Cats are creatures that love fun and can help you lose track of your time if they play games with you. Sometimes you should provide the entertainment yourself with something like a new toy, game, or activity. This might not even mean spending a penny! Keep these tips in mind as you care for your cat in the best way possible.

Female cats need to be spayed as soon as they reach the proper age. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, if she escapes while she is in heat you might end up with a lot of kittens on your hands. Spaying a cat can prevent this.

TIP! Make sure that your cat is well groomed. Brushing is a very important component towards taking care of your cat.

Don’t let your cat get frequently bored. Cats should have a lot of exercise and playtime. Sadly, this can be easily overlooked. Cats that are bored may develop obsessive compulsive disorders, depression, or other issues that can harm their health. Give them lots of space for exercise and plenty of toys they can play with. Indoor cats will be happier if you provide them with climbing resources and practical things such as scratching posts.

Be sure to show your cat affection as much as possible. Think of all the friendship and comfort cats provide to us. Like many people, cats need to socialize with people so that they feel like they are an important part of their family’s lives. They want to feel like a valuable, happy family member, too.

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 some situations, you may not have the choice to purchase meds over the Internet, such as a health emergency. But for routine medication purchases, you may find a discount of 50 percent online.

TIP! To safely help an old cat feel comfortable, place a heated tile under its bed. Simply heat a terra-cotta tile in a 200 degree oven for 20 minutes.

If your cat is excessively meowing, try to figure out why. If you have spent any significant amount of time around your cat, you will quickly find you can figure out what he wants when he cries. This could mean that your cat needs to go out or is hungry. When you pay attention to the cat’s actions and cues, then may grow to understand the cat all the more.

Do you own a dog and cat? Dogs will eat cat food right up. This is why it’s important that the cat’s feeding area is in a spot that’s too high for a dog to get to. Separate eating spaces are a must to avoid fights between your pets.

Understand that leaving a small kitten together with small children can be dangerous to both. Under five, the child needs to be watched. Most of them simply aren’t mature enough to grasp the concept of danger to themselves or the animal. When children get a little older, they develop the skills needed to be around small animals.

TIP! Make sure your cat has a collar and tag if outside. Cats can range far from your home and the tag will help them find their way home.

Discuss any issues you have with your pet with others. Although you may want to go it alone, it can be helpful to seek advice from other people that have experience owning cats. There are a number of message boards for cat owners on the Internet, or you can go to your vet with problems.

Litter Box

You should not train your cat to use a litter box. They will do it on their own and don’t need to be taught. Some individuals believe they should carry their cat to the litter box and rub paws into the litter. This actually can be quite traumatic for a cat.

TIP! Lessen the chances of your cat becoming harmed or killed by spraying all electric cords with something to keep them from chewing it. Bitter apple is a good choice and can be found at most pet stores.

Your cat should be acclimated to a carrier as a kitten. Cats just don’t respond like dogs do when it comes to punishment. Cats are better trained by using patient encouragement. Place a blanket or favorite toy inside the carrier to make your cat more acclimated to the carrier. 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.

Provide your cat with high-quality cat food. Read the ingredients, and make sure a source of protein, like fish or chicken, is near the top. Any foods with non-protein sources, such as corn, should be avoided. Cats are carnivores so it is important for them to get enough animal protein in their diet.

Get a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats like running water in the wild, as well as in the home. Your cat, if its like most, will really respond to this running water. Cats will often drink from a running sink and actually prefer it over the water in their bowl. Installing a drinking fountain for your cat is a more eco-friendly way to provide it with some running water.

TIP! Chances are, your feline spends many hours grooming himself. However, if it has a lot of hair, hairballs can occur.

If your cat begins defecating or urinating too frequently, it’s time to see the vet. It could be an indication of a serious health problem. A course of antibiotics often does the trick.

Keep your cat healthy, and ensure him a longer life, by keeping him up-to-date on his vaccinations and health check-ups. A kitten is not so different from a child. It needs properly-scheduled check-ups and immunizations to prevent medical complications down the road. Your cat will be a part of your home and that means it should be treated as good as you would treat a family member.

Your cat’s choice to potty outside the litter box could signal something more worrisome than misbehavior. A common sign that a cat has a medical condition is failure to use the bathroom in the litter box. A potential bladder or kidney infection may be the reason for this. Call your veterinarian right away if your cat doesn’t use the litter box.

TIP! Cats can be great pets for children, but some younger children may be a bit too rough with cats. Teach your kid how to properly handle a cat.

Are you now better informed as to how you can enjoy time with your cat? A cat will bring so much joy to you. The healthier your cat is, the longer it is likely to be around in your life.