Some people believe cats are magical. Their independence and intelligence can create such a fun-filled house pet experience. But remember that cats need proper care, and it’s not effortless. Read on to find out how to properly care for your cat.

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 it tightly in a towel and place it under the cat bed. If necessary, repeat this every few hours.

TIP! If you are planning to get a pet cat, be sure to check with your local shelter. Shelters have lots of great cats available, and your adoption fee often covers key veterinary services.

If your kitty is a female, make sure to plan a spaying once she is of age to breed. Even if you own an indoor cat, it might produce many kittens if it escapes during mating season. A spayed cat is a safe cat.

Have your cat see a vet frequently to keep good health. Most vets recommend yearly check-ups. If the animal requires certain vaccinations, more visits are necessary. Don’t hesitate to take your cat to the vet immediately if you notice anything unusual about their health or if they are injured.

Never use something that is intended for a canine on your feline. Your cat will have a bad reaction to anything that has been specifically formulated for a dog. Flea products especially. Dog products that are flea related can kill a cat. In fact, your cat should be kept away from your dog for several hours after the dog has been treated for fleas.

TIP! Keep your cat groomed. Just like dogs, cats require regular brushing and de-tangling.

Deter your cat from chewing on inappropriate things by using bitter apple. If the cat likes to chew on cords, its best to cover them as best you can. Loose cords can be bundled and tucked inside old paper towel rolls. Any electrical cords that are really thin (and very tempting) should really be hidden whenever possible.

It may prove quite a challenge to make your cat stay off counter tops. Cats love being up high so that they can see. You may mitigate the problem by providing designated heights for them to use. The use of a cat tower within your kitchen or close by can help make the cats stay off the counter.

If you need cat medication, consider searching online instead of using your veterinarian in order to find a better deal. You can’t always get it online. If you regularly need to buy pet medication, you can get a savings of up to 50 percent online.

TIP! If your cat is a female, be sure to get her spayed when she is old enough. Even if she stays inside all the time, she could get out when in heat and end up pregnant.

Do all you can to figure out what’s causing your cat to meow. After some time, you’ll understand why your cat purs or meows based on what she wants. The cat might want something to eat, or just to go outside. By giving her the proper amount of attention you can better attend to her needs.

Animal Protein

You eat quality food, and if you want your cat to stick around a long time, they need quality food, too. Check out the list of ingredients of any food you are considering buying. Ensure that an animal protein source, including fish, chicken, or beef, is the main ingredient. Try to avoid foods that consist of corn, or other non-protein elements. Understand that your cat needs a lot of animal protein to stay healthy.

TIP! Cats are often nocturnal creatures. The result is that they active while you’re sleeping.

Invest in a cat friendly fountain. Your cat will prefer drinking from running water since this is a natural behavior. Streaming water is your best bet. Many cats prefer running water over their water dish. Also, a cat drinking fountain is better for the environment and allows them to be more natural.

Ensure that your cat wears a collar and identification tags at all times. Even if yours is an indoor cat, this is still an important safety measure. Cats are curious creatures and an open door or window is likely to be explored. Those tags can help if someone finds your kitty. Make sure your info and your vets info is on it. Also make sure to note any unusual medical requirements.

Cats are neat animals. If you learn as much about them as possible, they also make great pets. Take the time to absorb the insights you have learned here. Put the information to good use for your kitty friend so that you can have them in your life for many years to come.