Cats have co-existed with people for many centuries. Cats have inspired the songs, poetry and visual arts of many cultures. It’s easy to understand why they feel that they’re in charge. In the article below, you’ll discover great tips to help you control your cat and ensure it lives a good life.

If you own a female cat, you should have her spayed when she is old enough. While your cat may be an indoor one, there is always the possibility it can get out and you wind up with kittens one day. Spaying the feline is really the optimal way of dealing with this.

TIP! Putting a warm tile beneath the bed of an older cat will help it rest comfortably. Place a tile made of terra cotta or a similar material in an oven heated to 200 degrees for around 15 to 20 minutes.

Be sure you have a vet that your cat sees regularly so it stays healthy. They should have a routine check-up once a year or more if important shots are due. Cats should go to a vet immediately if they have any conditions, health problems, or injuries that need to be tended to right away.

An outdoor cat must always wear a tag on its collar. Cats can go far from home and without a tag they could become lost forever. Even if the tag just has your phone number, it can be the difference between your pet coming home and being lost forever.

Do not allow your cat to get an electrical shock. Spray them with bitter apple, and they will stay away. If the cat likes to chew on cords, its best to cover them as best you can. Bundle electrical cords together inside a tube. Electronic items with thin, tempting cords should always be put away when not in use.

TIP! Have your cat see a vet frequently to keep good health. Cats need routine annual check-ups and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations.

When traveling on the road with your cat, understand that they are sensitive to sounds. You may love belting out your favorite tunes as you drive on the freeway, but your cat probably enjoys softer sounds. Therefore, try lowering your music or turning it off in order for your cat to enjoy the trip more.

Take care if you leave a kitten with youngsters. If children are younger than five years old, pets ought not be left with them. Little children do not have the necessary skills yet to handle a pet by themselves. As children get older, decide when they show the maturity to handle a small pet.

While a torn up scratching post might look unattractive, do not get rid of it. Cats typically like older posts compared to newer posts. Removing the post could cause your cat to look for something else scratch, possibly damaging your furniture.

TIP! Don’t give a cat a dog’s product. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs.

High quality cat food is important to your cat. Scrutinize the ingredients closely, and make sure that quality protein sources like chicken, fish and beef are first on the list. Stay way from cat foods made of corn or any other ingredients that aren’t based in protein. Cats are carnivores, and they need a good amount of protein in their diet.

You should feed your cat food out of a can. Dry food may cost less, but canned food has more benefits. Canned food will give your cat more water, fat and protein. As your cat ages, canned food is more easily chewed. Speak with the vet, but food in cans tends to be better.

Make sure your cat is always wearing a collar with proper identification tags. Even if your cat is a house cat, this is still a good idea. Cats can be very curious and they may escape out of a door or a window. Those tags can help if someone finds your kitty. Make sure your info and your vets info is on it. This is also important if your cat has special medical needs.

TIP! If your cat is outdoors, it needs to have a tagged collar. Cats enjoy traveling far away, so a tag can help your cat get back home when lost.

If you desire a long-haired cat, it’s best to know what kind of care is involved before you do so. All that hair will be literally everywhere. Don’t get such a cat unless you are prepared for the extra commitment they take over regular cats. There will be hairball issues as well.

Use a cat collar that gives name, address, and phone number info. The cat may get out if it has a chance to, even house cats do this. If that happens, you want to be sure that there is a way for them to make it back home.

Don’t send a declawed cat outdoors for long periods of time. Your cat may be seriously injured or killed because they are not prepared to defend themselves against another animal who may attack them. Indoor cats are the only ones who should be considered for declawing. If you do choose to have your cat declawed, only the front claws should be removed. You do not have to touch claws on the back, as these claws do not damage the floor.

TIP! Make sure your cat is not too bored. Cats need play and exercise like other pets.

Watch out for panting. Panting in dogs is perfectly normal. Panting in a cat possibly indicates something serious is going on. Take your cat to see the vet if you notice it is often panting.

If your cat is spitting up hairballs frequently, and extra grooming does not help, these handy tips may help. Give your cat’s regular food an addition of pumpkin (about a teaspoon’s worth). Try also mixing in some water from tuna with the pumpkin. There are cat foods that have anti-hairball components in them, like extra fiber, that can help.

Cats get some illnesses that we do. You see your cat each day, so you should develop an intuition about when it is sick. You should have your vet check out your cat. This will save you from bigger problems down the road.

TIP! Always provide your feline with special attention and affection. Cats are looking for a response in kind in exchange for all of the friendly companionship they offer to humans.

Vets are important, but the bills can be rough! You can save by purchasing your pet medications online. Some companies will express ship to your door. This is a great way to handle purchasing medications your cat takes on a monthly basis.

Your cat may feel that they rule your home or the universe. By using this advice, you can help your cat learn where the real boss resides. Cats are loved by people because they are great pets, and these suggestions should help you make the most of yours.