Cats are great, but they are known for having very specific preferences. You’ll need to understand how to feed and groom your cats, and the tips contained in this article will help you get a handle on that.

Take your cat in for regular vet exams. There are shots and vaccinations that are standard and necessary for your cat. When you find a vet you like, stick with them. This way, the vet will be very familiar with your cat and its history.

TIP! Cats will try to get into many different crevices. If they have a collar on, this can be dangerous.

Putting a warm tile beneath the bed of an older cat will help it rest comfortably. A terra cotta tile about a foot square is ideal. You can warm it with a 15-20 minute stop in your oven, set to approximately 200 degrees. Put it inside an old towel, then place it beneath the cat’s bed. If necessary, change this out every few hours.

Female Cat

If you have a female cat it is important to have her spayed once she becomes old enough. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant. Your best bet is to have your female cat spayed.

TIP! Don’t use dog portions for your cat. Cats have very strong, negative reactions to products formulated for dogs.

You should not use products designed for other animals. Products designed for dogs or other animals could cause a negative reaction from your cat. Flea products for dogs are one of the worst products to give a cat. Products used for flea prevention in dogs can be very harmful to your cat. Keep your cat away from your puppy after treating it with some flea products.

Cats can spend hours keeping themselves and their fur clean. If your cat is long haired, this may cause hairballs. There is a special food on the market that does help out with hairball issues. The are specially formulated cat foods that help reduce the instances of hairballs, which is not only good for your cat, but also good for you and your feet in the middle of the night.

Prevent crystals from forming in the urine of male cats with the right diet. Passing those crystals hurts and having this corrected by a vet is expensive. Choose a cat food low in magnesium. Just as in the grocery store, take the time to read the labels. Products that have fish in them have more magnesium usually when compared to products with poultry.

TIP! Microchips are an increasingly popular form of pet protection. You may not have had trouble with your cat getting loose previously, but it can happen at any time by accident.

Be sure you think about your cat’s ears when traveling. You may like music loud and booming, but a cat will prefer lower volumes as their ears are more sensitive. This means that you should keep your music turned down or off so the cat can relax.

When you purchase a kitten for your child, set rules and boundaries beforehand. Let your kids know where the cat can go. They should know that indoor cats can’t go outside. Setting rules in advances ensures understanding.

You should think before allowing your cat to go outside. Going outdoors isn’t very safe for a domesticated cat. Your cat may pick up some fleas, or worse. Your cat could be injured by other animals, people and vehicles. If they have to go outside, make sure it’s a small area like your lawn or backyard.

TIP! Grooming is something that most cats do all the time. Your cat can get hairballs in the event that their hair is too long.

You should talk to other pet owners if you have an issue with yours. You won’t have the knowledge to handle every cat issue properly, so take advantage of the experiences of others. Your vet is a great source of advice, or you can find forums on the Internet to connect with other cat owners.

Never try to teach a cat how to work a litter box. This is a natural instinct that cannot be taught. A lot of people think that they can take their cat and try to rub their cat’s paws on the litter, but this may just traumatize the cat.

Being a pet owner means you have to be responsible. Use what you have learned in the article above and you’ll be a great cat owner who enjoys their pet. The best benefit is a mutually satisfactory experience for you and the cat.