Read These Tips For A Healthy Cat.

If you had the chance to save an animal’s life, would you do it? Cats and kittens are often found in shelters, just waiting for a loving family to adopt them. All you have to do is adopt one and care for it, which you can learn how to do through this article.

It can be tricky to keep a cat off the kitchen counters. One thing they like about it is they enjoy being high up. Making a place high-up for your cat can solve this issue. A cat tower near the kitchen will ensure that cats won’t lay on your counter.

Keep your cat properly groomed. Cats should have regular combings. This leads to a cleaner cat. Doing this will also help alleviate hairballs and excessive shedding. A well groomed cat, then, is a happy and healthy cat.

Never let a cat become bored. Play and exercise are both important for cats’ well-being. Many owners just don’t have time. Bored cats tend to develop emotional and mental disorders that may negatively impact their health. Give them lots of space for exercise and plenty of toys they can play with. You need to provide your cats with something they can climb and scratch.

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. Place it in an older towel and place it underneath of the feline’s bed. If necessary, you can change out the tile after a few hours to provide continued warmth.

Often, the best cat medicine deals are found online. In emergency situations, buying online may not be a good option. But if you have to regularly buy pet medicine, you can save 50% or more on some medicines by buying online.

Make sure your cat sees a vet regularly to maintain their good health. Cats need routine annual check-ups and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations. Cats need to see a vet right away if they have health issues, injuries or conditions that require immediate attention.

A tablecloth should be made for your cats. Cats like to make a mess when they eat. This creates extra work since you must then clean up the leftover loose food. Put a placemat under the bowl, or even some fabric so cleaning up is a snap.

Don’t try using dog food or products for your cat. Cats have very strong, negative reactions to products formulated for dogs. This will especially be true if it’s a product for fleas. Canine flea products can be lethal to a cat. If your dog has been treated for fleas, keep him away from your cat for at least three hours.

Try figuring out why the cat is purring. Over time, you will pick up on the reasons why your cat is making this gesture. She may be hungry, or she may want you to let her outside. Be aware of the cues your cat gives you, and the two of you will have a better relationship.

You should get your cat a tagged collar, even if it is not legally required. If your cat gets lost during its time outdoors, a tag makes it easier to locate the animal. The tag should contain the pet’s name, your phone number and your name as well.

Consider all the options before you let your cat be an outdoors cat. Your cat might not be safe outside. You cat can get fleas and contract diseases. Other animals, cars and people can hurt your cat. If your cat must go outside, try to confine them to the backyard.

A microchip for your cat is something that you should really consider. Even a house cat may end up lost outside, no matter how careful you are. Collars or tags can identify your cat, but cats can wiggle out of those, and they are also at risk of getting hung up on something. A microchip, on the other hand, is inserted near your cat’s shoulder blades, takes only a second to do, and all of your current contact info can be read through the chip. The majority of veterinarians possess scanners that can read your chips. Because these chips are placed underneath your cat’s skin, they won’t get lost.

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 cat forums that will help you get questions answered. You could also try asking your vet.

Be sure you show your cat lots of love. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you. Cats thrive when treated like part of the household, so involve them in daily activities around the house. They want to feel like a contented and satisfied member of the family.

Help your cat get accustomed to the carrier. Cats don’t react to punishment like dogs do. They prefer encouragement instead. Inside the carrier, put a favorite toy and blanket. Leave it open in an area the cat will see. After some time, your cat will respond better to the carrier. Transporting the carrier with your cat inside makes your next trip out much easier.

Put a cloth down in your cat’s eating area. Often cats prefer moving food from a bowl onto the floor to eat. This can result in you having to clean up food outside its bowl if you don’t use a tablecloth. To make clean up a breeze, use a place mat underneath the bowl or a piece of fabric. You’ll be able to pick it up easily and shake the excess food into the trash.

You cat should get cat food that is of a good quality. Look at the ingredients and make sure protein like fish, chicken, or beef is near the top. Don’t choose a food which is mainly corn. Because cats are carnivores, their diet need only consist of a good source of protein.

Cats love heights. Your cat will appreciate being on top of a cupboard, fridge or anywhere they can surrey their environment. Placing a shelf or two up high will not take up too much space in your home. Adding a small pillow or blanket to the spot for napping will be very much appreciated too.

Always make sure that your cat has on identification tags and a collar. This is crucial even if the cat lives inside. Cats are naturally curious and a door or window that’s open invites exploration. Include your vet’s info as well as your own on the tags. This is also important if your cat has special medical needs.

Give your cat a water fountain. Cats like running water for drink more than water that is just sitting there. Normally, cats much prefer water that comes out in a stream. You have perhaps noticed that your cat enjoys drinking from the running sink. Drinking fountains are more environmentally-friendly and they let your cat drink naturally.

Think about how much extra care is entailed in bringing a long-haired cat into your home. The hair looks good, except when it’s all over your furniture. Unless you are prepared to do more cleaning, don’t buy a long haired cat. Long-haired cats usually suffer from hairball problems too.

Long-haired breeds are pretty, but understand how much work they are before you get one. There is no denying that long-haired cats are beautiful, but that beautiful coat takes a lot of work and also means a lot of shedding. Only choose a cat with long hair if you can clean up after it consistently. More, and longer hair, usually means more hairballs too.

Do not let a declawed cat outside. An outdoor cat who has been declawed cannot defend itself as well without claws; therefore, you are putting your cat in extreme danger. Indoor cats are the only ones that you should declaw. With indoor cats, just remove the front claws. Leaving the back claws are important so that your cat can scratch themselves.

Keeping your cat up to date on vaccinations and annual check ups can keep your cat in good health and provide a longer life. Kittens need proper medical care just like young children, and its best to bring them in every so often for health checks to ensure nothing terrible is going on. Your kitty is a member of your family, so you need to treat him like one.

Brushing your cat more frequently is the most common way to combat hairballs. If it doesn’t work, though, you have other options. Adding in just 1 teaspoon of pumpkin mixed in with their food bowl can help with prevention. In addition, you could use one teaspoon of water for packing tuna and mix it with the pumpkin. There are foods that inhibit hairballs which have fiber in them. They might take care of the issue.

Adopting a needy cat is something to be proud of. You’re opening up your home and providing love to a cat that truly needs it. Your cat and you will having a lifelong bond. Properly caring for your cat will ensure that this loving bond remains intact.

A cat can get lonely when your daily routine changes and you are no longer home during the day. If this is proving to be a problem, consider getting another cat to keep them company while you’re gone.