Cats are delightful! They are wonderful pets because they are smart, independent, and very loving. It takes work to be a good cat owner. Continue reading to learn some excellent cat care tips so that you can raise a happy and healthy cat.

Though things may appear to be fine, you should always schedule regular medical checkups for your feline pet. Not only will a veterinarian give a general physical exam, he or she will also make sure they have necessary vaccinations. If you can, stick with one vet for your cat’s entire life. That way, the doctor will be familiar with the history of your cat.

TIP! Good grooming is important for cats. Cats should have regular combings.

Cats often view small spaces as a fun challenge. A collar can be a dangerous thing to wear in such a place. A breakaway collar is a good option since it will break if your cat pulls on it. Using this collar will prevent your cat from injuring itself.

If you’d like to make an elderly cat’s bed more comfy, stick a heated tile beneath its bed. Simply heat a terra-cotta tile in a 200 degree oven for 20 minutes. Then, wrap this up into a towel and place it underneath your cat’s bed. If you want, change it now and then so the warmth continues.

Your cat needs a collar and tag if it goes outside. This way, if your cat gets lost and is found by a stranger, that person will know how to contact you. Even if the tag just has your phone number, it can be the difference between your pet coming home and being lost forever.

TIP! Cats enjoy getting into small spaces. If they’ve got a collar on, this may put them in danger as it can get stuck.

Your cat’s claws can wreck havoc on your furniture. If you have problems with a cat that shreds furniture, invest in a durable scratching post. This can encourage cats to scratch something other than things that are off-limits. Although this may take time, your cat should eventually claw the device rather than your furniture.

You can also consider outfitting your cat with a chip so you can monitor its whereabouts. One day, your indoor cat might leave through an open door or get outside through an open window. Collars or tags can identify your cat, but cats can wiggle out of those, and they are also at risk of getting hung up on something. Microchips are very small, approximately as large as a single grain of rice. Although they are small, they can hold your entire contact information. Nearly every vet and shelter owns a scanner which can read a microchip, and since they’re implanted, there isn’t a risk of the chip falling out or getting lost.

Crystals in the urine, an issue many male cats have, can be avoided with the proper food. Passing stones or crystals hurts and can cost you a ton in vet bills if they don’t come out naturally. Feed cats food that’s low in magnesium. Read the label on any food you choose. Fish products tend to be higher in magnesium than poultry products.

TIP! Make sure your cat has a collar and tag if outside. If your cat gets lost during its time outdoors, a tag makes it easier to locate the animal.

Create a tablecloth that your cats can use. Some cats like removing food from their bowl and eating it beside their bowl. This means food spillage that you will have to clean later. The best thing for you to do is to have a place mat underneath the cat’s bowl.

Unique and magical creatures, cats make terrific house pets, provided that you are willing to take the time to educate yourself on proper cat care. Learn all you can from this article. Use these tips to ensure your cat is healthy and happy.