Is there any pet more remarkable and intriguing than a cat? They are independent, so they do not require you to supervise them 24/7. You can improve the quality and quantity of your cat’s years by following the guidelines below.

Cats can get into even the tiniest of spaces. If they have a collar, this can be a safety issue if they get stuck. Collars designed to release when sufficient force is applied (“breakaway” collars) are a great idea. That’ll keep kitty safe.

TIP! Though things may appear to be fine, you should always schedule regular medical checkups for your feline pet. Your cat requires a variety of vaccines and shots to prevent illness, and it is also important to identify health problems before they become too severe.

To safely help an old cat feel comfortable, place a heated tile under its bed. You can heat a terracotta tile in the oven at 200 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. Place it in an older towel and place it underneath of the feline’s bed. Change every few hours if you like.

Female cats need to be spayed as soon as they reach the proper age. If an indoor cat gets out, you may soon have kittens. Spaying your cat is the best way to prevent this from happening.

Put your cats’ litter box where it is most acceptable to him. You shouldn’t keep it near your pet’s food, and you shouldn’t keep it in an area people walk through a lot. The area should also be well ventilated so that it doesn’t smell too badly. Your cat will be more comfortable and you will too.

TIP! If your kitty is a female, make sure to plan a spaying once she is of age to breed. If an indoor cat gets out, you may soon have kittens.

Cats are usually great for kids, but smaller kids may be too rough with them. Always train your child the proper way to handle a pet. You should show them everything from how to properly carry the cat to the best ways to play with it. Cats have weaker bones than dogs do, and must be treated accordingly.

Make sure that you have a good tablecloth for your kitten. Cats sometimes like to eat food outside of their bowl. This leaves food on the floor outside their bowl that must be cleaned. You can get a pet mat or use a piece of old fabric to put under it for easy cleanup.

Make sure your kids know the rules before kitty comes home. Tell your kids which rooms the cat is allowed in. If you want the cat to be an inside cat, let the children know he cannot go outdoors. Creating rules and boundaries will help the children learn what is allowed.

TIP! If your cat ventures outdoors, it’s key to get your cat a collar which has a contact tag. This way, if your cat gets lost and is found by a stranger, that person will know how to contact you.

Make sure you are cautious about leaving a young child alone with a small kitten. Kids under five should not be left alone with a pet. Their immaturity prevents them from understanding how easily they could hurt the kitten. As kids age, you can then determine whether they are mature enough for small pets.

Get your cat used to a carrier. Cats can’t be punished like dogs. Encouragement is a much better strategy. Place a loved blanket and favorite toy into a carrier and then leave the door open. Make sure it’s in an area that the cat frequents. 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. As the cat becomes used to being in the carrier, it will become easier to transport them in it.

Go pick yourself up one of those water fountains for cats. Cats like their water to move. Normally, cats much prefer water that comes out in a stream. Cats will often drink from a running sink and actually prefer it over the water in their bowl. A fountain will allow your cat to drink like he or she is in the wild.

TIP! Don’t let your cat’s days pass without stimulation and excitement! Cats require plenty of exercise. Unfortunately, a lot of cat owners neglect this.

If your cat or kitten begins to urinate frequently or in places other than his litter box, a trip to the vet may be in order. This may be a symptom of an infection of the urinary tract or another health problem in your cat. Some inexpensive antibiotics can clear up a potentially dangerous illness.

Haired Cats

If you desire a long-haired cat, it’s best to know what kind of care is involved before you do so. While long haired cats are soft and look great, understand that there will be a lot more fur around the rest of the house. Unless you have time to dedicate to cleaning up their fur, don’t get long haired cats. More, and longer hair, usually means more hairballs too.

TIP! If you are traveling with a cat in tow, be aware of the noises in your car. You may think it’s a good idea to listen to loud music on your stereo, but cats generally don’t enjoy this.

Really consider where you place the litter box. It might be tempting to have it in a hidden area where you can’t see it or smell it. The cat has to be able to easily access the box. It has to be a quiet area with little traffic. If the box is placed on a cold floor, place a mat under it.

If you have a cat who is pregnant, make sure that you give her a private spot that is closed away from other animals and has room for her to move in easily. It can take several hours for the process to unfold and all kittens to be born, so be prepared to spend some time with your cat. If, after six hours, you think there are still kittens stuck inside your pet, a trip to the vet is in order.

Independent, intelligent and loving; cats make great house pets. If you want to be responsible with your animal, however, there are things you must learn. Use the information you have learned in this article as a guide to communicating better with your cat. This maximizes the happiness in the life of your cat.