You probably look at your cat as a family member. It is important to know how to properly care for your cat, so that it can enjoy a long and happy life. They have needs that are different from dogs, and they should not be treated the same way. Keep reading to learn how you can take care of your beloved cat.

If your cat is getting older, you can increase it’s comfort by placing its bed over a heated tile. 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. Keep this underneath your cat’s resting space for extra warmth. Replace it every three hours or so.

TIP! Cats like sneaking into small spaces. If they have a collar on, this might prove to be a safety risk if they happen to get stuck.

Do not use dog products on your cat. Cats don’t like dog products. This is particularly true when it comes to flea treatments. Using dog flea products on your cat can kill them. After getting the dog treated, keep the cat away for many hours.

You should get your cat a tagged collar, even if it is not legally required. Cats enjoy traveling far away, so a tag can help your cat get back home when lost. At the very least, you should include your contact info and the name of your cat on the tag.

Spray bitter apple on electrical cords. If your cat plays with cords, put them up and out of the way, or you can hide them in old paper towel rolls. You can do this by bundling them and tucking them in the cardboard rolls that are used for paper towels. Cats are drawn to wires and cords, so you should keep them out of sight and out of mind if they are not being used.

TIP! A heated tile can be positioned beneath the bed of a mature cat. A terra cotta tile heated in your oven on about 200 degrees and for 15 minutes will do.

Enticing kitty to stay off the kitchen counter is sometimes challenging. Cats enjoy heights, as they can monitor events from their perch. One way to deal with this issue could be to devote certain high spaces for your feline friend to sit in. Sometimes strategically placing a tall cat tower near your kitchen will help.

It is likely that your feline friend enjoys grooming his fur. Your cat’s long hair can cause hair balls. One way to alleviate this condition in your cat is by feeding him special food. Some foods have special formula for hairball reduction, which will benefit you and your cat.

Use quality food to prevent crystals from forming in a cat’s urine. These are very painful and expensive to treat. Feed your cat food that is low in magnesium. Look over the label. Foods that contain fish usually have more magnesium.

TIP! Cats can really scratch up your home. If your beloved feline friend is shredding and damaging parts of your home, try investing in a cat tower or a scratching post.

When your cat accompanies you on a trip, remember to consider the health of their ears. You may like music loud and booming, but a cat will prefer lower volumes as their ears are more sensitive. Keep your music off, and talk to your cat instead.

Cat Owners

Speak with other cat owners about any issues you may be having. It can really help to get advice from fellow cat owners. There are many online forums that discuss cats. Most vets will also be happy to help you with some advice.

TIP! Sometimes children get too excited when playing with a new cat and may mishandle them. Teach your children how to handle a cat.

Do not punish your cat if they make a mess in the area outside of the litter box. If this happens, it may be because you have not kept the box as clean as you should. Punishing your cat will make it afraid of being close to you.

It’s important that cats get play time. Of course, all mammals like to play, regardless of age or species. Your old cat will not play as much but will still appreciate the excitement. Have as much fun time with your cat as possible.

Let your cat give birth in a large space. The birth will take place over the span of several hours. If six hours have gone by and you think there are still more kitten inside the cat, take her to a vet immediately.

Litter Box

One way to get a cat to use the litter box is to move it to a different place in the house. The cat instinctively feels vulnerable when using the litter box, so make sure it’s in a location that’s totally quiet and safe. A couple of good places to put your cat box are your basement and laundry room.

Make sure that your cat is not alone if you adopted one. Get another cat if you would like to be certain your cat isn’t bored.

TIP! Discuss any issues you have with your pet with others. It can really help to get advice from fellow cat owners.

Cats can have medical problems, just like humans. These pests will stay on your cat unless you do something about it. You can take measures to get rid of or even prevent parasites. By staying educated, you can have a wonderful cat.