Adding a cat to your family can be quite enjoyable. Finding a pet without preparing first is a terrible mistake. Just remember, even with proper planning, there will always be unknowns when dealing with cats. This will ensure you know all you can for a great relationship.

Ensure that you groom your cat regularly and properly. You can regularly brush or comb your cat. This leads to a cleaner cat. It will also limit shedding and may cut down on hairballs. Regularly grooming keeps cats looking well and keeps your home neater.

TIP! Don’t let your cats play with drape cords. Do not allow your cat to play with these.

If you want a cat to feel like it’s more comfortable, a heated tile may be able to help. You can heat a terracotta tile in the oven at 200 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. You should wrap it with a towel and place it under the bed your cat uses. Change it regularly if you need to.

Flea Products

Dog products shouldn’t be used on cats. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs. Flea products for dogs are one of the worst products to give a cat. Flea products meant for dogs can seriously harm or kill a cat. In truth, your cat needs to be kept a distance from any dog just flea-treated for the first few hours.

TIP! You need to take your pet to the vet on a regular basis. They should get their vaccinations and have a full check up.

Don’t allow your cat to get bored too often. Cats need stimulation. The unfortunate thing is that many owners of cats don’t realize this. Bored cats are more prone to depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as many other behavioral issues. Give them enough space to exercise in, with fun toys to keep them entertained. If they are indoors, give them a scratching post or something to climb on.

Think hard before allowing your cat outside. This can put your cat in an unsafe position. Your cat may pick up some fleas, or worse. It could be injured via a vehicle or another animal. If your cat really wants to go outside, let it out into a small area in your yard.

Do you have dogs and cats? Dogs will eat a cat’s food any time they’re given the chance. This is why you should have a feeding area for your cat that is too high for the dog to reach. This also has the effect of stopping fights over the water before they start.

Drinking Fountain

Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat to get water from. Cats that live in the wild like drinking from running water, and they have the same desires in a home. Cats will respond more positively to streams of water. Many cats prefer running water over their water dish. A drinking fountain designed for your cat is the ideal solution to keep the cat happy.

Make sure your cats always have identification tags on. Even an indoor pet should have this. An adventurous cat can easily slip through an open door or window. Tags should include contact information for you and your vet. This is especially true for cats with medical conditions.

TIP! In order to be sure your cat is healthy, take them to their vet regularly. Most vets recommend yearly check-ups.

If you are thinking about adding another cat to your home, you need to set aside a couple of weeks where you let the animals get used to being around each other. They will probably hide from each other, hiss or even attack each other. Give them a bit more time to begin to get used to each other face to face, too.

Consider the placement of your cat’s litter box. You may want to place in some out-of-the-way corner so the smell doesn’t bother anyone. However, your cat’s litter box needs to stay in an easily accessible place so that he can find it. Cats tend to be finicky so you need to give them an environment that isn’t off-putting or inconvenient. If the littler box is on cold, hard floor, try placing a rug beneath it.

Help your cat live a longer life by keeping them healthy and keeping them current with check-ups and vaccinations. As with children, cats have to be immunized. Wellness checks are important to avoid diseases and health issues. You need to stay up to date with immunization and booster shots to improve the health of your cat.

TIP! Avoid using dog products on cats. Cats are known to have severe negative reactions when exposed to products designed for dogs.

If your feline just won’t use the litter box, try moving it to a different location. Just like humans, cats can be sensitive to where they eliminate, so choose a private location if possible. Great suggestions include your basement and laundry room.

Act fast if you cat is panting. Dogs normally do pant. If a cat is panting, it might indicate simple anxiety or overheating. On the other hand, it may a symptom of a more serious health problem. Take the cat to a veterinarian, especially if they’ve experienced previous breathing problems.

Cats can get sick in some of the same ways you can. Since cats are like family, it’s easy to tell when they’re sick. It’s crucial that you have them checked by a vet. The vet can reassure you that your cat isn’t seriously ill.

TIP! Never let a cat become bored. Just like dogs, cats need playtime and physical exercise, too.

Never offer table scraps to your cat. Human food is not good for cats, due to the additives and ingredients used and the ways we cook food for humans. To give a cat a real treat, offer a small amount of egg, beef or chicken you have cooked. However, as long as you follow the instructions for feeding on your choice of cat food, his diet should be nutritionally complete.

Make sure to give your cat frequent flea medication. Monthly medication drops are very good at preventing flea and tick problems. This will prevent toxins and bacteria from affecting your cat. Be sure that any treatment you purchase is designed to be used on cats so that it will help your pet, not harm it.

The tips you just read will help you care for your cat regardless of its age or breed. You also need to get to know your cat better so you can adapt to its needs and habits. A newly adopted kitten should be a fun experience, and make sure that is foremost in your mind!