A cat can make a welcome addition to your family. For that reason, you need to do anything you can so prevent them from getting fleas, ticks or any other parasite. Things like these can harm your cat. Continue reading to learn some excellent cat-care tips.

If you’re thinking of getting a cat for a pet, you should look to the local shelter. There are tons of loving cats there, and the fees often cover the needed vet care. Rescuing a cat can end up making a big difference in both of your lives.

TIP! Check out your local shelter if you are thinking about getting a cat. There are tons of loving cats there, and the fees often cover the needed vet care.

You shouldn’t ever use products designed to be used on dogs on your cat. This can irritate your cat or cause an allergic reaction. This will especially be true if it’s a product for fleas. Your cat may die if you use dog flea products on it. If you treat your dog for fleas, make sure you keep the cat away for several hours following the application.

If you have an outdoor cat, be sure he or she has a tagged collar. Tags can save you a lot of trouble if your cat gets lost. The tag should contain your name and number for contact purposes.

It’s important that you don’t forget your cat and allow them to become bored too easily. It is necessary for them to play and get exercise. This is sadly overlooked by some cat owners. A lack of stimulation can lead to psychological or medical problems for your cat, including depression, compulsive disorders, and chronic misbehavior. Make sure your cats have a wide variety of toys and plenty of room for active play. Provide them with an indoor climbing area or scratching post.

TIP! If you’d like to make an elderly cat’s bed more comfy, stick a heated tile beneath its bed. Simply heat a terra-cotta tile in a 200 degree oven for 20 minutes.

Cats love to be clean. In long-haired cats, hairballs can result from excess grooming. There are special foods you can buy to try to help with this particular problem. Some foods have special formula for hairball reduction, which will benefit you and your cat.

Don’t let your cat outside. Going outdoors isn’t very safe for a domesticated cat. Your cat may get fleas or have other problems. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. If you need to let your cat out of the house, be sure it’s in a safe place.

Get your feline acclimated to its carrier. Cats and dogs do not usually respond the same ways to punishment. Encouragement is a much better strategy. Place a beloved blanket or item inside the carrier and let it stay open near the cat’s usual haunts. Your cat will want to inspect the carrier and probably enjoy hiding inside. Then, you will have no problem using the carrier.

TIP! Be certain your cat has regular vet visits. Your cat needs to get a checkup about once every year, or more if there are issues that come up.

Vary your cat’s diet just a tiny bit to keep them from being picky. By giving them one kind of food all the time, it will be all they want to eat.

Do not throw away your cat’s scratching post because it is starting to look very old and worn. This is the condition that cats like the most. Something new is not necessarily better for a cat, and it may lead them to scratching the furniture.

Feed your cat quality cat food. Read the ingredient label, and make sure a protein from meat tops the list. Any foods with non-protein sources, such as corn, should be avoided. Your cat is a carnivore, and for proper nutrition, he should have a food high in animal protein in order to keep him at his best.

TIP! 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.

If you want your cat to live a long, healthy life, be sure he gets his shots when he is supposed to an take him for a yearly check-up. A kitten is not so different from a child. It needs properly-scheduled check-ups and immunizations to prevent medical complications down the road. Your cat is a family member and ought to be treated as such.

Just like any other animal, your cat could easily get infected by parasites. If you do not take action to ensure your cat’s health, the results can be disastrous for both of you. The tips in this article explain how to care for your cat. This will make life happier for your cat and you, too.