If you own a cat, then you realize that this animal is a part of your family. Do whatever it takes to keep your cat free of 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!

Regular veterinary checkups are important for the health of your cat. Your vet will provide your cat with the shots it needs to prevent disease. Your vet can also check the overall health of your cat. It is best to always take your cat to the same veterinarian. 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.

TIP! Female cats need to be spayed as soon as they reach the proper age. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant.

Female cats need to be spayed as soon as they reach the proper age. You may believe that this is unnecessary if your cat stays inside all the time; however, cats almost always find a way to get outside, especially when they are in heat. When this occurs, your cat could get pregnant. The best method of preventing your cat from pregnancy is to get her spayed.

Flea Products

Be cautious about using canine products on your feline friend. Cats often have negative reactions to dog products. This definitely applies to flea products. Flea products meant for dogs can seriously harm or kill a cat. After your dog receives a flea treatment, keep your cat away for at least a few hours.

TIP! In order to be sure your cat is healthy, take them to their vet regularly. Your cat needs to get a checkup about once every year, or more if there are issues that come up.

Make sure your cat gets lots of love. They want the same level of companionship that they give to you as their owner. Cats thrive when treated like part of the household, so involve them in daily activities around the house. A cat can feel that he is a valuable, cherished part of their household.

A tablecloth for the feeding area can be quite useful. Sometimes cats like to take food out of the bowl and eat it to the side of the bowl. That can mean a bigger mess for you to clean. Something as simple as a place mat can help make cleanup easier.

Do you own both a dog and a cat? Dogs take every opportunity they can get to eat the cat’s food. That’s why you should place your cat’s food in a place which is hard for your dog to reach. This can prevent squabbles over water when their food is gone.

TIP! Make sure your cat has a collar if it goes outside. Cats can roam far, so a tag will ensure you find them quickly when they’re lost.

To avoid having a picky cat, switch up the kinds of foods you give him. Keeping the same kind of food around most of the time makes it to where they only want that specific food.

Although you might find its appearance unappealing, don’t toss a scratching post when it’s getting particular worn and frazzled. It’s in this condition that cats tend to love it the most. Even if you throw it away and buy a new one, your cat may opt for tearing up your upholstery instead.

Pay attention if you cat does not use the litter box. This could be a side effect of a health problem. Kidney or bladder infections may be the reason. You should take your cat to the vet if you think there is something wrong with your pet.

TIP! You may want to have a microchip put into your car. Even indoor cats get out sometimes.

When a dog wags it’s tail, it’s telling you that it is excited or happy. Cats also exhibit this tail-wagging behavior, but the message is different. When a cat wags its tail, it is usually due to conflict and a potential decision of fight or flee. If this happens while your cat is in your arms, put him down as soon as possible.

Your cat should stay inside most of the time, and when it’s outside, you should ensure it remains close to home. Cats trained to live inside instead of outside live longer according to certain studies. You can exercise your cat by playing with it.

Don’t let a cat that’s had its claws removed go outside. Your cat will have no way of defending itself against other animals, which means it could get seriously injured or even killed. Indoor cats are the only ones that may be declawed. It is still best to just remove the front claws. Don’t take the back claws as cats need them to stay balanced.

TIP! Try to avoid your cat from becoming bored each day. Play and exercise are both important for cats’ well-being.

You should never use medications designed for humans on your cat. Go to a vet if there are problems, don’t self diagnose. Drugs and medicines designed for human consumption can cause serious health problems for cats, and in extreme cases, can even be fatal.

If your feline has hairball issues, and there’s been no help from brushing, try these tips out. Use pumpkin in your cat’s food to help with digestion. You can also mix in a little water from a tuna can with the pumpkin. Another solution may be to use a cat food that has anti-hairball properties added.

Your cat should be fed food that’s dry on a regular basis. As kittens, cats need moist food to accommodate small teeth. Once they grow up though, dry, harder food will strengthen their teeth and keep them clean. Try also mixing together dry and wet food if you’ve got a picky cat.

TIP! Your cat needs love and attention. They want the same level of companionship that they give to you as their owner.

If you are worried about your cat contracting rabies, catching fleas or being exposed to fungus, you should not let him go outdoors. While it is true that even an indoor cat can contract illnesses, they are more prevalent with cats who frequently go outdoors.

All animals can get parasites, and cats are no exception. Parasites will remain with your cat until taken care of. By using the advice shared here, you can help your pet to remain parasite free. Saving your cat from these pesky creatures will benefit your cat and your peace of mind.