If you use proper care techniques, cats can be truly delightful pets. If you have a cat, you must learn as much as you can about caring for your cat to keep it happy and healthy. This article is loaded with helpful cat care advice.

You should always bring your cat to a vet to make sure everything is okay. Understand that cats require vaccinations in order to stay healthy, and the veterinarian needs to regularly check for any health problems. If you find a vet you are comfortable with, use them for the duration of your cat’s life. They will learn your cat’s history best.

TIP! Make sure you don’t allow your cat to be around drape cords. Don’t let the cat play with them since they can jump into them or play with them and get them around their neck if they have loops.

You can make your old cat feel better thanks to a hot tile placed under its bed. Allow a terra cotta tile to heat in an oven for 15 minutes at 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Use an old towel to wrap around it, then place it beneath the cat’s blanket or bed. Replace it every three hours or so.

You should not use products designed for other animals. Cats often have negative reactions to dog products. This happens a lot with flea products. Your cat can die if you use a dog flea product on it. You should keep your cats and dogs separated after using a flea treatment.

It can be hard to make your cat stay off the counter. Cats have a natural predilection for staking out a nice elevated place where they have a good view of their surroundings. Give them an alternative. An excellent tool for preventing your cat from jumping on the counter is a cat tower that is in the kitchen.

TIP! Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Shelters are overflowing with wonderful cats, and the adoption fee usually covers essential vet care.

Do not allow your cat to stay bored all of the time. Every cat needs exercise time and play! The unfortunate thing is that many owners of cats don’t realize this. Cats that are bored may develop obsessive compulsive disorders, depression, or other issues that can harm their health. Spend time playing with them, and go through a variety of toys to find ones they like and will play with while you’re busy, too. You need to provide your cats with something they can climb and scratch.

Check prices online for your cat’s medication to see if they are cheaper than at your vet’s office. In some situations, you may not have the choice to purchase meds over the Internet, such as a health emergency. However, for standard medications, like flea medications or heart worm pills, online sources offer a substantial savings to pet owners.

Just because your family did it when you were a child, does not mean allowing your cat to go outside is a wise decision. This can compromise your cat’s safety. It takes mere minutes for your cats to pick up fleas, be bitten by a tick or something far worse. It could be injured via a vehicle or another animal. If your cat must go outside, try to confine them to the backyard.

TIP! Keep your cat groomed. Brushing is a very important component towards taking care of your cat.

Do you own a dog and cat? Dogs will always try to eat a cat’s food. You should keep your cat food away from the dog. Separate eating spaces are a must to avoid fights between your pets.

Cats enjoy climbing on things. Providing a safe environment for your cat is key to its happiness. You should install a cat tree or allow your cat to climb on some shelves. Adding a small pillow or blanket to the spot for napping will be very much appreciated too.

Your cat should always wear a collar and ID tag. Even a cat you plan on always staying indoors should have identification. Cats love to explore, and if they see an opportunity to go outside, they will take it. Include your contact number along with the name of your veterinarian. This is very important if your pet is likely to get lost or has some medical needs.

TIP! Do not use dog products on your cat. Products designed for dogs or other animals could cause a negative reaction from your cat.

Is there cat hair all over every surface in your home? Cats are shedding machines, which means you need to brush them to keep the shedding under control. The more a cat sheds, the moor they should be properly brushed. This will make your cat’s coat nice and smooth.

Make sure you provide adequate space to a cat that is about to give birth. The birth process can last up to four hours, which means you must exercise patience. If it has been more than six hours and you believe more kittens are still inside your cat, you need to get her to the vet right away.

Watch out for panting. Understand that dogs panting is normal; however, this is not the case for cats. If a cat is panting, it might indicate simple anxiety or overheating. On the other hand, it may a symptom of a more serious health problem. Be sure to call your vet, particularly if your pet has suffered from respiratory issues.

TIP! If your cat goes outside, it is important to have a collar with a tag. If your cat gets lost during its time outdoors, a tag makes it easier to locate the animal.

While cats are awesome pets, you have to make sure you take care of them properly. As a good pet owner, read through this whole article several times and use the information for your own cat. As long as you put this knowledge to you, your cat will love you every day.