Cats are awesome! If you own a cat, then you need to inform yourself on how to properly care for your cat to ensure it is healthy. Go over this article to find out more about how you can care for your cat.

Animal Shelter

TIP! Never use a product on your cat that is intended for dogs. Cats can have strong negative reactions to a product that is formulated for a dog.

When looking for a new cat for your home, contact a local animal shelter. Many shelters have more cats than they can handle and the fees associated with adoption take care of vet visits. By choosing a cat from an animal shelter, you can do your part to help with overpopulation. Also, you become a lifesaver!

Keep your older cat comfortable by placing a heated tile underneath its bed. Simply heat a terra-cotta tile in a 200 degree oven for 20 minutes. Put it inside an old towel, then place it beneath the cat’s bed. Change every few hours if you like.

It is a good idea to microchip your cat. Indoor cats can slip out an open door. A tagged collar might help get kitty home, but it can just as easily come off if snagged on a branch. Microchips are tiny and contain all your contact information. Many vets and shelters have scanners that can read these chips and since they lie under their skin, they won’t get lost.

TIP! If your cat goes outside, it is important to have a collar with a tag. Tags can save you a lot of trouble if your cat gets lost.

Try to figure out the cause if you find your cat meowing excessively. You need to learn what their meows mean. A meow could signal anything from hunger to a desire for affection. By giving her the proper amount of attention you can better attend to her needs.

Never punish a cat for a mess outside of its box. Often, this happens when the litter box is dirty. Punishing the cat will only make him afraid to be around you in the future.

Get your cat accustomed to a carrier. Cats are not as responsive to punishment as dogs are. Cats usually respond well to encouragement. Put their favorite toy and blanket in a carrier. Leave it somewhere they always go to. Over time the cat will not be stressed about the carrier and will enter it voluntarily. Once this is achieved, you can transport your cat inside the carrier much easier.

TIP! Keep your cat from having a shocking experience by spraying electrical cords with bitter apple. If your cat likes to chew cords, hide the cords as best you can.

As previously mentioned, cats are great pets. To help you cat stay happy and healthy learn the proper procedures for caring for your new pet. Internalize the tips you have read here to be the best cat owner possible. Your cat will love you for it.