Cats are as much a part of the family as anyone else. That’s why you should do everything you can to make sure that they don’t get fleas, ticks, and other parasites. These pests can affect your cat’s health. Keep reading to learn how you can take care of your beloved cat.

When considering a new pet, make sure you visit the area shelter first. There are so many great cats at shelters. The fee you will have to pay typically includes vet care. You really are saving a life and keeping the feline population in check all in one!

TIP! Properly groom your cat. Remember to brush your cat’s fur and comb it regularly.

Ensure your cat remains groomed. You should comb and/or brush them on a regular basis. Doing it constantly can help you keep their coats clean. It helps your cats shed much less too, which keeps them from spitting those hairballs up. Keeping your cat nicely groomed will keep him and your home looking their best.

Taking your cat in for regular check-ups at the veterinarian’s office is part of being a responsible pet owner. In addition to checking the health of your cat, a vet can give him any needed shots. Try to keep the same vet during the life of your pet. This is because this person will know your cat and the history of the animal.

Cats love to squeeze into tiny spaces. If they’ve got a collar on, this may put them in danger as it can get stuck. A breakaway collar let’s go if pulled on tightly. It can really be a life saver for your cat.

TIP! 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.

To safely help an old cat feel comfortable, place a heated tile under its bed. Simply heat a terra-cotta tile in a 200 degree oven for 20 minutes. Place it in an older towel and place it underneath of the feline’s bed. Replace it every three hours or so.

Be certain your cat has regular vet visits. Cats need routine shots and wellness checks just like people. If your cat is having a health issue or injury, they need to be seen by their vet right away.

It’s not easy convincing your pet that the kitchen counter is a no-cats zone. Cats naturally love heights so they can easily see everyone and everything. You can remedy this by creating some place up high that you can can enjoy hanging out in. Your cat will not go on your counters if there’s a cat tower close to the kitchen.

TIP! You shouldn’t ever use products designed to be used on dogs on your cat. It is possible that a dog’s product could cause a serious adverse effect on a cat.

Make sure your cat is not too bored. Cats need play and exercise like other pets. Sadly, this can be easily overlooked. Boredom can beget illness. You need to give it new toys regularly and make sure your cat has plenty of space to run and play. If you have an indoor cat, offer him a variety of toys, scratching post or objects he can climb on.

You should be sure to place your pet’s litter box in a good location. You shouldn’t keep it near your pet’s food, and you shouldn’t keep it in an area people walk through a lot. Also make sure the area is well ventilated to keep the smell to a minimum. Your kitty will thank you.

Crystals in the urine, an issue many male cats have, can be avoided with the proper food. Passing those crystals hurts and having this corrected by a vet is expensive. Choose foods low in magnesium for your cat. Read the ingredient list on the label. Fish products are usually higher in magnesium.

TIP! If you have an outside cat, you need to give it a collar and some identification tags. Cats can get lost, and they need a tag to be found.

Make a tablecloth that your cat can use. Often cats prefer moving food from a bowl onto the floor to eat. That means you will have to tidy up the food left beside the cat bowl. There are two ways to do this. You can either put a placemat under the food bowl or use some stray fabric that you have lying around. Either way, you can easily get rid of debris by dumping them in the garbage.

Do all you can to figure out what’s causing your cat to meow. After living with your cat for long, it’s easier to interpret its meows. A meow could signal anything from hunger to a desire for affection. When you pay attention to the cat’s actions and cues, then may grow to understand the cat all the more.

Are you the owner of both a dog and cat? A dog may enjoy eating your cat’s food when he has the chance to do so. You should keep your cat food away from the dog. This can prevent squabbles over water when their food is gone.

TIP! Spray bitter apple on electrical cords. Most office stores sell a tube that you can stick all of your wires and cords through if the spray doesn’t work.

Give your cat a water fountain. This will make things more comfortable and homey for your cat. Cats will respond more positively to streams of water. Actually, certain cats like to drink right from the sink faucet as it runs. Also, a cat drinking fountain is better for the environment and allows them to be more natural.

Just like any other animal, your cat could easily get infected by 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. Take good care of your pet, and it will appreciate it.