Sometimes, cats will rack up the bills for you. There are many things you will need to pay for, such as cat litter, food, toys and trips to the vet. You should keep reading to learn more about properly caring for your cat.

To help your old cat feel comfy, keep a tile that’s heated under their bed. Simply heat a single foot cotta tile at 200 degrees between 15 and 20 minutes. Use an old towel to wrap around it, then place it beneath the cat’s blanket or bed. This should be changed a few times a day to maximize comfort.

TIP! Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering.

If your cat is female, it is very important that she be spayed when the vet feels she is old enough. While your cat may be an indoor one, there is always the possibility it can get out and you wind up with kittens one day. Having your cat spayed is the only way to 100 percent prevent accidental litters.

It’s not easy convincing your pet that the kitchen counter is a no-cats zone. They love to be able to look around from up high. You can get your cat to quit doing this if you make areas that it can climb up to. Sometimes strategically placing a tall cat tower near your kitchen will help.

Litter Box

TIP! If you’d like to make an elderly cat’s bed more comfy, stick a heated tile beneath its bed. You can heat a terracotta tile in the oven at 200 degrees for about 15-20 minutes.

You should be sure to place your pet’s litter box in a good location. A cat’s litter box should be in a quiet spot in the house, away from where your cat eats. You’ll want to place the box in a spot with good ventilation to avoid unpleasant smells. Your kitty will thank you.

Cats are known for spending inordinate amounts of time grooming themselves. Hairballs are very common for long-haired cats. There are special foods you can give to your cat to reduce this problem. Some foods contain extra oils and nutrients, specifically designed to prevent or diminish hairball concerns.

If you’re looking for good prices on cat medications, check online sources. The prices will usually be substantially better than at your vet. In emergency situations, buying online may not be a good option. But, for routine medications, this can be a budget-saver.

TIP! Make sure you purchase medicines and treatments specifically for cats. Cats don’t like dog products.

If you take your cat with you when you travel, be mindful of their ears. Cats tend to prefer gentle sounds during the day. Reduce the volume of the music and keep the windows up; let your cat rest!

Cats are great pets, but little ones may not understand that they are fragile. Make sure that you teach your children the proper way to handle a kitten or cat. Help them learn how to pick up a cat and care for it. Cats have weaker bones than dogs do, and must be treated accordingly.

Don’t leave a kitten with small kids. This is especially true if your child is less than five years old. The maturity level isn’t there when it comes to your child. Once the child is older and more mature, decide if they are ready for the responsibility of handling animals.

TIP! Your home furnishings can fall victim to your cat’s sharp claws. If your beloved feline friend is shredding and damaging parts of your home, try investing in a cat tower or a scratching post.

Regularly brush your cat’s hair. This will help spread the natural oils within their fur while stimulating their skin’s blood flow. Additionally, brushing helps to expedite hair shedding. This helps prevent hairballs, which can lead to choking and other health issues.

Drinking Fountain

Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats out in the wild like to drink from running water, so they would like that at home too. Cats prefer to drink water that is streaming. You have perhaps noticed that your cat enjoys drinking from the running sink. A drinking fountain designed for your cat is the ideal solution to keep the cat happy.

TIP! Don’t allow your cat to get bored too often. Cats need to play and get regular exercise.

If you notice that your cat urinates very frequently, you should take it to the vet. It could be an indication of a serious health problem. A potentially serious illness can be prevented with some inexpensive antibiotics.

Are you getting overwhelmed with all the cat hair in your home? Cats shed frequently; therefore, you need to brush them on a regular basis. If your cat sheds, it’s important to brush then frequently. Doing this will also make sure they don’t get a matted or tangled coat.

If kitty stops using its litter box, pay attention. A common sign that a cat has a medical condition is failure to use the bathroom in the litter box. Infections and problems with the kidneys and bladder may be the culprit. Speak with a veterinarian if you have a cat that has these issues.

TIP! Cats can tend to be more nocturnal than not. Thus, the bulk of their activity will occur at night.

Caring for any pet properly involves a fair amount of effort, and cats are certainly included. You should care for your pet like you would care for a child. As you have learned here, there are ways you can make caring for your cat easier and more fun.