Curiosity is something that every cat has. They seem really independent, but they love human interaction as well. This may seem confusing at times, but a purring cat sitting on your lap is one of the best things you can experience. The following advice will help you care for your pet.

If you’d like to make an elderly cat’s bed more comfy, stick a heated tile beneath its bed. Just heat a one-foot square terra cotta tile in your oven at about 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Wrap the tile inside an unneeded towel and place it under your kitty’s favorite resting spot. If necessary, you can change out the tile after a few hours to provide continued warmth.

TIP! Make sure your cat is always groomed. Brush your cat’s fur often to help it be shiny and healthy.

If your cat is female, you need to get it spayed at the proper age. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant. Spaying the feline is really the optimal way of dealing with this.

Be sure you show your cat lots of love. They are very loving animals and deserve affection back. Like most people, cats like to socialize and feel that they are included in the family. They wish to be a happy and valuable family member.

Don’t let your cat go outside. This can be something that isn’t very safe for a cat. It takes mere minutes for your cats to pick up fleas, be bitten by a tick or something far worse. Other animals, cars and people can hurt your cat. If you allow your cat outside, make sure you live in a reasonably safe area.

TIP! If your cat is older or sick, a heating pad may provide comfort. You should heat a terra cotta tile with your oven, at about 200 degrees, for around fifteen minutes.

Do you have dogs and cats? Dogs are known for eating other pet’s 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 also has the effect of stopping fights over the water before they start.

Cats enjoy being high up. For very happy cats, give them a safe place where they can look around at their surroundings. You can have a cat tree or even a strong wall shelf. Providing a blanket or bed for your cat is an extra treat for them.

Cat Owners

TIP! An outdoor cat must always wear a tag on its collar. Cats can get lost, and they need a tag to be found.

You should talk to other pet owners if you have an issue with yours. You may wish to deal with it alone, but you may need advice from other cat owners. There are a number of message boards for cat owners on the Internet, or you can go to your vet with problems.

You need to buy some quality food for your cat. Check out the ingredients, and make sure meat tops the list. Try to avoid foods that consist of corn, or other non-protein elements. Because cats are carnivores, their diet need only consist of a good source of protein.

Give your cat canned food. Although dry food is usually less expensive, canned food is better for your cat. The moist food gives your cat water, and it usually has more protein and fat in it. Older cats also find it easier to chew up. Talk to the veterinarian prior to making any big changes; but, usually, canned food is best for your cat.

TIP! Keep your cat amused. Cats need to play and get regular exercise.

Play is an essential element of a cat’s daily life. Playing is a very common activity shared by most animals. Though older cats don’t have as much energy, they still need some play. Make sure you spend time doing fun things with your cat.

Before bringing home a long-haired cat, consider the extra care involved. While the long hair on a cat is beautiful, it doesn’t look so beautiful all over your home. Unless you have time to dedicate to cleaning up their fur, don’t get long haired cats. There will be hairball issues as well.

Do you see cat hair everywhere you look? Cats shed a lot, so it is important to brush them often. If your cat is shedding a lot, you should brush them more frequently. This will prevent your cat’s coat from getting matted or tangled.

TIP! Cats are often nocturnal creatures. Your cat will probably be very active during the night.

Take your cat for checkups and vaccinations on a regular basis to keep him healthy and strong. Kids need shots, and so do cats. You love your cat, so take the best care of him as possible.

Try putting sticky tape on the furniture if your cat decides to scratch it. A little strategically-applied tape can discourage your cat from tearing upholstery and scratching furniture. You can even find tape specifically designed for this use in many pet stores. You should also give your cat a favorable alternative by purchasing a scratching post.

Cats get some illnesses that we do. You should be able to recognize when your cat does not feel well. Bring him or her to the veterinarian if this is the case. The veterinarian can rule out any serious conditions.

TIP! Cats appreciate all the affection you can give. Cats need companionship as much as we do.

Your cat is subject to rabies, fleas and fungus if let to go outdoors. These things may happen to an indoor cat, but they will more likely happen to a cat who lives most of his life outside.

Consider making your cat an indoor-only friend. Cats that go outside often generally don’t live as long, and they tend to get much sicker. Certain of the diseases can spread to humans as well. Let your indoor cat have a place where it can look out a window so that they can get the feeling of the outdoors from an indoor location.

A cat might seem like a good gift, but people are so busy around the holidays that it is not the ideal time to get a new pet. It is a better idea to allow your child to help pick out your new pet.

TIP! Your cat probably spends a lot of time grooming himself to perfection. Hairballs are very common for long-haired cats.

Cats are often hard to understand, but they still make wonderful pets. Use the advice you have just read to give your cat the care it deserves. Having cats can be a great thing for anyone, and when you care for them properly, a happy cat is a great friend.