Like all pets, cats thrive best when they are fed well by their owners. In the absence of such a dietary plan, cats will become malnourished or overweight. Read the piece that follows to understand the proper diet for cats.

Any drape cords should be hidden so the cat cannot grab hold of them. Don’t let the cat play with them since they can jump into them or play with them and get them around their neck if they have loops. It may actually cause them some serious harm. Make sure that the cords are completely out of sight.

TIP! Make sure your cat is regularly visiting the vet for checkups. Cats require special shots to prevent illness and the vet can check their overall health.

A vet trip should happen for your cat yearly. Understand that cats require vaccinations in order to stay healthy, and the veterinarian needs to regularly check for any health problems. When you find a vet you like, stick with them. This will ensure they know the history of your cat well.

A heated tile for underneath your cat’s bed can provide real comfort. Bake a one-foot tile made from terra cotta in the oven at 200 degrees F for around 15 to 20 minutes. Then, wrap this up into a towel and place it underneath your cat’s bed. Switch towels every few hours if you need to.

If your cat is female, it is very important that she be spayed when the vet feels she is old enough. Even if she stays inside all the time, she could get out when in heat and end up pregnant. Getting your cat spayed is the best in regards to prevention.

Flea Products

Don’t use dog products on your cats ever. Cats usually react negatively to items made especially for dogs. Flea products are a prime example. Flea products meant for dogs can seriously harm or kill a cat. You should keep your cats and dogs separated after using a flea treatment.

If you have an outdoor cat, be sure he or she has a tagged collar. Cats can roam far, so a tag will ensure you find them quickly when they’re lost. The tag should contain at least the cat’s name and your contact information.

TIP! Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. Even an indoor cat may find a way out of your home.

Think about putting a microchip in your pet. Indoor cats could run out your door or jump out the window. While a collar with a tag is useful, remember that your cat may be able to escape from the collar while they are away. Collars can also harm your cat if they get caught. A microchip, on the other hand, is inserted near your cat’s shoulder blades, takes only a second to do, and all of your current contact info can be read through the chip. Most shelters have a scanner that can pick up the facts located inside the chip.

Male cats may develop crystals in the urine, which usually occur as a result of a poor diet. Your cat will experience considerable pain when he has to pass these crystals, and it’s not an easy (or cheap) problem for your veterinarian to fix. Choose a low magnesium food. Be sure that you read the label. Products including fish have a higher magnesium content then poultry based products.

Put a cloth down in your cat’s eating area. Often cats prefer moving food from a bowl onto the floor to eat. This leaves food on the floor outside their bowl that must be cleaned. Something as simple as a place mat can help make cleanup easier.

TIP! You should never allow your cat to be bored all the time. Your cat needs plenty of exercise.

Reconsider having an outdoor cat. Your cat might not be safe outside. Your cat may get fleas or have other problems. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. If you allow your cat outside, make sure you live in a reasonably safe area.

Do not punish your cat if they make a mess in the area outside of the litter box. It might be happening because you aren’t caring for the box good enough. If your pet is punished, you won’t do anything but make it afraid of you.

A cat is what it eats. Eating the wrong foods or not eating enough or too much can shorten your cat’s life span. Ensure your cat lives a healthy life with foods that are meant for them.