Cats can be finicky. From the moment they prance into your house, cats can be indecipherable. However, with the right knowledge, you can easily take proper care of them and ensure their happiness. Read on for ideas and insights for caring for your feline friend.

Putting a warm tile beneath the bed of an older cat will help it rest comfortably. Use a 12″ terra cotta tile and heat it by putting it in a 200ºF oven for 20 minutes. You should wrap it with a towel and place it under the bed your cat uses. If you want, you can change it for a newly warmed tile a few hours later.

TIP! Regular vet checkups for your cat are very important. There are shots and vaccinations that are standard and necessary for your cat.

Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. Even indoor cats can decide to run away at a moment’s notice, escaping through an open window. A tagged collar might help get kitty home, but it can just as easily come off if snagged on a branch. Microchips are tiny and contain all your contact information. The chip will never be lost because it is under the skin and it can easily be read by any shelter or vet.

Keep your cat active and entertained to avoid boredom. Play is important to the health and vitality of your cat. Unfortunately, a lot of cat owners neglect this. Bored cats can become depressed and inactive, causing harm to their well-being. Give them lots of space for exercise and plenty of toys they can play with. If you have an indoor cat, provide a kitty gym for them to climb on or a scratching post.

You have to place a litter box correctly. You shouldn’t keep it near your pet’s food, and you shouldn’t keep it in an area people walk through a lot. Choose an area that is well-ventilated to avoid bad smells. Both you and your pet will appreciate that.

TIP! Never use any product intended for dogs on a cat. Cats are known to have severe negative reactions when exposed to products designed for dogs.

While usually cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Make sure your child knows how to pet a cat. Teach them which activities are good and how to properly pick your cat up. Cats have more fragile bones than dogs so it is important to treat them with care.

Do you own a dog and cat? That dog will really love stalking (and eating) that cat 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.

Cat Owners

TIP! Don’t let your cat’s days pass without stimulation and excitement! Play and exercise are both important for cats’ well-being. Unfortunately, lots of people who own cats neglect this.

If you are experiencing an issue with your feline friend, seek advice from others. You may try to handle it yourself, but you might need input from other cat owners. The Internet will allow you to contact many forums and online communities for cat owners. Don’t forget, your vet’s office can also provide sound advice.

Don’t stress yourself out about instructing your cat on proper litter box usage. This comes naturally – you can’t teach it. You may have heard that rubbing your cat;s paws in litter will help them learn, but that may have a traumatizing effect.

Don’t punish cats for making messes outside the litter box. When this occurs, it is probably just a sign that the litter box wasn’t properly taken care of. Punishment can make your cat fearful in your presence.

Increase the variety of food that you give your cat. If they start eating just one type of food without variation, they are sure to grow finicky.

Identification Tags

Always make sure that your cat has on identification tags and a collar. This is crucial even if the cat lives inside. Cats can be very curious and they may escape out of a door or a window. Your cat’s identification tags should provide your contact info and that of your veterinarian. Also make sure to note any unusual medical requirements.

TIP! Chances are, your feline spends many hours grooming himself. Long hair encourages hairballs.

Make sure play time is an important part of your cat’s life. All mammals love to play. Older cats do not have the same energy level as younger ones, but they still like to play a little. Spend some time enjoying your cat.

Litter Box

You need to carefully consider where you put the litter box for your cat. It’s sometimes tempting to put the box somewhere that you don’t have to smell or see it. This litter box must stay in an easy-to-find spot for your cat. Cats are finicky, so you must provide an environment that is not inconvenient or off-putting to the animal. Keeping litter boxes on cement floors that are cold can be remedied by placing a rug or mat under it.

TIP! Think twice before letting your cat outside. This isn’t safe for your cat.

These tips will help you look after your cat and keep her happy. You should do your best to look after your cat and make sure she gets everything she needs; these tips will help. Your cat just might start playing nice! Do not hesitate to get help from your veterinarian if you need to.