Cats are a popular pet for millions, and they deserve love and proper care. You have to learn all you can about how to give that cat the best life possible. The following cat advice will be of great help.

Regular vet checkups for your cat are very important. Your vet can give you an idea of your cat’s overall health, in addition to administering any shots it may need. Try using the same vet during your cat’s life. This way they will know your cat’s history the best.

TIP! Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Shelters around the country are overflowing, and the cats there need more humans to help.

Heated tiles are great to put under a cat bed, especially for the comfort of aging felines. A terra cotta tile heated in your oven on about 200 degrees and for 15 minutes will do. Use an old towel to wrap around it, then place it beneath the cat’s blanket or bed. Change it regularly if you need to.

Flea Products

Never use something that is intended for a canine on your feline. Cats usually react negatively to items made especially for dogs. Flea products especially. Flea products that are intended for a dog can kill a cat. You need to separate your pets when you treat them for fleas.

TIP! Be sure your cat gets regular checkups at the vet. They need a routine check-up every year, maybe more of important shots are necessary.

If you have to travel with a cat you should remember their ears. You may be tempted to blast your favorite songs at top volume. Cats, on the other hand, would probably prefer that you didn’t. Therefore, try lowering your music or turning it off in order for your cat to enjoy the trip more.

If you’re getting a kitten for your children, discuss this with them before bringing the cat home. You can then teach your kids which areas your cat can go into. If you want to have an indoor cat, explain to your children that they cannot let it go outside. Clearly explaining the rules will limit future mishaps.

If your thinking about allowing your cat to go outside, you may want to reconsider. Being outside all the time is not safe for a cat. Cats can become infected with fleas, ticks and ringworm. Your cat might be injured by people, other animals and even vehicles on the road. If your cat must go outside, try to confine them to the backyard.

TIP! Make sure your cat has a collar and tag if outside. Cats can travel far, and a tag will help you find the cat easier if they get lost.

Cats love being up high. Elevate your cat so that it can scan the area. If you’d rather not invest in a cat tree, simply use a large shelf or bookcase without any breakable items. To complete the package, add a cat bed or blanket.

Take time to train your cat to go into a car carrier. Dogs and cats will respond differently to punishment. They are much better with encouragement. You should place a toy or a blanket inside the carrier and place it in an area where it will be noticed by your cat. The cat will enter it on its own. As the cat becomes used to being in the carrier, it will become easier to transport them in it.

If you plan to add a second cat to your household, be sure to allow two to three weeks for your resident cat and the new cat to get used to each other. They may fight with each other initially. After a bit of time, you’ll have two cats that will tolerate, and possibly enjoy, each other.

TIP! Some cats like to scratch up floors and furniture. Buy a scratching post if you need to protect the furniture in your home.

Long-haired breeds are pretty, but understand how much work they are before you get one. All that hair will be literally everywhere. Don’t adopt a cat with long fur unless you’re sure you can handle the extra cleaning. They can also have more health issues due to hairballs.

Litter Box

Try moving your litter box somewhere else if the cat won’t use it. A cat will be more inclined to use the litter box if it is placed in a quiet and safe area in your home. Low-traffic areas like basements and laundry rooms are great places to put the litter box.

TIP! Cats are usually more active during the night. This means that they will usually be quite active at night.

Some food you eat isn’t good to feed your cat. A few unhealthy food items for cats are green tomatoes, grapes, garlic and onions. If your cat consumes these particular foods, it can get really sick. Even though everyone knows that cats love milk, this can actually cause a cat to have an upset stomach.

Cats are wonderful pets, but must be properly cared for. If you’d like to do more for your pet, read this article with care and take advantage of the suggestions it provides. If you care for your cat properly, you are giving your cat the gift of a long, healthy life.