Cats are incredibly fun-loving creatures and you will soon find yourself losing track of time playing a part in their feline games. Cats love new cat toys and fun little games, so think about them when you are out shopping. If you do not have a cat, you should consider adopting one. They really don’t cost a lot of money. Use this advice to enjoy your life with your cat.

If you’re thinking of getting a cat for a pet, you should look to the local shelter. Shelters have a lot of cats in them and you can get one adopted for a small fee. When you bring home a shelter cat, you will be saving its life and you will be doing your part to help out.

TIP! If you have an old cat, you can help make its bed more comfortable by placing heated tiles underneath it. Heat a fabric covered heating pad in the microwave for a couple of minutes, making sure that is not too hot to the touch.

Do not use dog products on your cat. Cats usually react negatively to items made especially for dogs. Flea products for dogs are one of the worst products to give a cat. Dog products that are flea related can kill a cat. In fact, your cat should be kept away from your dog for several hours after the dog has been treated for fleas.

Do not allow your cat to be bored frequently. Cats need to exercise and play. Sadly, this can be easily overlooked. Cats that are frequently bored may develop OCD, depression or other harmful conditions. Provide them with space to exercise and lots of toys to play with. A scratching post is a valuable toy to put in your home.

Cats are nocturnal animals. This means nighttime is an active time for your cat. Close your bedroom door if your cat is driving you nuts at night. They should stay away from you at night and then they will not be able to jump on your feet.

TIP! If you have an outside cat, you need to give it a collar and some identification tags. Cats love to roam, so you need to give someone who finds your cat a way to contact you.

Be sure to show your cat affection as much as possible. Cats give us a lot of love, and they deserve to be loved back. They are social creates which need reassurance. A cat can feel that he is a valuable, cherished part of their household.

Cats spend lots of time grooming themselves. Long-haired cats often develop hairballs. To assist your cat if it has this problem, you should get food that’s special. They help the hair pass through by breaking it down.

Make a tablecloth that your cat can use. Cat’s will often remove food from their bowl to eat it. This leaves food on the floor outside their bowl that must be cleaned. Place a piece of fabric or a place-mat under your cat’s bowl and then simply shake it over a garbage can for quick and easy clean up.

TIP! Put your cats’ litter box where it is most acceptable to him. Don’t put it in a busy area, and keep it away from your cat’s food.

Do you own a dog and a cat? Dogs will generally try to eat the cat’s food whenever the opportunity comes along. Because of this, you should make the place that your cat food is in higher up so that the dog cannot reach it. This will ensure they don’t fight over food or water, too.

Get your cat accustomed to a carrier. Cats are not as responsive to punishment as dogs are. Encouragement is more likely to get them to respond. Leave your cat carrier open and put a few special toys inside. Over time, the cat will feel comfortable and go inside the carrier. Let it happen naturally or with only mild coaxing. Do not get angry. Transporting the carrier with your cat inside makes your next trip out much easier.

If your cat’s scratching post looks old and worn, don’t throw it away immediately. You may believe that it’s in terrible condition, but cats typically prefer it this way. If you throw it away and replace it too quickly with a new one, they may shun the new one and go after your carpet and furniture.

TIP! Always provide your feline with special attention and affection. They give lots of affection and need some in return.

It may be time to take your cat to see the vet if it begins urinating more frequently and in places besides its litter box. For instance, it may be a sign the cat has a problem with its urinary tract. It could be the sign of other issues as well. Take the cat to the vet if it stops using the litter-box and let the vet diagnose the problem.

It is good to have a variety of games and activities to play with your cat. Not all cats will like every approach, but most do. Healthy, vigorous cats tend to have longer lives.