Cats are naturally curious. They seem so independent, but they like your company as well. It really can be confusing, but owning a loving cat is truly incredible. The following article has some great tips for caring for your special friend.

If you are planning to get a pet cat, be sure to check with your local shelter. Shelters have tons of great cats and their adoption fee will generally cover necessary vet care. You really are saving a life and keeping the feline population in check all in one!

TIP! Cats like to get into all sorts of small spaces. A collar can be a dangerous thing to wear in such a place.

When your female cat is old enough, it’s vital to get her spayed. 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 the feline is really the optimal way of dealing with this.

Put a collar on any cats which go outside. Cats can travel far, and a tag will help you find the cat easier if they get lost. Be sure the name of your cat and your number can be found on the tag.

It’s not easy convincing your pet that the kitchen counter is a no-cats zone. Cats naturally love heights so they can easily see everyone and everything. You can remedy this by creating some place up high that you can can enjoy hanging out in. If you don’t want your cats to jump on your counters, you can put a cat condo in or around the kitchen.

TIP! If you want a cat to feel like it’s more comfortable, a heated tile may be able to help. Allow a terra cotta tile to heat in an oven for 15 minutes at 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

When it comes to litter boxes, placement is everything. A cat’s litter box should be in a quiet spot in the house, away from where your cat eats. Make sure it’s properly ventilated to keep smell down. Your cat and you will appreciate it.

Give your kitty lots of love. They give us love, and we need to return it to them. Like humans, cats want to feel wanted and needed. They also like feeling important and a big member of the family.

Male felines tend to have a build-up of crystals that present in the urine, so you need to avoid this with proper nutrition. Passing crystals is very painful for your cat, and the vet’s bill will be painful for you. Feed your cat food that is low in magnesium. Read the labels. Fish-based foods usually contain more magnesium than poultry-based foods.

TIP! Don’t give a cat a dog’s product. Cats can have strong negative reactions to a product that is formulated for a dog.

Create a tablecloth for the feline. Cat’s will often remove food from their bowl to eat it. Sometimes this will make the area around the bowl messy, and you’ll have to clean it. A simpler way to do this is by getting a place-mat and placing it under their bowl. You can also cut some fabric to make a tablecloth that can be lifted, washed, or shaken over a trash can.

Do you happen to own both a dog and a cat? Keep in mind that the two animals have separate dietary needs, and dogs will try cat food if given the chance. 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. In doing so, you prevent spats and spitting over competition for water.

Cats are not always easy to figure out, but they certainly can make loyal friends if you let them. Make your cat’s life, and yours, easier by following these tips. Having cats can be a great thing for anyone, and when you care for them properly, a happy cat is a great friend.