Cats are great examples of being powerful, mentally aware, and having great agility when compared to other animals. Cats are also a very common household pet, and they are very populated in many areas. It can be hard learning to live with these animals. These smart and feisty creatures can be hardheaded and often require advanced care.

If you own a female cat, you should have her spayed when she is old enough. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, if she escapes while she is in heat you might end up with a lot of kittens on your hands. The best method of preventing your cat from pregnancy is to get her spayed.

TIP! Visit your local shelter if you’re thinking about getting a cat. Shelters have tons of great cats and their adoption fee will generally cover necessary vet care.

Part of caring for your cat is taking it to regular veterinarian checkups. Your cat should have a health check yearly, but should go in more if your cat needs shots. Cats should see a vet right away if any health problems or injuries needing treatment occur.

An outdoor cat must always wear a tag on its collar. If your cat gets lost during its time outdoors, a tag makes it easier to locate the animal. Have your phone number engraved on the tag.

You might find that your cat sleeps all day and wants to be active at night. Do not be surprised if your cat is very active at night. Try closing the door if your cats are keeping you awake at night. This should help them from waking you during the night, pouncing on your feet under the covers.

TIP! If you’d like to make an elderly cat’s bed more comfy, stick a heated tile beneath its bed. Heat a fabric covered heating pad in the microwave for a couple of minutes, making sure that is not too hot to the touch.

Pick the right location for your cat’s litter box. Try to keep it away from areas of household traffic and away from your cat’s eating areas. To minimize odors, keep it in a spot that’s well ventilated. Both you and your cat will reap its benefits.

Sometimes children get too excited when playing with a new cat and may mishandle them. It is important that you teach children how to properly interact with a new cat. You should show them everything from how to properly carry the cat to the best ways to play with it. A cat’s bones can be quite fragile and they need to be treated gently.

If you get a cat for your kids, make sure to set clear boundaries in advance. Let your children know what rooms you will allow the cat to go into. If you plan to raise an indoor cat, let your children know that the cat cannot go outside. You need to establish some clear rules for your pet and ask everyone to follow them.

TIP! When your female cat is old enough, it’s vital to get her spayed. Whether or not she typically goes outside, she may escape while in heat and you might have kittens! You can prevent this by spaying or neutering your cat.

Why is your cat meowing? After some time, you’ll understand why your cat purs or meows based on what she wants. This could mean that your cat needs to go out or is hungry. Be aware of the cues your cat gives you, and the two of you will have a better relationship.

To avoid having a picky cat, switch up the kinds of foods you give him. If you raise your kitten with the same food for their entire life, this can become the only type of food they will willingly eat.

Keep you cat’s old scratching post even if it is beginning to look worn. This is the time when your cats actually most prefer it. If you toss it away in favor of something newer, your cat may look for something older to scratch, and that may end up being your furniture.

TIP! Keep your cat active and entertained to avoid boredom. Cats need to exercise and play.

Give your cat a water fountain. Cats like running water in the wild, as well as in the home. Cat usually respond well to streams. Actually, you will see many cats prefer running tap water from the sink instead of the water bowl. A fountain will allow your cat to have the happiness of drinking from running water.

After you read these tips, you will be able to outsmart your cat easily. Your cat will soon learn where it’s allowed to go, along with where not to go. Training a cat may not be as easy as training a dog, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Soon, you’ll be the owner of a well behaved cat.