Frequently Asked Questions for Cats

  • Where can I buy Hartz UltraGuard® and Hartz® Pet Defender Plus™ products?

    Hartz UltraGuard® and Hartz® Pet Defender Plus™ products can be found in grocery stores, supercenters, mass retailers, online, etc. You can check where your favorite product is sold using our Where To Buy feature.

  • What is the benefit of Hartz Pet Defender?

    Hartz Pet Defender utilizes the same active ingredients as Frontline Plus but at a more affordable price. This product has been proven to kill fleas and ticks including the tick species that transmits Lyme disease.

  • How long does a Hartz UltraGuard® Flea and Tick topical or Hartz® Pet Defender Plus™ work for?

    One tube/application of Hartz UltraGuard® or Hartz® Pet Defender Plus™ Topicals provides one month of protection.

  • What age should my cat be to be given a toy?

    Toys can be given to pets as soon as they show interest in playing (usually about 4-6 weeks old) and toys can help build coordination and motor skills in young pets.

  • Can I order cat toys from your website?

    Hartz is a manufacturer and does not sell directly to consumers. Our website was designed for informational purposes.

  • Where can I buy Hartz cat toys?

    Our toys are available in supermarkets, large retail stores and online, among other locations. You can find your cat’s favorite toys by clicking the “where to buy” button on the product detail page on our website.

  • How do you know if a cat is going have an allergic reaction to a topical flea and tick product?

    Unfortunately, this is not an easy question to answer. Your cat can have a reaction to the first exposure to a product, to a later application of the product, or never. While reactions to topical drops are rare, they might result in mild skin irritation. It is important to observe your pet for the first 24 hours and contact your veterinarian if you note any abnormal reactions.

  • Can an indoor cat get fleas?

    Yes, indoor cats can also get fleas. It is very easy for a flea to hitch a ride on your clothing, bottom of shoes, or come in with your dog after he’s been out playing. Therefore, it is important to use preventative products such as Hartz¨ UltraGuard Pro¨ Flea & Tick Drops for Cats even if you have an indoor cat.

  • I have a young kitten that already has fleas. How old does a kitten have to be before I can use one of your flea and tick products?

    Kittens must be at least 12 weeks old in order to use any of our flea and tick products.

  • I have a 16 year old cat, is she too old for topical flea and tick treatments and, if so, what do you recommend I should do now to control her fleas?

    We do not recommend using Hartz® UltraGuard™ Flea & Tick products on aged cats without the consultation of a veterinarian. Please work with your vet so they can determine which product is best to use on your cat.

    You can, however treat your home environment with Hartz® UltraGuard Plus™ Flea & Tick Home Spray to kill fleas that are around your home and prevent new ones from developing. Additionally, vacuuming will help to reduce flea eggs that develop into adult fleas.

    If your cat goes outdoors, you can treat your yard with Hartz® UltraGuard™ Yard Spray. This will provide you with an additional layer of protection for your cat. Be sure all products have dried before you allow your cat back into the area.

  • What if my cat licks or grooms itself after I’ve applied any flea and tick product?

    It is important to apply the product in a location that your cat cannot easily reach while grooming. It is also recommended that you prevent your cat from grooming immediately after product application. If your cat does happen to groom itself, you may see some drooling or foaming at the mouth due to the product taste. If these signs continue or become more severe, contact your veterinarian.

  • What if my cat drinks some of the bath water during the bath?

    If your cat does get a few drinks of the water before you can stop it, this should not likely cause a problem because the bath water will have diluted the shampoo. However, it is possible to have some gastrointestinal upset (vomiting or diarrhea) from the soap in the shampoo usually within 24 to 48 hours of the bath. Contact your veterinarian if the signs persist for longer than 48 hours or if they become worse.

  • Can I use your flea and tick products on a pregnant cat?

    No, it is not recommended to use our flea and tick products on pregnant cats; read the product labels for full precautions.

  • Should I be concerned about mosquitoes biting my cat?

    Yes, mosquitoes are not only a nuisance but they can also carry diseases. Most concerning is their ability to transmit feline heartworms. Hartz recommends the use of Hartz® UltraGuard Pro® or Hartz® UltraGuard Plus™ to kill and repel mosquitoes on contact.

  • How do I know if my cat has ear mites?

    Ear mites are barely visible to the naked eye; however, here are some symptoms to look for:

    • Head shaking or carrying the head tilted to one side.
    • Excessive scratching at the ears (there may be sores around the ears).
    • Dark brown to black crusty discharge in the ears.
    • Difficulty hearing – especially if combined with other signs.
  • How many different types of intestinal worms can attack my cat?

    As a cat owner, it’s important to know about the different types of worms and their potential effects on your cat’s health. The most common are roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and whipworms. See Intestinal parasites and your cat

  • How does my cat become infected with intestinal worms?

    How your pet becomes infected depends on the type of worm. Kittens may become infected with roundworms while in uterus, thus they are already infected at birth. Otherwise, they can become infected through their mother’s milk. This is also true of hookworms. To become infected with Tapeworms cats need to ingest an infected flea. See Intestinal parasites and your cat

  • Why does my cat need toys?

    Cats are ultimate hunters and toys help alleviate boredom in your cat and help direct instinctive prey-chasing behaviors into a manner that is more acceptable for indoor playtime. Engaging in playful activities with your cat also provides her with an opportunity for exercise, of which most indoor cats are in desperate need, as well as presents the opportunity for you to bond with your pet. It is recommended to rotate the toys that your feline plays with each day to keep your cat stimulated, happy and healthy.

  • Is it okay if children play with dog and cat toys?

    Hartz toys are designed specifically for cats and dogs and are not approved for use by children. We do have toys designed specifically for interaction; however young children should always be supervised during playtime with pets.

  • What are the best toys for my cat?

    By adding toys to your cat’s environment, you provide the necessary stimulation to keep them physically active and mentally engaged. Hartz cat toys are developed with a deep understanding of feline play behavior to help your cat get the most out of playtime! We, as pet parents, are attuned to their needs, some cats may have one favorite way of playing while others alternate among several types of play.

    However you decide to incorporate play into your feline’s daily routine, Hartz has extensively researched and identified four primary cat play patterns:

    Hunt: Stimulates cats’ natural hunting instincts, bringing out their role as predators.

    Swat: Entices cats to manipulate objects with their paws to help build coordination.

    Interact: Creates a strong bond between owners and pets, and makes playtime more stimulating and dynamic.

    Explore: Engages cats’ many natural instincts to help keep cats fit, agile and satisfied.

  • How do you ensure the safety of your cat toys?

    Although our toys are designed with your feline in mind and constructed with high standards each cat is an individual so it is important to supervise your pet during play, no matter how comfortable your feline is with the toy. Nearly any toy can pose a hazard in one way or another, so you must monitor your cat’s interaction with every toy. Over time, you will learn which toys your cat can handle without close supervision, which toys are alright only for a short time, and with which toys your pet gets very rough (these should be removed if excessive wear or damage occurs).

  • What are phthalates, do your toys contain them?

    Phthalates, or phthalate esters, are esters of phthalic acid and are mainly used as plasticizers (substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility). Our toys are tested at certified, independent testing facilities to assure that the toy meets government safety guidelines for phthalate content.

  • Where are Hartz® cat toys made?

    Hartz produces many of its toys in China. Hartz has a long history of producing quality cat toys and as such works with trusted vendors, most of whom we have worked with for many years. Our quality-control team inspects all finished goods to ensure procedures are in compliance with our quality standards.

  • What happens if a piece of a cat toy is ingested?

    It depends on the size of the piece and the size of the pet. Pets can easily swallow something that would never make it through their entire system. If you suspect your pet may have ingested a piece of a toy it is best to consult your veterinarian.

  • Why does label say to “supervise pet”?

    Although our toys are designed with your animal in mind and constructed with high standards each pet is an individual – even pet of similar size and breed will have very different play patterns. For example, a plush toy in the mouth of a tough chewer could be demolished in a matter of minutes. Play behaviors also change as your dog adapts to each individual toy, so it is important to supervise your pet during play, no matter how comfortable your dog is with the toy. Nearly any toy can pose a hazard in one way or another, so you must monitor your pet’s interaction with every toy. Over time, you will learn which toys your pet can handle without close supervision, which toys are alright only for a short time, and with which toys your pet gets very rough (these should be removed).

  • What is recommended serving of this dental treat and is it possible for my pet to have too many?

    To get the maximum dental benefit we recommend five treats twice daily. There is no danger in giving your cat more than the recommended daily amount, however, this is a treat and is only intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding.

  • What are the calories per treat?

    1.1 Calories per treat

  • At What age is it safe for me to give my kitten this treat?

    As long as your kitten is on solid foods it is safe for them to have a treat. Please keep in mind, this is a treat and is only intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding and should not be the sole source of their diet.

  • How can you be sure there is no lead in your toys?

    Our toys are tested at certified, independent testing facilities to assure that the toy meets government safety guidelines for lead content.

  • Do you test for salmonella?

    Hartz® attention to quality is evident in the way our products are produced. Hartz® employs a stringent production control process to assure the highest quality products. All Oinkies® products are manufactured in facilities certified to internationally recognized food safety standards, where routine Salmonella testing is an integral part of our quality assurance program.