Cats must be occupied when they aren’t asleep. If left unchecked, cats tend to climb on furniture and scratch your belongings. You can prevent this by giving them cat toys specifically made for them. Learn from this article about how to properly care for your feline friend.

If you want to have the love of a cat, get one from a shelter. Shelters have great pets available for adoption, and the fee isn’t that high. Adopting your cat through a shelter means you are helping to control the cat population and saving a life at the same time.

TIP! Prevent your cats from playing with drapery cords. It is easy for the cat to get his head caught among the cords when playing with them.

You can make your old cat feel better thanks to a hot tile placed under its bed. You should heat a terra cotta tile with your oven, at about 200 degrees, for around fifteen minutes. Then, wrap this up into a towel and place it underneath your cat’s bed. Change it every couple of hours if desired.

Make sure you purchase medicines and treatments specifically for cats. Cats can have strong negative reactions to a product that is formulated for a dog. This happens a lot with flea products. These products can be fatal for your cat. You need to separate your pets when you treat them for fleas.

Nice furniture and cat claws don’t get along very well. Think about a scratching post or kitty tower if your cat’s claws become a problem. It is much better if your cat uses his claws on that, rather than your furniture. Be patient, it might take some time for your cat to learn to use the post or tower.

TIP! Check out your local shelter if you are thinking about getting a cat. Shelters are filled with beautiful cats, and the fee for adoption will basically cover the needed vet care.

Cats are nocturnal animals. It is likely that they will want to play while you are sleeping. If your busy kitties are keeping you up into the wee hours, try simply closing your bedroom door. You can keep them from bothering you at night and getting your feet while you’re under covers.

Think about getting a drinking fountain for your cat. A cat will always drink from running water if possible. Cats seem to like a water stream better. In fact, some cats prefer running sink water to their own water bowls. This is a more natural way for them to drink.

Expect it to take several weeks for your current cat to accept a new cat in the home. Expect to see your cats avoid each other, hiss, or even confront one another. However, if you allow them to slowly get used to each other, they will eventually become friends.

TIP! Take your cat in for regular vet exams. They should get their vaccinations and have a full check up.

If you notice your cat is not using the litter box, try moving it to a new location. Cats know that they’re vulnerable when using the bathroom and need a place that is quiet and safe. Try placing it in a laundry room or a basement, where there is limited traffic in the home.

Chemicals that have phenol in the should not be used around a cat. Lysol and Pine-Sol are two examples of products that contain this chemical. The smell is offensive to cats, and prolonged exposure can lead to liver problems.

Make sure your cat stays inside as much as it can, near to both its home and its owner. Studies have proven that cats who live most of their life indoors live longer than outdoor cats. Outdoor trips should be made in the company of the owner to keep cats safe from the dangers (like infections and attacks) that free-ranging cats face.

TIP! To safely help an old cat feel comfortable, place a heated tile under its bed. You can heat a terracotta tile in the oven at 200 degrees for about 15-20 minutes.

You should never let your cat use meds that were designed for people. A visit to the veterinarian will ensure that your pet receives the proper medication. You can kill a cat by giving them human grade medications.

Panting is something that you may encounter with your cat. Panting is a normal thing in dogs. Panting in a cat possibly indicates something serious is going on. It is wise to consult your vet, especially if the cat has past respiratory problems.

Your cat needs to eat dry food most often. When cats are kittens they need wet food because their teeth are so small. As an adult, the harder texture of dry food keeps their teeth strong. If your pet cat is finicky, you might consider combining dry and wet food.

TIP! Prevent your cat from chewing on electrical cords by spraying bitter apple on them. If the cat likes to chew on cords, its best to cover them as best you can.

Toys are a great way for a cat to release a lot of their pent up energy. Keeping cats busy can keep them from tearing up your house. Use what you learned here.