Cats are awesome! Your cat deserves a happy and healthy life and it is up to you to provide it. Read this article carefully if you want great advice on cat care.

Keep your older cat comfortable by placing a heated tile underneath its bed. 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. You can even switch it out every few hours.

TIP! Check with your shelter before you purchase a cat. Sometimes, you may find the cat of your dreams at a shelter.

Make sure that you never neglect your cat. Cats are by nature companion animals, but that companionship goes two ways. Cats need social time with the family just like people do so that they know that they are valued. They need to feel as though they are an important part of the family, as well.

Many times, cat meds can be purchased on the internet for less than they’d cost if you got them from your vet. When an emergency strikes, however, you may not have the option of buying medications on the Internet. If you regularly need to buy pet medication, you can get a savings of up to 50 percent online.

Set boundaries for your children when it comes to having a cat as a pet. Let them know which rooms and areas your cats should not be in. If you want to have an indoor cat, explain to your children that they cannot let it go outside. Your children will be able to understand the rules more easily if they know them ahead of time.

TIP! Groom your cat. Just like dogs, cats require regular brushing and de-tangling.

Avoid leaving a kitten alone with small children. Children under five years old should always be supervised when interacting with a pet. They are just not mature enough to understand the danger they can pose for the kitten. As they age, you can determine how much interaction they should have with the animal.

You should brush your cat on a regular basis. Brushing spreads natural oils throughout a cat’s fur, and also helps stimulate blood flow in their skin. You will also decrease the amount of fur throughout your home. This helps prevent hairballs, which can lead to choking and other health issues.

Feed your cat top quality food. Beef, fish or chicken, all great protein sources, should head the list of main ingredients. Don’t give your cat foods that have corn or other elements that have no protein. Because cats are carnivores, their diet need only consist of a good source of protein.

TIP! Regular veterinary checkups are important for the health of your cat. Your cat should receive shots regularly to prevent health issues.

Cats are amazing pets. Knowing how to properly care for your cat is essential to make sure he has a long and happy life with you. Take these suggestions to heart so you can learn to be a great cat owner. Your cat will love that you did.