Cats make the perfect pet for several reasons. You can get some helpful tips by reading the following article. If you have never owned a cat before, read these tips for important information.

Check out the shelter when adopting a cat. Many shelters have more cats than they can handle and the fees associated with adoption take care of vet visits. Adopting your cat at a shelter allows you to save a cat’s life while also helping mitigate overpopulation.

TIP! You should be bringing your cat to their vet for a check-up regularly. Your vet can give you an idea of your cat’s overall health, in addition to administering any shots it may need.

To help your aging cat feel cozy, place a warmed tile under his bed. Just heat a one-foot square terra cotta tile in your oven at about 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Put it inside a cloth and place underneath your feline’s blanket or bed. If necessary, change this out every few hours.

Ensure that your cat goes to the vet often so that they are healthy. A routine check-up should happen annually, and more often if necessary shots are due. If there are more pressing health problems, take your cat to the vet right away.

If your cat is an outdoor cat, then you should ensure it wears a tag collar. Cats love to roam, so you need to give someone who finds your cat a way to contact you. The tag should contain at least the cat’s name and your contact information.

TIP! Do not use dog products on your cat. If you try to use products meant for dogs, it can make your cat sick, or even kill him.

Keep your cat amused. Cats require plenty of exercise. The unfortunate thing is that many owners of cats don’t realize this. Cats that are bored may develop obsessive compulsive disorders, depression, or other issues that can harm their health. Give them exercise space and a lot of toys. If your cat is an indoor cat, a cat tower or scratching post makes an ideal source of fun and exercise.

The litter box for your cat needs to be in a good location. Don’t put it close to your cat’s food or in an area that gets too much traffic. To minimize odors, keep it in a spot that’s well ventilated. Your cat will appreciate it and so will you.

Cats spend lots of time grooming themselves. Hairballs are more common in long-haired cats. There is a special food on the market that does help out with hairball issues. Some food are produced specifically for hairball reduction, which will help.

TIP! If you have an outdoor kitty, make sure to invest in a break away collar with an identification tag. A lost cat is much easier to locate if they are properly tagged.

Cat medications can be bought affordable online. There may be times when you cannot purchase medication online, such as in an emergency; however, monthly medication, such as flea medicine, can be bought online. If you are buying cat medicine often, you can usually save up to 50% online.

Keep smaller children away from pets as they are typically too aggressive. Show your kids the proper way to handle cats. Show them what activities are appropriate and how to pick them up. Cats’ bones are more fragile than those of dogs, so they need gentler treatment.

Cats generally will meow for a reason. Once you become familiar with your cat and its needs, it will become easier to determine what he needs when he meows. Your cat could be hungry or thirsty, or it may want to leave the house. Pay attention to her cues, and you can understand your cat that much more.

TIP! Keeping your cat off of the counter can be difficult. After all, cats prefer to stay high so that they can keep an eye out on everything.

A cat is an amazing pet to own. They bring great comfort to their owner. However, in order to get this satisfaction you must first understand how to care for the cat. Make sure to utilize the tips above in order to live in peace for a long time.