You must make sure you give a cat the right sort of care. The grooming process for cats is different from other animals. You must provide extra attention and take care to avoid certain things in order to groom them properly. Read on for useful tips for cat care.

Check your local animal shelter if you have plans to get a cat. There are so many great cats at shelters. The fee you will have to pay typically includes vet care. You really are saving a life and keeping the feline population in check all in one!

TIP! If you have an old cat, you can help make its bed more comfortable by placing heated tiles underneath it. Just heat a one-foot square terra cotta tile in your oven at about 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Never let your cat experience frequent boredom. Cats require plenty of exercise. A lot of cat owners do not keep their cats busy. Cats who get bored can actually become depressed or display other undesirable behaviors. Give them room to play and a large number of toys. A scratching post is a valuable toy to put in your home.

Most cats are nocturnal. This means nighttime is an active time for your cat. If your cats keep you up at night, kick them out of the bedroom. This will reduce the frequency that they wake you up.

You have to place a litter box correctly. Do not place it in a busy area or close to where your cat eats meals. Also, minimize the smell by making sure it is a well ventilated area. Both you and your pet will appreciate that.

TIP! Be sure your cat gets regular checkups at the vet. They should go in for a routine check-up at least once a year, possibly more if they need important shots.

Often, the best cat medicine deals are found online. You can’t always get it online. However, if you buy meds for your cat on a regular basis, you can save huge amounts by getting medication via the Internet.

Cats are great pets, but little ones may not understand that they are fragile. It is important to show your child how to approach and handle a cat. Spend some time showing them how to lift a cat and how they can interact with the cat. Cats have weaker bones than dogs do, and must be treated accordingly.

Try and figure out why kitty is meowing. After living with your cat for long, it’s easier to interpret its meows. It could be she’s hungry or needs to go outside. By listening to your cat, it will be easier to know what they want.

TIP! It can be tough to keep cats off the countertops. Cats naturally love heights so they can easily see everyone and everything.

If you’re thinking about raising an outdoor cat, you should strongly reconsider. Your cat might not be safe outside. Your cat can pick up fleas, or worse. There is the possibility they may get injured by another animal, even people and cars too. If you think your pet needs to go outside, think about enclosing a back patio with metal mesh or some type of heavy screen to keep your cat inside, yet allow them to experience the outdoors.

You should talk to other pet owners if you have an issue with yours. It’s possible that you could solve the problem on your own, but why deny help from others? The Internet will allow you to contact many forums and online communities for cat owners. Don’t forget, your vet’s office can also provide sound advice.

Regularly brush your cat’s hair. This keeps the fur well oiled and the skin healthy. Furthermore, it helps reduce all the loose hair. This can keep hairballs at bay because this can choke up a cat and also build up in its stomach.

TIP! Make sure your cat is not too bored. It is necessary for them to play and get exercise.

It would be a good idea for your cat to get used to a pet carrier. You cannot punish a cat the same way you would a dog. Cats are much more responsive to positive interaction rather than negative. Give your cat a treat every time it does something well. Sooner or later, your cat will try out the appealing space and learn to be comfortable in it. Once the cat is in the carrier, they will be so much easier to transport.

Give high quality canned food to your pet cat. Dry food is usually cheaper, but canned food boasts a number of benefits. There is more water, more fat and more protein in it. It’s easier for older cats to chew as well. Can food is generally better, but consult your vet first before feeding it to your cat.

Your cat will be much happier if you apply the tips from this article. It is your responsibility to make sure your cat looks (and actually is!) healthy. It is likely that your cat will appreciate the efforts you have made to provide good grooming. Take the advice given in this article to keep your cat looking healthy and well-groomed.