A well-tended cat is a family member, just as beloved as the two-legged variety. For that reason, you need to do anything you can so prevent them from getting fleas, ticks or any other parasite. Parasites can compromise your pet’s health. Keep reading to learn some great information about cat care.

Keep drape cords away from cats. These can cause your cat to choke if they get a hold of it. This could lead to a severe injury or even death. It is highly recommended that you keep all drape cords pinned in such a way that the cat can’t see them so as to prevent any accidents.

If you have an old cat, you can help make its bed more comfortable by placing heated tiles underneath it. Just heat a one-foot square terra cotta tile in your oven at about 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Put it inside an old towel, then place it beneath the cat’s bed. Replace it every three hours or so.

Cats will be up during the night more often than not. It is likely that they will want to play while you are sleeping. One way to deal with a kitten’s playful activity at night is just to shut your door. This should help them from waking you during the night, pouncing on your feet under the covers.

Keep your cat’s litter box in the right location. It should not be placed in a high traffic area, and it should be far away from the cat’s food. Also, minimize the smell by making sure it is a well ventilated area. This will keep both you and your cat happy.

Make sure that you never neglect your cat. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you. Like most people, cats like to socialize and feel that they are included in the family. They probably would like to feel as though they are a wanted part of the family.

A cat generally spends quite a bit of time grooming itself. When the cat’s hair is longer, this could lead to hairballs. Buy special food in order to help that problem. Some foods have special formula for hairball reduction, which will benefit you and your cat.

Male felines tend to get crystals in the urine that can be prevented with proper diet. The cat is in pain passing the crystals, and the correction for this is costly. Choose foods low in magnesium for your cat. Read the label on any food you choose. Products including fish have a higher magnesium content then poultry based products.

Try not to let your cat go outside. Going outdoors isn’t very safe for a domesticated cat. You cat can get fleas and contract diseases. 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.

Don’t think that you can teach a cat to use its litter box. This is not something that needs to be taught. In fact, it comes naturally for them. A lot of people think that they can take their cat and try to rub their cat’s paws on the litter, but this may just traumatize the cat.

Brush your cat’s coat often. It really helps move natural oils around the cat’s fur, and it improves blood flow. Furthermore, it helps reduce all the loose hair. This helps prevent hairballs, which can lead to choking and other health issues.

Cats can have medical problems, just like humans. These pests will stay on your cat unless you do something about it. Get rid of these parasites by using these helpful tips. Your pet will be glad you did.