Cats are interesting and amazing animals. They are intelligent and independent, while being loving. You do have to take great care of your pet, though. Keep reading to learn more about proper cat care so that your cat will remain healthy and happy.

Make sure your cat is always well groomed. Cats require frequent brushing or combing. This helps them keep their precious coat properly clean at all times. This will also cut down on shedding and can reduce issues with hairballs. Keep your cat looking at its best by grooming it well.

TIP! Properly groom your cat. Cats should have regular combings.

Put a heated tile beneath the bed of an older cat. Use a terra cotta tile to help relieve your cat’s aches and pains; put it in the oven on low heat – 200 degrees or so – for 15 minutes. Wrap the tile in a towel and then put it under the bed. If you want, change it now and then so the warmth continues.

Kitty claws can be quite destructive to fabric and furnishings. Purchase a scratching post to stop your cat from destroying your home. They can scratch this instead. It doesn’t happen overnight but with some patience, you should be able to save your house from the claws.

Cats are often nocturnal creatures. This means that they will be the most active at night time. If your cats keep you up late at night, you should close the bedroom door. You can keep them from bothering you at night and getting your feet while you’re under covers.

TIP! Cats like to get into all sorts of small spaces. If they have to wear a collar then there may be a risk because your cat could end up getting stuck.

Set a tablecloth under your cat’s food bowl. Cats sometimes like to eat food outside of their bowl. Sometimes, this results in food outside the bowl that you have to clean up. There are two ways to do this. You can either put a placemat under the food bowl or use some stray fabric that you have lying around. Either way, you can easily get rid of debris by dumping them in the garbage.

Do you have both a dog and a cat? Dogs won’t hesitate to eat food from your cat’s bowl. This is why it is necessary to have two separate feeding areas. This also ensures that there are no squabbles over the water between the two, when the food is gone.

Speak with friends and family when you have difficulty with your cat. Advice from other people can be very beneficial for you. Use the Internet to share tips with other cat owners and ask your questions or talk with your neighbors, friends or veterinarian.

Litter Box

Never punish the cat if he or she causes a mess outside the litter box. Many times, this is caused by failure to properly clean or place the litter box. Your cat will become afraid of you if you punish it or scold it too often.

Get your cat used to a carrier. You cannot train a cat the same way you train a dog because they react differently to punishment. They need positive reinforcement. Give your cat a treat every time it does something well. The cat will enter it on its own. Once the cat is in the carrier, they will be so much easier to transport.

TIP! Put your cats’ litter box where it is most acceptable to him. Try and put it in an isolated area away from the cat bowl.

Feeding them lots of different foods can lower their chances of becoming finicky eaters. If your cat only eats one brand of cat food from the beginning, he will probably not like any other brand.

A cat’s life isn’t complete without play. Play is important for all mammals, even people, regardless of their age. Older cats do not have the same energy level as younger ones, but they still like to play a little. Therefore, be sure you set some time for playing with your cat.

Aired Cat

TIP! Your cat needs attention and a lot of affection. Most cats crave the same warmth and companionship they give their owners.

A long-haired cat comes with a great deal of extra care. The hair looks good, except when it’s all over your furniture. Do not choose a long-haired cat unless you can commit to the added cleanup. It should also be noted that long haired cats are much more susceptible to hairballs.

It can be vastly rewarding to own a cat as long as you realize the commitment involved and are willing to put in the time and energy required. Carefully read over the advice found in this article. Use the information to make sure your favorite kitty lives a healthy and fulfilled life.