Cats usually make their owners very happy. However, caring for a cat can be a lot of work and time-consuming. There are a few things that every person who owns a cat needs to know. The following article will explain to you those responsibilities. Read on for much enlightenment.
If you are planning to get a pet cat, be sure to check with your local shelter. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee. A cat gets a new chance at life and the cat population stays in check with adoption.
Your home likely has no small spaces a curious cat won’t want to investigate. They can get caught or stuck if they happen to be wearing a collar. 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. A collar like this could save your cat’s life.
If your cat is a female, it needs to be spayed when it reaches the appropriate age. It is best to spay your cat, even if you want to keep it as an indoor pet. A spayed cat is a safe cat.
Take your cat to the vet every year. Cats need routine annual check-ups and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations. If you notice that your cat appears to be experiencing some sort of illness or injury, do not delay a trip to the vet.
It is a good idea to microchip your cat. Even cats that live their lives entirely indoors can suddenly escape out a window or door. Even if you put a collar or tag on your cat, be careful as they can wiggle out of these very easily and can be dangerous if they get caught on a foreign object like a tree branch. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and can hold all of your contact information. Scanners to read pet microchips are available in every town and they will not come out from under the skin.
Put your cats’ litter box where it is most acceptable to him. You shouldn’t keep it near your pet’s food, and you shouldn’t keep it in an area people walk through a lot. Also be sure that the cat litter area is ventilated so the smell doesn’t linger. You and your cat will greatly appreciate this.
Give your kitty lots of love. Cats are by nature companion animals, but that companionship goes two ways. Cats, just like people, want to feel like a loved part of a family. Socialization is important to them. They want to feel like a contented and satisfied member of the family.
You will often find ways to save money on medication for your cat on the Internet instead of getting it from your vet. There may be times when you cannot purchase medication online, such as in an emergency; however, monthly medication, such as flea medicine, can be bought online. But if you have to regularly buy pet medicine, you can save 50% or more on some medicines by buying online.
The potential benefits of cat ownership are, it’s worth stating again, numerous and wide-reaching. A cat is a serious responsibility as well, though, and you should do your best to take care of its needs. If you’re ready to take the plunge and adopt a feline companion, keep this article’s information handy!
