Although cats make great pets, they can be expensive. There are many things you will need to pay for, such as cat litter, food, toys and trips to the vet. With the solid advice below, you will find ways to keep your pet and save some money too.
Visit your local shelter if you’re thinking about getting a cat. Many shelters have more cats than they can handle and the fees associated with adoption take care of vet visits. Besides, adopting a cat from an animal shelter means you are saving this cat’s life.
You need to take your pet to the vet on a regular basis. In addition to checking the health of your cat, a vet can give him any needed shots. Try keeping the same vet throughout your cat’s life. This person will be more knowledgeable on your cat’s history.
Cats like sneaking into small spaces. A collar can become a liability if your cat is especially adventurous. If your pet is wearing a breakaway collar, it’ll detach if it’s pulled too hard. Purchasing one could be the difference between whether your cat lives or dies when he gets stuck.
If you have an old cat, you can help make its bed more comfortable by placing heated tiles underneath it. Use a 12″ terra cotta tile and heat it by putting it in a 200ºF oven for 20 minutes. Use an old towel to wrap it up safely before placing it beneath your cat’s favorite napping spot. Change every few hours if you like.
An outdoor cat must always wear a tag on its collar. Cats can get lost, and they need a tag to be found. At least put your phone number and pets name on the tag.
Cats are nocturnal animals. Thus, the bulk of their activity will occur at night. If you have trouble sleeping because of cats, you may want to close the door to your bedroom. This will keep the cats away while you’re trying to sleep because they won’t be jumping all over you.
Be sure to show your cat affection as much as possible. Your cat will enjoy your company if you pet and play with her. Cats need social time with the family just like people do so that they know that they are valued. Cats want to feel loved and needed.
Cats love to be clean. Your cat’s long hair can cause hair balls. There are foods which help combat this problem. Certain cat foods are made just for decreasing hairballs, benefiting both your cat and yourself.
Cats are generally great with kids, though small kids may be too rough. Spend time instructing your children on cat care. Teach them about appropriate activities and how to gentle pick up the cat. Because cats are more delicate than dogs, they need to be handled more carefully.
Unlike most humans, cats love heights. For very happy cats, give them a safe place where they can look around at their surroundings. You do not need a big cat tree in the living room; simply provide a solid shelf next to a window. For an extra treat, place a blanket or small bed up there too.
Cat Owners
If your cat experiences major problems, don’t be afraid to talk to other cat owners. Other cat owners may have had experience with what you’re going through right now. There are a number of message boards for cat owners on the Internet, or you can go to your vet with problems.
You shouldn’t be training your cats for litter box use. They do this by nature and don’t need to be taught. Some cat owners believe they should expose their cat to the litter box and rub its paws into the litter; however, this may actually have the opposite effect and make your cat scared of it.
Your cat should be acclimated to a carrier as a kitten. You cannot train a cat the same way you train a dog because they react differently to punishment. Instead, cats are more likely to respond to words of encouragement. Take their favorite blanket and place it within the carrier. Then leave the carrier with the door ajar in a frequented spot. Soon that cat will walk into the carrier on its own. This makes transporting much easier.
Your cat deserves a high quality food. Scrutinize the ingredients closely, and make sure that quality protein sources like chicken, fish and beef are first on the list. If the food uses fillers like corn and other things that are not protein, that’s not a sign of the good nutrition a cat needs. This type of food should be avoided. Cats are carnivores and their diet should reflect that.
Buy your cat a fountain to drink from. Cats like running water in the wild, as well as in the home. Streams of water will attract your cat. You could even consider turning on your sink a few times a day to let your cat drink from the faucet. A drinking fountain is a more environmentally-friendly way to allow them to drink naturally.
Pets can take a lot of money to care for properly, and this includes cats. They need a lot of help, and it can be just like caring for a small child at times. Fortunately, you have many options for providing essential care to your cat.