Cats are great, but they can also make expensive pets. Vet expenses, toys, cat litter and food add up. This article gives information about some ways you can keep your cat cheaper and easier.
Cats enjoy finding small spaces to fit into. If they are wearing a collar this can pose a safety risk, in the event that your cat gets stuck. The advantage to a breakaway type collar is that if enough pressure is put on it, it will just let go rather than strangle the cat. This could save your cat’s life if the collar gets caught in some branches.
Check out your local animal shelter before you purchase a cat. Shelters have plenty of great cats in them and adoption fees are usually very affordable. Adopting a pet shelter benefits the cat population.
Make sure that your cat is always well groomed. Cats have to be brushed or combed on a regular combings. Doing this frequently can help you keep their coats clean. It will also limit shedding and can cut down on hairballs.
When your female cat is old enough, you should have her spayed. Even if you have an indoor female cat, if it escapes when it’s in heat it could get you a bunch of kittens you weren’t planning on having. Spray your cat so that this does not occur.
Be sure your cat has regular vet visits. Cats need routine shots and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations. Cats should visit the vet right away if there are injuries or health problems that don’t go away.
Don’t try using dog portions for your cat. Cats usually react negatively to any products intended for dogs. This will especially true if it’s a product for fleas. Flea products that are intended for a dog can be fatal to a cat.
It’s very important to get your cat microchipped. Even indoor cats get out sometimes. Although collars and tags are beneficial, some cats may even wiggle out of them. You can use a microchip instead; you can store your contact information in the chip and it will not bother your cat. Most organizations that deal with animal care can scan your cat for microchips, and because they are implanted, they won’t get lost.
Deter your cat from chewing on inappropriate things by spraying them with bitter apple. If the cat likes to chew on cords, try to cover as many of them as possible. You can do this by bundling them and tucking them in the rolls that are used for paper towels.
Think about having a microchip inserted in your feline friend. Even an indoor cats may get out of a door or leap through a window. Collars or tags can identify your cat, however cats are experts at wiggling out of these, and they are also at risk of getting hung up on something. A teeny microchip will hold your contact information to reach you and it’s only about as big as a piece of rice.
Try to figure out why your cat meows. Once you become familiar with your cat and its needs, it will become easier to determine what he needs when he meows. It could be she’s hungry or needs to go outside. Look for the cues and you’ll be much more in tune with your pet.
Cats can tend to be more nocturnal tendencies. They get very active at nighttime. This can keep them from waking you up at night and from pouncing on feet under the cats away while you’re trying to sleep because they won’t be jumping all over you.
You may be able to find better deal on your cat’s prescription online instead of purchasing them from the veterinarian. In an emergency, you may not have the choice to purchase meds over the Internet, such as a health emergency. However, if your pet gets regular prescriptions for a chronic or ongoing issue, you can save huge amounts by getting medication via the Internet.
Use a brush on your cat regularly. It helps with blood flow, and it also moves the natural oils around in the fur. It will also minimize hair loss. Avoid the choking that can be a result of hairballs which slowly build up as your cat grooms himself.
If you get a cat for your kids, discuss this with them before bringing the cat home. Let your children know which rooms their cat to go into. Setting up rules ahead of time can help your children understand.
Consider buying your cat a fountain to drink from.Cats react better to a stream of water. Cats will even drink from a running sink and actually prefer it over the water in their bowl. A fountain designed for your cat is the wild.
Take your cat for vaccinations often to make sure he or she is healthy. Kids need shots, and so do cats. Treat your cat as if it were a member of the family.
Litter Box
Pay attention if your cat won’t use the litter box. There are many health issues that can cause your cat to use the restroom in places other than their own litter box. A variety of infections and kidney disease can cause your cat to stay away from the reason for its bathroom problems. Speak with your vet if you have a cat that has these issues.
Some foods that you enjoy as a human aren’t any good for your cat. Examples of problem foods include garlic, green tomatoes, onions and grapes. These items can make your cat very ill. Even a commonly fed food, milk, can make your kitty ill.
Cats are able to smell changes around their environment. Don’t fret if your cat decides to ignore these items at first.
If you are planning to go back to work after being home with your cat all the time, your cat can get awfully lonely while you’re away. You can purchase another cat.
Your cat has a remarkable sense of smell, much better than humans. They detect subtle changes in their environment. When you offer a new feeding bowl, cat condo, or bedding, your cat may resist. If the cat doesn’t like it, don’t be alarmed. As the item becomes a part of your home’s natural smell, your cat will become more comfortable with it.
Pets can take a lot of money to care for properly, and this includes cats. Taking care of your cat can sometimes feel like looking after a child. As you can see, it is possible to save money while still taking excellent care of your pet cat.