Cats are creatures that exhibit power, agility, and finesse. Felines are possibly the most common of household pets and roam the streets of major cities. Learning to coexist with such animals indoors is a different story. Cats can be stubborn and sometimes require more sophisticated tactics to manage them.

Older cats will appreciate a heated bed; you can use a heated tile to create one! Just get a tile and heat it up in the oven for a while to place under the cat’s bed. Keep the temperature of the oven at 200 degrees. Use an old towel to wrap around it, then place it beneath the cat’s blanket or bed. If necessary, repeat this every few hours.

TIP! If you want to add a cat to your family, go to the shelter first to see what is available. There are tons of loving cats there, and the fees often cover the needed vet care.

If your cat is female, it is very important that she be spayed when the vet feels she is old enough. Whether or not she typically goes outside, she may escape while in heat and you might have kittens! Spaying the feline is really the optimal way of dealing with this.

The claws of a cat can really destroy parts of your house and furniture. If you find your cat shredding your furniture, consider purchasing a scratching post or cat tower. Use catnip or other scents that are attractive to your kitty to encourage him to go there. Your cat will eventually understand they should only use the post or tower for scratching.

Your cat needs to be shown lots of love. Cats are looking for a response in kind in exchange for all of the friendly companionship they offer to humans. Cats thrive when treated like part of the household, so involve them in daily activities around the house. Your cat wants to be as much a member of the family as anyone else.

TIP! Cats enjoy finding small spaces to fit into. If your cat gets caught on something wearing a traditional collar they could end up hurting their neck trying to break free.

Prevent crystals from forming in the urine of male cats with the right diet. Your cat will experience considerable pain when he has to pass these crystals, and it’s not an easy (or cheap) problem for your veterinarian to fix. Make sure your cat’s food is not high in magnesium. Read the label. Fish usually has more magnesium than poultry.

Cats are great pets, but little ones may not understand that they are fragile. You need to show your children how the cat should be treated. Give them examples of how to be gentle with it and what should and should not be done. Cat’s bones aren’t quite as strong as dogs, so they must be treated gingerly.

Reconsider having an outdoor cat. Letting your cat outside greatly increases his risk level. Your cat may get fleas or have other problems. Additionally, your cat is likely to be injured by cars or other animals. If your cat has to be outside, make sure it is only in a small area near the house.

TIP! Taking your cat to the vet is part of being a responsible pet owner. Your cat should always go to the vet for a check up, especially if they need shots.

Is there a dog in your home, as well as a cat? That dog will really love stalking (and eating) that cat food. This makes it a good idea to have a cat feeding place high up enough that your dog can’t get to it. This is a good way to keep your pets from fighting over food and water.

You should talk to other pet owners if you have an issue with yours. It is possible to work out the problem yourself, but help from others can be invaluable. There are online cat forums that allow you to ask questions as well.

Brush your cat regularly. This will help stimulate blood flow. Furthermore, it helps reduce all the loose hair. Brushing eliminates the formation of hairballs which may choke your cat and lead to buildup of excess hair in the abdomen when the cat grooms himself.

TIP! If your cat is outdoors, it needs to have a tagged collar. Cats can roam far, so a tag will ensure you find them quickly when they’re lost.

Keep old, worn scratching posts. It’s in this condition that cats tend to love it the most. If you replace it with something new, your pet might seek out something a little more worn to scratch – like your furniture.

Outsmarting the cat can turn into an effortless task after you read these tips. Your cat will soon learn where it’s allowed to go, along with where not to go. Cats can become well-trained if you put in the effort necessary.