A cat is a cherished member of the family. It is important to know how to properly care for your cat, so that it can enjoy a long and happy life. Make sure your cat gets the right food, enough exercise and has no parasites. Keep reading to learn how you can take care of your beloved cat.

To help your old cat feel comfy, keep a tile that’s heated under their bed. A terra cotta tile about a foot square is ideal. You can warm it with a 15-20 minute stop in your oven, set to approximately 200 degrees. Keep this underneath your cat’s resting space for extra warmth. If necessary, you can change out the tile after a few hours to provide continued warmth.

TIP! A vet trip should happen for your cat yearly. Your vet can give you an idea of your cat’s overall health, in addition to administering any shots it may need.

Get your cat to a vet on a regular basis for the best health possible. They need a check-up and possibly vaccinations. If there are more pressing health problems, take your cat to the vet right away.

Litter Box

Your kitty’s litter box requires strategic placement. Try and put it in an isolated area away from the cat bowl. Also make sure the area is well ventilated to keep the smell to a minimum. Your cat is certain to appreciate a litter box that is put into a good location.

TIP! Don’t use dog portions for your cat. Cats can have strong negative reactions to a product that is formulated for a dog.

Place a “tablecloth” under your cat’s food bowl. Some cats prefer removing their food from the bowl and eating it on the side. This leaves food on the floor outside their bowl that must be cleaned. The best thing for you to do is to have a place mat underneath the cat’s bowl.

You should think before allowing your cat to go outside. Your cat might not be safe outside. There is a chance your cat can contract fleas or perhaps something much worse. Cars, people, or animals could hurt your beloved pet. If you’ve just got to have the cat outdoors, limit it to an enclosed area.

Are you the owner of both a dog and cat? Dogs will always try to eat a cat’s food. You should create a feeding space for the cat that is much too high for a dog to get to. This will also prevent squabbles between them.

TIP! Use bitter apple on your electric cords to keep your kitty away from them. If the cat likes to chew on cords, its best to cover them as best you can.

Be sure to brush or comb your cat’s fur on a regular basis. This will help spread the natural oils within their fur while stimulating their skin’s blood flow. It can also get rid of hair that is loose. Avoid the choking that can be a result of hairballs which slowly build up as your cat grooms himself.

It would be a good idea for your cat to get used to a pet carrier. The same response to punishment that you would expect from a dog does not apply to a cat. Most of the time, it is better to use positive reinforcement. Give your cat a treat every time it does something well. The cat will eventually get into it and feel comfy. It will then be easier to transport the cat in the carrier.

Don’t buy cheap cat food. Always look at the ingredients first. You want to see either fish, chicken or beef noted. Corn and other such protein-free fillers are things you want to stay well away from. Cats need meat, not vegetables.

TIP! Keeping cats from a counter really can be tough. A cat will naturally want to be high enough to view everything around them.

Go pick yourself up one of those water fountains for cats. Wild cats like to drink flowing water, and domestic cats are the same. Streams of water will attract your cat. In fact, many cats like drinking from faucets more than from their water bowls. Fountains keep the water cool and clean.

Feed your pet canned food. It sometimes has more benefits over dry. There is more water, more fat and more protein in it. For older cats, canned food chew easier. Talk to the veterinarian prior to making any big changes; but, usually, canned food is best for your cat.

Aired Cats

TIP! Put the litter box in an ideal location. You shouldn’t keep it near your pet’s food, and you shouldn’t keep it in an area people walk through a lot.

If you desire a long-haired cat, it’s best to know what kind of care is involved before you do so. There is no denying that long-haired cats are beautiful, but that beautiful coat takes a lot of work and also means a lot of shedding. Long-haired cats can be very high maintenance over the course of the year. Hairballs are something that you will often deal with if you own a fluffy cat.

Cats can have medical problems, just like humans. These pests will stay on your cat unless you do something about it. Owning a cat can be an incredible experience. Your cat is sure to thank you.