A cat is a cherished member of the family. Since this is the case, you owe it to your feline friend to be a responsible owner and protect it from dangers like infections and parasites. Parasites can compromise your pet’s health. Read these tips to help your cat live a long and healthy life.

Don’t leave drape cords near your cats. Cats love to play with hanging cords and this poses the threat of your cat hurting themselves or becoming entangled. This could hurt or kill them. Hide the cords for safety sake.

TIP! It is always important to take your cat to the veterinarian for regular checkups. Cats require special shots to prevent illness and the vet can check their overall health.

Make frequent checkups with your vet to keep your cat healthy. Cats require special shots to prevent illness and the vet can check their overall health. Try using the same vet during your cat’s life. Your veterinarian needs to know about your pet’s history, and your cat will feel more comfortable if you always take her to the same vet.

Cats love to squeeze into tiny spots. If you keep a collar on your pet, getting stuck in one of these spaces can be very dangerous. Breakaway collars are designed to release in these situations. It can really be a life saver for your cat.

Never use a product on your cat that is intended for dogs. If you try to use products meant for dogs, it can make your cat sick, or even kill him. One product in particular to pay close attention to is any remedy for fleas and ticks. These dog flea products can even cause feline death. Actually, it is best to separate the cat from the dog once the flea problem has been treated.

TIP! When your female cat is old enough, it’s vital to get her spayed. It does not matter if you an indoor cat; if she gets out when in heat, you can end up with many kittens.

If your cat ventures outdoors, it’s key to get your cat a collar which has a contact tag. If your cat gets lost during its time outdoors, a tag makes it easier to locate the animal. The tag should have at least the pet’s name and the number where you can be reached.

It’s not easy convincing your pet that the kitchen counter is a no-cats zone. If your cat is high, he can see everything that is going on. 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.

Your cat needs attention and a lot of affection. Cats are looking for a response in kind in exchange for all of the friendly companionship they offer to humans. Without love, cats may not socialize with your family. They want to feel like a contented and satisfied member of the family.

TIP! You should not use products designed for other animals. Cats can have strong negative reactions to a product that is formulated for a dog.

Grooming is something that most cats do all the time. When your cat’s coat is long, it can result in hairballs. If your cat needs assistance with this problem, consider a special diet. Some foods are enriched in fibers and vitamins to facilitate the digestion of the hairballs.

Use quality food to prevent crystals from forming in a cat’s urine. A cat passing the crystals can be very hurtful with an expensive vet bill to boot. Feed your cat food that is low in magnesium. Read the labels. Products that contain fish are normally much higher in magnesium over ones containing poultry.

Be sure you think about your cat’s ears when traveling. You may enjoy it, but it could be hurting your cat’s ears. Therefore, keep your music or other sounds at an acceptable level.

TIP! Lessen the chances of your cat becoming harmed or killed by spraying all electric cords with something to keep them from chewing it. Bitter apple is a good choice and can be found at most pet stores.

Make sure to give your cats different types of food so that they aren’t as finicky. If you start them off eating the same type of food all of the time and you never change it up, this will most likely be the only food they will eat in the future.

Consider getting your cat a fountain to drink from. Cats normally look to drink from running water. This is true in the wild or at home. Cats generally respond better to a stream of water. You could even consider turning on your sink a few times a day to let your cat drink from the faucet. So a drinking fountain makes a smart investment that’s both environmentally friendly and loved by your feline.

Cats, like many other pets, are susceptible to different parasites. Unless you take measures against them, these pests aren’t going anywhere. By using the advice shared here, you can help your pet to remain parasite free. Your cat is sure to thank you.