If you use proper care techniques, cats can be truly delightful pets. You need to learn more on how to properly care for your beloved cat to make sure it is safe and healthy. This article is like a Rosetta Stone of cat care information.

Check out your local shelter if you are thinking about getting a cat. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee. You’re literally saving their life.

TIP! You need to take your pet to the vet on a regular basis. Cats need to get shots so they don’t get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay.

You should always bring your cat to a vet to make sure everything is okay. Understand that cats require vaccinations in order to stay healthy, and the veterinarian needs to regularly check for any health problems. For the most consistent pet care, choose one veterinarian and stick with them. This ensures that your vet will have an excellent understanding of your pet’s medical history.

Cats will try to get into many different crevices. If they have a collar on, this can be dangerous. Breakaway collars will “break” if they’re pulled too tight. It can really be a life saver for your cat.

When your female cat is old enough, you should have her spayed. You may not think it’s necessary if you have an indoor cat, but your cat may escape. Spaying your cat is the best way to prevent this from happening.

TIP! Cats like to get into all sorts of small spaces. If they have a collar, this can be a safety issue if they get stuck.

Don’t try using dog food or products for your cat. Some can be quite dangerous, and even deadly, when used on a cat. This will especially be true if it’s a product for fleas. Products used for flea prevention in dogs can be very harmful to your cat. You should keep your cats and dogs separated after using a flea treatment.

It’s often cheaper to buy medicine for your cat on the Internet instead of through your vet. There may be times when you cannot purchase medication online, such as in an emergency; however, monthly medication, such as flea medicine, can be bought online. However, if you buy meds for your cat on a regular basis, you can save huge amounts by getting medication via the Internet.

If your cat constantly meows, you need to try to figure out why. After you have lived with your cat for a while, you will come to know what she wants by her meow. Maybe she wants to go out, or maybe she wants to eat. You should pay attention to these cues and you will eventually learn to decipher them.

TIP! To safely help an old cat feel comfortable, place a heated tile under its bed. Bake a one-foot tile made from terra cotta in the oven at 200 degrees F for around 15 to 20 minutes.

Don’t let your cat go outside. It can be unsafe. You cat might pick up pests or fleas. There is the possibility they may get injured by another animal, even people and cars too. If they have to go outside, make sure it’s a small area like your lawn or backyard.

Don’t get mad at your cat if it urinates outside the litter box. Improper box care on your part causes the mess, not the cat. If your pet is punished, you won’t do anything but make it afraid of you.

Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat to get water from. A cat will always drink from running water if possible. Streaming water is much easier for your cat to take in. In fact, some cats prefer running sink water to their own water bowls. A fountain will allow your cat to drink like he or she is in the wild.

TIP! Taking your cat to the vet is part of being a responsible pet owner. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots.

Cats can be wonderful animals to keep as pets, but you need to properly care for them. Be sure and use the information in the article below if you are serious about taking care of your cat. With the proper care, your cat will be able to live a long life in great contentment.