Though it is great to have a chat, they can also be pricy. If you are unprepared for the costs, challenges, and care associated with raising a cat, you are not likely to have a good experience. The following article has some great advice to help you care for your cat.

Cats can get into even the tiniest of spaces. If they’ve got a collar on, this may put them in danger as it can get stuck. The advantage to a breakaway type collar is that if enough pressure is put on it, it will just let go rather than strangle the cat. This can help to save a couple of your cat’s nine lives.

TIP! A heated tile can be positioned beneath the bed of a mature cat. You can heat a terracotta tile in the oven at 200 degrees for about 15-20 minutes.

You can make your old cat feel better thanks to a hot tile placed under its bed. Just heat a one-foot square terra cotta tile in your oven at about 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Wrap it tightly in a towel and place it under the cat bed. Change it every couple of hours if desired.

Take your cat to the vet regularly to make sure they remain in good health. They need a routine check-up every year, maybe more of important shots are necessary. Cats should see a vet right away if any health problems or injuries needing treatment occur.

Keeping cats from a counter really can be tough. Cats like to climb on things and a counter can look very inviting. One way to deal with this issue could be to devote certain high spaces for your feline friend to sit in. Your cat will not go on your counters if there’s a cat tower close to the kitchen.

TIP! If your cat is an outdoor cat, then you should ensure it wears a tag collar. Cats enjoy traveling far away, so a tag can help your cat get back home when lost.

Avoid the chance that your male cat will develop crystals in his system that will come out in his urine by feeding a high quality diet. It can be painful to pass these crystals and your vet bill will be priced accordingly. Keep your cat’s diet low in levels of magnesium. Look over the label. Poultry products are typically lower in magnesium than fish products.

You can often find better deals for cat medicine online rather than buying them from the veterinarian. There may be times when you cannot purchase medication online, such as in an emergency; however, monthly medication, such as flea medicine, can be bought online. You can save as much as fifty percent on the stuff you regularly use.

If you’re having an issue with your cat, try to get some input from other cat owners. Although you might want to take care of things on your own, advice from other people with cats can be a big help. Your local veterinarian can be a valuable source of information, but there is also help available online by joining user forums geared toward cat owners.

TIP! Do not allow your cat to get an electrical shock. Spray them with bitter apple, and they will stay away.

Make sure your cat always wears identification tags on their collar. This is important even if your pet lives indoors. Cats are curious creatures and an open door or window is likely to be explored. The tag should have your phone number on it. This is particularly important if you have a cat with medical needs.

Litter Box

The location of a litter box is very important. You may want to place in some out-of-the-way corner so the smell doesn’t bother anyone. The thing to remember is that your cat must have easy access to the box. Felines can be finicky. This means you must give them the right location and make sure it is inviting. If you are going to put the litter box in a room without carpet, put a mat beneath it to keep the box warm.

TIP! If you’re taking kitty on a road trip, don’t play loud music. You may love belting out your favorite tunes as you drive on the freeway, but your cat probably enjoys softer sounds.

Take note if the cat ceases using its litter box. There are a number of health conditions that can make your kitty urinate and go to the bathroom in places other than the litter box. For example, the behavior may be caused by an infection of the kidneys or bladder. Talk to the vet when your cat goes to the bathroom where they shouldn’t.

Relocating the litter box can often help curb a problem with cats that refuse to use it. Cats often don’t go to the bathroom when they feel vulnerable, so move the litter box somewhere quiet. Some great examples of such locations are basements, laundry rooms or any other less frequently used room in your home.

Cats have a great sense of smell, which helps them easily grasp changes to their environment. This may cause issues if they have a new bed, scratching post, or food dish. If the cat doesn’t like it, don’t be alarmed. Once your cat becomes accustomed to this smell, he or she will begin to like it.

TIP! When you purchase a kitten for your child, set rules and boundaries beforehand. Tell your kids which rooms the cat is allowed in.

Since cats can catch many diseases outside, such as rabies or fungal infections, plan on keeping your pet cat inside. Some of those issues may affect indoor cats, but cats that are outside have a higher chance of dealing with them.

While you must use the vet for particular needs, those bills sure can stack up. Keep money in your pocket by ordering your medicine online. Some companies will even deliver the medication right to your front door. Simple medications that your cat needs to take regularly (e.g., pills for heart worm and flea dip) are especially well-suited to online purchasing.

Even if your cat stays inside full time, a tagged collar is a good idea. Cats are intelligent and may escape at any time if you’re not careful. A tagged animal has a much better chance of being brought home.

TIP! If you’re thinking about raising an outdoor cat, you should strongly reconsider. It is dangerous in today’s society.

Pets can be pricy to care for and cats aren’t an exception. There are a lot of responsibilities that you will have. You should apply the tips you just read, and do your best to be a responsible cat owner.