructions that are on your cat’s food based on their weight and age, then they have a complete diet.

It may seem easy to take care of your cat, but perhaps you don’t know everything you need to know just yet. Consider the tips presented here to help you become a better pet owner and feel prepared for whatever your cat has in store for you. All your research will pay off for both of you!