If you want a great pet, a cat fits that bill. If you have never had one, you should read this article before getting one. Continue reading to learn some excellent advice on how to raise a happy cat.

Look a local animal shelters for cats. Shelters are filled with beautiful cats, and the fee for adoption will basically cover the needed vet care. Rescuing a cat can end up making a big difference in both of your lives.

TIP! It’s crucial that your pet gets checkups from your vet regularly. Your cat requires a variety of vaccines and shots to prevent illness, and it is also important to identify health problems before they become too severe.

Cats like to get into all sorts of small spaces. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped. A breakaway style collar will literally “break away” if pulled too tight. Using this collar will prevent your cat from injuring itself.

A heated tile can be positioned beneath the bed of a mature cat. You can heat a terracotta tile in the oven at 200 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. Put it inside a cloth and place underneath your feline’s blanket or bed. Change every few hours if you like.

Never use any product intended for dogs on a cat. Your cat will have a bad reaction to anything that has been specifically formulated for a dog. When it comes to flea products this is particularly true. These products can be fatal for your cat. After your dog receives a flea treatment, keep your cat away for at least a few hours.

TIP! Cats will try to get into many different crevices. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped.

You can also consider outfitting your cat with a chip so you can monitor its whereabouts. Even a house cat may end up lost outside, no matter how careful you are. Although collars and tags are beneficial, some cats may even wiggle out of them. Your important information can all fit nicely on a rice grain sized microchip. All shelters and vets have scanners to ensure your cat gets home safely.

Make sure your cat is not too bored. Play is important to the health and vitality of your cat. Sometimes, cat owners don’t realize this. If your cat is bored, it might develop a depression, obsessive compulsive behaviors or ruin some of your furniture. Give them enough space to exercise in, with fun toys to keep them entertained. Give them a cat tree to play with.

Give your cat lots of attention and love. Cats need just as much companionship as they give out. Cats have a need to communicate with others to show they are part of the family. They wish to be a happy and valuable family member.

TIP! If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. You may believe that this is unnecessary if your cat stays inside all the time; however, cats almost always find a way to get outside, especially when they are in heat.

Cat medications can be bought affordable online. In some situations, you may not have the choice to purchase meds over the Internet, such as a health emergency. But for routine medication purchases, you may find a discount of 50 percent online.

Think over whether or not you should let your cat go outdoors. This can put your cat in an unsafe position. Your cat may pick up some fleas, or worse. Your cat could be injured by other animals, people and vehicles. Let your cat go out in your backyard and play on your lawn.

If the cats scratching post is looking tired and worn out, never throw it away. To your cat the post is just right. When you bring in a new post, the cat may ignore it.

Identification Tags

Make sure your cats always have identification tags on. Even indoor cats should have identification on them. Cats are endlessly curious and may head out an open door or window. The identification tags should contain your home phone number and the number for your veterinarian. This is also important if your cat has special medical needs.

Expect it to take several weeks for your current cat to accept a new cat in the home. They might hide from each other or hit each other. Eventually they are going to get used to each other, and they may even end up becoming best friends.

TIP! Your cat probably spends a lot of time grooming himself to perfection. If the cat has longer hair, it can be the cause of hairballs.

Think about where you want to put the litter box. You are surely tempted to put it where the smell will affect your surroundings the least. You have to accept the fact that easy access for your cat is the first priority in choosing a spot for the litter box. Cats tend to be finicky so you need to give them an environment that isn’t off-putting or inconvenient. If you have the box on a floor that is cold cement for example, put a rug or mat under it.

Deciding to get a cat is a great choice. They are great at relieving stress and are very comforting. In order to make your cat’s life (and your time as a cat owner) happy and healthy, you have to be prepared to be a responsible owner. Taking the advice contained in this article means your cat is sure to live out a long lifespan.