If you own a cat, then you realize that this animal is a part of your family. That is why it is important to know all you can about its care. Make sure your cat gets the right food, enough exercise and has no parasites. Keep reading to learn some great information about cat care.

Check your local animal shelter if you have plans to get a cat. There are tons of loving cats there, and the fees often cover the needed vet care. Adopting your cat at a shelter allows you to save a cat’s life while also helping mitigate overpopulation.

TIP! If you have an outdoor cat, make sure he is fitted with a tag and collar. Cats can get lost, and they need a tag to be found.

Though things may appear to be fine, you should always schedule regular medical checkups for your feline pet. Cats need special shots to keep them from getting sick, and the veterinarian will check your cats overall health. When you find a vet you like, stick with them. This one vet will be aware of the cat’s history.

Putting a warm tile beneath the bed of an older cat will help it rest comfortably. 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. Put the tile inside a towel and place it under the cat’s bedding. If necessary, you can change out the tile after a few hours to provide continued warmth.

In order to be sure your cat is healthy, take them to their vet regularly. Cats need routine shots and wellness checks just like people. If there are obvious issues with your cat, it needs to see the vet immediately. Don’t wait!

TIP! Spray bitter apple on electrical cords. If your cat happens to be a champion cord-chewer, you’ll need to use cord covers to protect your cords.

Your home furnishings can fall victim to your cat’s sharp claws. If you are having problems with your cat clawing up furniture, then purchase a scratching post or kitty tower. Place this device into an area that your cat frequents, and attempt to get your cat to scratch it rather than the furniture. Although this may take time, your cat should eventually claw the device rather than your furniture.

A cat generally spends quite a bit of time grooming itself. When the cat’s hair is longer, this could lead to hairballs. Buy your cat specialized food to prevent this problem. Certain cat foods are made just for decreasing hairballs, benefiting both your cat and yourself.

Though a veterinarian will almost always have a supply of medications that your cat needs, it can be more cost-effective to purchase them from online venues. You can’t always get it online. It is possible to save up to 50% on certain medications by purchasing them online.

TIP! Your cat’s claws can wreck havoc on your furniture. If your cat is ripping up and shredding your home, invest in a kitty tower or scratching post.

A tablecloth for the feeding area can be quite useful. Cats often take food from their bowls to eat on the side. That can mean a bigger mess for you to clean. To simplify your clean up duties, place a ready made placemat under the dish or purchase some inexpensive fabric and use it like a tablecloth.

When you buy a small kitty for your children, set the boundaries ahead of time. Make sure your children know what rooms the cat can go into and what rooms it can’t. Be sure that your children understand that an indoor cat must never be allowed outdoors. If you make the rules ahead of time, you can be sure your kids understand them.

Is your home also the home of both a dog and cat? Dogs won’t hesitate to eat food from your cat’s bowl. This is why it’s important that the cat’s feeding area is in a spot that’s too high for a dog to get to. Separate eating spaces are a must to avoid fights between your pets.

Litter Box

It’s important to let your cat see where you place the litter box, but it’s not always a good idea to force your cat to learn how to use it. This is natural to them and does not need to be taught. Some cat owners believe they should expose their cat to the litter box and rub its paws into the litter; however, this may actually have the opposite effect and make your cat scared of it.

You cat will not be likely to be a finicky eater if you vary the type of food you are feeding from time to time. This will ensure that your cat gets a taste of many different foods.

TIP! Be attentive to your cat and give them your love and company, often. Cats need companionship as much as we do.

High quality cat food is important to your cat. You should check the ingredients and make sure the food you give your cat includes a healthy source of protein, such as chicken, fish or beef. Steer clear of food made primarily of corn and fillers. Cats are carnivores, and they need a good amount of protein in their diet.

Keeping vaccinations up-to-date is the way to make sure your cat lives longer and more healthy. Stick to regular check-ups. Your cat needs to get some shots regularly to prevent different illnesses and parasites. Your cat will be a part of your home and that means it should be treated as good as you would treat a family member.

Do not give human medications to cats. If your cat is suffering from a medical condition, be sure and take them to a vet to get the proper medication. Refrain from giving cats any medication not intended for them.

TIP! While cats are good pets for children generally, smaller children may treat them too roughly. It is important that you teach children how to properly interact with a new cat.

Though taking your cat to the vet is inevitable, the bills can be costly. Keep money in your pocket by ordering your medicine online. Some companies deliver medication to anyone who orders it. For medications you use frequently, this is a great choice.

Cats, like many other pets, are susceptible to different parasites. Such pests can linger if untreated. The techniques mentioned above can help you eradicate and prevent them. You cat will thank you when you do.