Cats have no competition in the animal kingdom and are easily the best pets to keep around the home for several reasons. Cats provide companionship and entertainment, and also keep vermin away from your home. To learn more about properly caring for your cat, keep reading.

Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Shelters have lots of great cats available, and your adoption fee often covers key veterinary services. Adopting your cat through a shelter means you are helping to control the cat population and saving a life at the same time.

TIP! If you want to add a cat to your family, go to the shelter first to see what is available. Many shelters have more cats than they can handle and the fees associated with adoption take care of vet visits.

Grooming is an essential part of your cat’s care. Cats have to be brushed or combed on a regular basis. If you do this frequently you’ll be able to help the cat have clean fur. It also reduces their shedding and hairballs. A well groomed cat will be much more pleasant for everyone and will also help you keep your home clean.

If you have an old cat, you can help make its bed more comfortable by placing heated tiles underneath it. Put a square foot of terra cotta tile into your oven heated to 200 degrees. Keep the tile in the oven for about 15 minutes. Cover with a small blanket or towel, then place it beneath your pet’s bed. If you want, change it now and then so the warmth continues.

Litter Box

TIP! If you’d like to make an elderly cat’s bed more comfy, stick a heated tile beneath its bed. A terra cotta tile heated in your oven on about 200 degrees and for 15 minutes will do.

Your kitty’s litter box requires strategic placement. Place the litter box away from high traffic areas. Additionally, the litter box should be placed away from your cat’s food and water. Also make sure the area is well ventilated to keep the smell to a minimum. Both you and your cat will reap its benefits.

Cats appreciate all the affection you can give. Cats need just as much companionship as they give out. Like humans, a cat has to be around people in order to feel special. They wish to be a happy and valuable family member.

Your cat most likely spends quite a bit of time grooming. When your cat has long hair, this can cause hairballs. Buy your cat specialized food to prevent this problem. Some foods contain extra oils and nutrients, specifically designed to prevent or diminish hairball concerns.

TIP! You can keep your cat away from electrical cords by spraying them with some bitter apple. If your cat plays with cords, put them up and out of the way, or you can hide them in old paper towel rolls.

Do you own both a dog and a cat? A dog will take any opportunity they have to eat your cats food. For this reason, you need to place your cat’s bowl in an area that is to high for a dog to reach. This can prevent squabbles over water when their food is gone.

Be cautious when leaving a kitten with children. A child less than five years old should not be left alone with a small pet. They simply lack the maturity to comprehend the harm they can potentially do to kittens. Wait until your child gets older, and pay close attention to whether or not they’re mature enough to hold or handle a tiny pet.

Cats like to be up high. To keep your cat healthy, provide your cat with a high place to sit. If you don’t want a large cat tree in your home, a sturdy shelf cleared of breakables will work in a pinch. You can also add a small bed or blanket at the top.

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

Long-haired breeds are pretty, but understand how much work they are before you get one. Shedding is a major issue that you will have to face. You must be willing to spend more time cleaning your home. Hairballs are something that you will often deal with if you own a fluffy cat.

Keep your cat inside as often as you can. Cats who live indoors live longer and are healthier than outdoor cats. That’s because they are not exposed to harmful diseases that run amok, and they aren’t as prone to dangerous wildlife.

Cats have a keen sense of smell and notice the smallest things. This can lead to issues when you introduce something new, such as a new toy, bed, or food dish. You shouldn’t be disappointed if your cat avoids new items at first. When your cat becomes more comfortable, he or she will adjust.

TIP! Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. One day, your indoor cat might leave through an open door or get outside through an open window.

Cats may be affected by the same illnesses humans get. Your cat is part of your family, and you know if your cat isn’t quite feeling that great. Because a cat can go downhill rather quickly, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Your vet will be able to notice the signs of an illness and give your cat preventive shots.

If your area is prone to rabies outbreaks, fleas, or even fungus, it is probably best to keep your cat from going outdoors. While your cat may still have problems with these things as an indoor cat, they will have less of a chance to have these problems if they don’t go outside.

Try keeping your cat indoors. Research has shown that cats who go outside regularly do not live as long. In addition, they are more prone to contracting all kinds of diseases. Some diseases even have the possibility of spreading to people in your home. Indoor cats love to have a sunny place to lounge and be comfortable.

TIP! Cats are frequently nocturnal in their habits. This means their behavior is quite active during the night.

Cats are great mousers. A cat is an excellent hunter and almost always makes the kill, sometimes much easier than the dog. In addition, cats are extremely gentle and loving. Because of all these things, cats are very popular household pet. Utilize this advice to ensure that you are raising your cat right.