Cats are full of fast thinking, purring, and graceful movements. These are just some of the characteristics of a cat. It is important to learn as much as you can about cats if you own one or are thinking of owning one. This article will give you some tips on cats that can make your cat healthier and happier. Keep reading!

Check out the shelter when adopting a cat. Many shelters are overcrowded with lovable and adoptable cats. By choosing a cat from an animal shelter, you can do your part to help with overpopulation. Also, you become a lifesaver!

TIP! If you want a cat to feel like it’s more comfortable, a heated tile may be able to help. You can heat a terracotta tile in the oven at 200 degrees for about 15-20 minutes.

If you’d like to make an elderly cat’s bed more comfy, stick a heated tile beneath its bed. Allow a terra cotta tile to heat in an oven for 15 minutes at 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, wrap this up into a towel and place it underneath your cat’s bed. Switch towels every few hours if you need to.

If your cat is female, then ensure you spay her as soon as you can. It does not matter if you an indoor cat; if she gets out when in heat, you can end up with many kittens. Getting your cat spayed is the best in regards to prevention.

Make sure your cat sees a vet regularly to maintain their good health. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots. Don’t hesitate to take your cat to the vet immediately if you notice anything unusual about their health or if they are injured.

TIP! You shouldn’t ever use products designed to be used on dogs on your cat. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs.

A tagged collar is essential if you let your cat outside regularly. Cats can get lost, and they need a tag to be found. At least put your phone number and pets name on the tag.

Litter Box

Pick the right location for your cat’s litter box. Don’t put it in a busy area, and keep it away from your cat’s food. To help control odors place the litter box in a well ventilated area. Your cat and your nose will thank you for the effort.

TIP! Cats are generally nocturnal. The result is that they active while you’re sleeping.

It is likely that your feline friend enjoys grooming his fur. When the cat’s hair is longer, this could lead to hairballs. If your cat has this issue, try changing his food. Some cat food out there has a special formula in it that reduces hairballs. This benefits your pet and you.

Male cats sometimes have crystals in their urine, but this can be prevented with the right cat food. Just like kidney stones, these crystals are painful and vet bills are pricey. Choose foods low in magnesium for your cat. Read the label on any food you choose. Cat food with lots of fish tends to have more magnesium, while products with lots of poultry tend to have less.

You should think before allowing your cat to go outside. This can put your cat in an unsafe position. The cat can get fleas or something much worse. Your cat might be injured by people, other animals and even vehicles on the road. If you need to let your cat out of the house, be sure it’s in a safe place.

TIP! Do your best to determine why your cat is meowing. If you live with a cat for any amount of time, you will soon start to understand what your cat wants when she meows.

Speak to your peers about your cat issues. Advice from other people can be very beneficial for you. Use the Internet to share tips with other cat owners and ask your questions or talk with your neighbors, friends or veterinarian.

Don’t try to show your feline how to go in the litter box. This comes quite naturally to them and is not something that is learned. A lot of people think that rubbing a cat’s paws in its litter box may help them, but in reality, it can be damaging to them.

Regularly brush your cat’s hair. This helps spread out the cat’s natural oils in their fur and stimulates blood flow in the skin. It can help decrease the amount of loose hair as well. Brushing eliminates the formation of hairballs which may choke your cat and lead to buildup of excess hair in the abdomen when the cat grooms himself.

TIP! Are you the owner of a dog and a cat? Dogs will always try to eat a cat’s food. For this reason, you need to place your cat’s bowl in an area that is to high for a dog to reach.

After reading this article, you have some ideas that you can put into practice. You can really become a better pet owner. Your cat will soon be happier and in better shape thanks to the efforts you put into caring for it. Apply these tips, and you can’t go wrong.