If you were able to save a pet’s life, would this be something you’d do? So many cats could use a great home. Simply bring one home, make a friend for the rest of the cat’s life, and use the advice in this article.

If you want to add a cat to your family, go to the shelter first to see what is available. Shelters have tons of great cats and their adoption fee will generally cover necessary vet care. When a cat is adopted from an animal shelter it saves its life and it helps control the cat population.

TIP! If your cat is female, then ensure you spay her as soon as you can. You may not think it’s necessary if you have an indoor cat, but your cat may escape.

A heated tile can be positioned beneath the bed of a mature cat. A terra cotta tile about a foot square is ideal. You can warm it with a 15-20 minute stop in your oven, set to approximately 200 degrees. Wrap the tile in a towel and then put it under the bed. Change every few hours if you like.

If your kitty is a female, make sure to plan a spaying once she is of age to breed. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, if she escapes while she is in heat you might end up with a lot of kittens on your hands. The best method of preventing your cat from pregnancy is to get her spayed.

Take your cat to the vet every year. Your cat should always go to the vet for a check up, especially if they need shots. Cats should visit the vet right away if they are having any issues.

TIP! Taking your cat to the vet is part of being a responsible pet owner. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots.

Your house can really get torn apart by a cat’s claws. If your kitty is doing this, one way to redirect his behavior is to purchase a scratching post or cat tower. Encourage your cat to scratch where you want them to. Eventually it will cause you less of a headache.

It is likely that your feline friend enjoys grooming his fur. When the cat’s hair is longer, this could lead to hairballs. To fix this problem, you can try buying a new food. Certain kinds of cat food are made to decrease hairballs. As a result, you and your cat will be happier.

Buying Online

Look online for cat medicine. If it’s an emergency, buying online may not be an option. For more routine situations, saving 50% by buying online is quite possible.

Remember to take care of your cat’s ears if you travel with him. They don’t want to hear you singing at the top of your lungs. Therefore, try lowering your music or turning it off in order for your cat to enjoy the trip more.

Don’t let your cat go outside. It might not be safe for your cat to go outdoors. Your cat could get parasites, or worse. There’s the chance that your pet could be harmed by other animals or passing vehicles. If you think your pet needs to go outside, think about enclosing a back patio with metal mesh or some type of heavy screen to keep your cat inside, yet allow them to experience the outdoors.

TIP! Keep your cat active and entertained to avoid boredom. Cats require plenty of exercise.

Do you have both a cat and dog? That dog will really love stalking (and eating) that cat food. You should create a feeding space for the cat that is much too high for a dog to get to. The added benefit is that you will prevent fights over the other animals food and water when one of them runs out.

Be cautious when leaving a kitten with children. Particularly if the children are younger than five, they need supervision. A child of that age doesn’t realize when they are being too rough with a pet. Find your child’s age of maturity when it comes to handling pets.

Speak to others about your cat problems. You may think it’s something you can take care of on your own, but other people that own cats could help. There are many online forums that discuss cats. Most vets will also be happy to help you with some advice.

TIP! The correct location is important when picking a spot for a cat’s litter box. Don’t put it in a busy area, and keep it away from your cat’s food.

Although you might find its appearance unappealing, don’t toss a scratching post when it’s getting particular worn and frazzled. Cats typically like older posts compared to newer posts. By removing the old item and replacing it with a new one, your cat may try to find another item to scratch. This could end up being furniture.

If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, you should take him to the vet. Many cats develop these behaviors in response to a health problem, such as urinary tract infections. Inexpensive antibiotics generally clear this right up.

If kitty won’t use the litter box, try moving it. Cats know that they’re vulnerable when using the bathroom and need a place that is quiet and safe. For example, your basement, laundry room or other room away from household activity should suffice.

TIP! Be attentive to your cat and give them your love and company, often. Cats give us a lot of love, and they deserve to be loved back.

When a dog wags its tail, the reason is because it is happy for some reason. Cats move their tails too, but it’s not for the same reason. For cats, tail-wagging usually indicates some type of conflict or that he is deciding whether or not to attack or flee from a situation. If kitty starts wagging his tail while you’re holding him, it’s best to put him down so you don’t get scratched.

Being a good cat owner is something to take pride in. You’re opening up your home and providing love to a cat that truly needs it. You new little friend will be there for you for the rest of their lives. Take care of your pet and it will show its appreciation.