If you want to own a good pet, a cat is a great choice. Those that haven’t owned cats before should read the article below. Continue reading to find out some great tips for living with a cat.

Visit your local shelter if you’re thinking about getting a cat. Many shelters are overcrowded with lovable and adoptable cats. When you adopt a cat from a shelter, you save a life and help keep the cat population under control.

TIP! Heated tiles are great to put under a cat bed, especially for the comfort of aging felines. Just heat a one-foot square terra cotta tile in your oven at about 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

You must always take your cat for regular vet check-ups. There are shots and vaccinations that are standard and necessary for your cat. Try to stay with the same veterinarian throughout your pet’s life. This person will be more knowledgeable on your cat’s history.

Cats like to get into all sorts of small spaces. A collar can be a dangerous thing to wear in such a place. Breakaway collars are designed to release in these situations. This will allow your cat to live another day if it gets tangled up.

If your cat is female, it is very important that she be spayed when the vet feels she is old enough. Even if she spends her time indoors, it is possible for her to escape while in heat, causing an unwanted pregnancy. Your best bet is to have your female cat spayed.

Cats Prefer

Most cats prefer to be mostly nocturnal. The result is that cats prefer to be more active during the night. If you are having a hard time sleeping because of your cats, close the door. You can keep them from bothering you at night and getting your feet while you’re under covers.

Unlike most humans, cats love heights. A cat will only be happy if you give it a safe spot to look over everything. If a cat tower is not ideal, a simple shelf that does not have any breakable items can work. The cat will especially enjoy it if you put a blanket on top.

TIP! If your cat is outdoors, it needs to have a tagged collar. Cats can range far from your home and the tag will help them find their way home.

Don’t punish cats for making messes outside the litter box. Most of the time when this happens, it is because you are not taking proper care of the box. If the cat is punished for this, they may become afraid of being around you.

Is your pet’s scratching post starting to look beat up? Don’t toss it out! When a post is worn, your cats may enjoy it more. Ditching the structure may alienate your cat, making it more likely to turn elsewhere in your home for its scratching needs.

Consider getting your cat a fountain to drink from. This will make things more comfortable and homey for your cat. Streaming water is much easier for your cat to take in. In fact, many cats like to drink from a running faucet instead of drinking from their water bowls. Also, drinking fountains are more environmentally friendly and gives them the ability to drink naturally.

TIP! It’s not easy to keep cats off counters. Cats like heights and like to see everything happening around them.

Moist, canned food can be a very good option for your cat. Dry foods are cheaper but canned foods are richer in vitamins and nutrients. Canned food will give your cat more water, fat and protein. This food is easier to chew for old cat. Speak with your veterinarian, but keep this tip in mind.

If you want your cat to live a long, healthy life, be sure he gets his shots when he is supposed to an take him for a yearly check-up. Cats need regular checkups, just like humans. A cat is a member of the family, and therefore, is entitled to the same treatment as other loved ones.

Cats can really make wonderful pets. They can really be comforting. However, it is important to know the basics of cat care in order to live peacefully with your feline. Use the tips below to make sure you and your pet have a happy relationship for years to come.