Cats are as much a part of the family as anyone else. That’s why you need to do what you can to keep them safe from harmful things like fleas and parasites. They have needs that are different from dogs, and they should not be treated the same way. The advice presented below can be helpful for you as a cat owner, and possibly life-saving!

If your cat ventures outdoors, it’s key to get your cat a collar which has a contact tag. This can help if your cat becomes lost while wandering in the great outdoors. The tag should contain your name and number for contact purposes.

TIP! Check out the shelter when adopting a cat. Shelters have tons of great cats and their adoption fee will generally cover necessary vet care.

It can be hard to prevent your cat from jumping on the counter. Cats like to be up high, where they can watch everything going on. You can try to combat this problem by designating some high-up places for your cat to hang out. For example, give them a cat tower nearby.

Make sure your cat is not too bored. Cats need play and exercise. Unfortunately, a lot of cat owners neglect this. Bored cats can suffer from depression, extreme compulsive disorders, and other harmful issues that can negatively impact their overall health and well-being. Make sure your cats have a wide variety of toys and plenty of room for active play. Be sure your cat has something they can climb and something they can scratch if they stay inside.

Pick the right location for your cat’s litter box. The box should be out of the high traffic areas and a good distance from where your cat eats. Allow for adequate ventilation to dispel any odors. Your cat and your nose will thank you for the effort.

TIP! Cats love to get into tight, small spaces. If they have to wear a collar then there may be a risk because your cat could end up getting stuck.

Male felines tend to get crystals in the urine that can be prevented with proper diet. This problem is painful for the cat and to your wallet, as well. Look for foods that are low in magnesium for your cat. Check the ingredients list on the label. Products including fish have a higher magnesium content then poultry based products.

Find cat medicine online if you want to get discounts. If it’s an emergency, buying online may not be an option. However, if you buy meds for your cat on a regular basis, you can save huge amounts by getting medication via the Internet.

Cover the area around your cat’s bowl with a cloth. Cats will sometimes pluck food from the bowl and enjoy it straight off the ground. This leaves food on the floor outside their bowl that must be cleaned. An easy solution to this problem is a placemat underneath the food dish, or a piece of fabric you can easily wash.

TIP! A lot of cat owners have a hard time keeping their cats off the counter. After all, cats prefer to stay high so that they can keep an eye out on everything.

If your thinking about allowing your cat to go outside, you may want to reconsider. This can be very unsafe for your cat. Fleas can infest your cat, or something worse can happen. Other animals, cars and people can hurt your cat. If your cat must be an outdoor cat, limit it to your own backyard.

Seek the advice of others if you have a cat that’s giving you problems. You can solve most problems by yourself, but you might benefit from the experience of others. Your vet is a great source of advice, or you can find forums on the Internet to connect with other cat owners.

Parasites can be a problem for most cats, and that includes your cat, too. These vermin will remain with your pet unless you take action. You can eliminate them and prevent their return if you use these recommended methods. Your cat will be happy that you did.