When you care for a cat properly, it will bring you much joy. You have to learn all you can about how to give that cat the best life possible. You can find the information that you need to know in this article.

Regular veterinary checkups are important for the health of your cat. Not only will a veterinarian give a general physical exam, he or she will also make sure they have necessary vaccinations. When you find a vet you like, stick with them. You won’t have to worry that the vet won’t have all of your cat’s medical records.

You can make your old cat feel better thanks to a hot tile placed under its bed. Put a square foot of terra cotta tile into your oven heated to 200 degrees. Keep the tile in the oven for about 15 minutes. Wrap the tile inside an unneeded towel and place it under your kitty’s favorite resting spot. Change it regularly if you need to.

It’s important that you don’t forget your cat and allow them to become bored too easily. Cats need play and exercise. Many owners just don’t have time. Bored cats can develop depression and other harmful health conditions. Make sure your cats have a wide variety of toys and plenty of room for active play. If they’re an indoor cat, get them an object to climb on or a scratching post.

Cats are known for spending inordinate amounts of time grooming themselves. If the cats hair is too long, this is what causes hairballs. There are special foods that can ease this issue. Some foods are enriched in fibers and vitamins to facilitate the digestion of the hairballs.

When your cat accompanies you on a trip, remember to consider the health of their ears. You might love blasting your favorite music while driving, but they enjoy softer sounds. Therefore, try lowering your music or turning it off in order for your cat to enjoy the trip more.

Cats can be great pets for children, but some younger children may be a bit too rough with cats. You need to show your children how the cat should be treated. Give them examples of how to be gentle with it and what should and should not be done. Tell them that a cat’s bones need to be handled more gently than those of a dog.

Let your cat get comfortable using a carrier. You cannot punish a cat the same way you would a dog. Encouragement is more likely to get them to respond. You should place a toy or a blanket inside the carrier and place it in an area where it will be noticed by your cat. Your cat will start to venture into their carrier more often, until they are completely comfortable with it. Then, you will have no problem using the carrier.

Make sure your cat always wears identification tags on their collar. Even if yours is an indoor cat, this is still an important safety measure. Cats are curious by nature, and an open window or door invites exploration. Include your contact number along with the name of your veterinarian. Veterinary information is essential if your cat needs medication.

If you are thinking about adding another cat to your home, you need to set aside a couple of weeks where you let the animals get used to being around each other. They may be leery of each other at first and fight. Eventually they will grow accustomed to it and start tolerating or even enjoying each other’s company.

Frequent or misdirected urination may warrant a trip to your vet’s office. They’re trying to tell you something is wrong. Some cheap antibiotics can resolve potential risks for your cat.

Do you see cat hair everywhere you look? Cats are known for shedding, so good grooming habits are a must. If your cat sheds a lot, you need to brush it more often. This will help to prevent tangling and matting.

Litter Box

Your cat’s choice to potty outside the litter box could signal something more worrisome than misbehavior. There are many health conditions that can cause your cat to use the restroom in places other than their own litter box. These conditions include kidney and bladder problems. Call the vet if your cat refuses to use the litter box.

Put a collar around your cat’s neck. Make sure it has your address, phone number and name. Even if they’re an indoor cat, they may get out. If this occurs, you must be sure that your animal can find its way home.

Do not use chemicals around your cat that contain phenol. Pine-Sol and Lysol contain this ingredient. The smell is offensive to cats, and prolonged exposure can lead to liver problems.

It is crucial that you never make the mistake of giving your cat any medications that are meant for human use. The vet is the only one who should do the prescribing – not you. Using human medicine for your cat is harmful and can even cause their death.

If your find that your cat is panting, pay attention. With dogs, this is something that is common. Panting could mean your cat is dehydrated or nervous, but it could also be a sign of a serious issue. It is wise to consult your vet, especially if the cat has past respiratory problems.

Cats are great pets, but they need proper care. If you’d like to do more for your pet, read this article with care and take advantage of the suggestions it provides. Applying the insight learned in these tips will help to ensure that your pet has a happy life and provides wonderful companionship.