Although cats can be great pets, they can be quite expensive to take care of. Caring for a cat properly means providing it with proper nutrition, adequate stimulation, health care, and many other necessities; this can become expensive. Here are a few ways that you can still keep your cat and save money while caring for them.
Check with your shelter before you purchase a cat. Sometimes, you may find the cat of your dreams at a shelter. When you bring home a shelter cat, you will be saving its life and you will be doing your part to help out.
If you have an outdoor cat, be sure he or she has a tagged collar. A lost cat is much easier to locate if they are properly tagged. The tag should contain your phone number as well as your cat’s name.
Spray bitter apple on electrical cords. If your cat still prefers to chew on cords, then you have to make sure they stay covered. Use paper towel or wrapping paper rolls to bundle up cords. Electronic items with thin, tempting cords should always be put away when not in use.
Litter Box
The litter box for your cat needs to be in a good location. The litter box should not be kept in an area with a lot of traffic. In addition, it does not need to be near the cat’s food. It is also advisable to keep the litter box area ventilated to control odor. Your cat will certainly appreciate your efforts, and you will too!
You can sometimes find better prices for cat medication online than getting it from your veterinarian. 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.
Cats enjoy being in high places. To make your cat happier, give him a lookout perch where he can check out the area. If you don’t want a large cat tree in your home, a sturdy shelf cleared of breakables will work in a pinch. To make it really special, put a bed or blanket up there too.
You cannot teach a cat to use a litter box. Cats instinctively understand what to do and teaching is not required. 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.
Rotate the variety of food you feed your cat. Keeping the same kind of food around most of the time makes it to where they only want that specific food.
Don’t toss an older scratching post just because it looks worn. When it is in this condition, cats tend to like it the most. There is a good chance if you got rid of it and bought a new one that your cat would start scratching up your furniture.
Purchase good quality food for your cat. Beef, fish or chicken, all great protein sources, should head the list of main ingredients. Don’t choose a food which is mainly corn. Cats are carnivores so it is important for them to get enough animal protein in their diet.
If your cat urinates frequently or outside his box, you may need to talk to your vet. Cats often do such things when suffering from urinary tract infections or other sorts of health issues. Often this problem is quickly and inexpensively cured with a common antibiotic.
When your cat is close to giving birth, provide a spacious area for her. You need to be patient, as it will be three or four hours before all the kittens have been born. You should take your cat to the vet if deliveries lasts for more than five or six hours.
Relocating the litter box can often help curb a problem with cats that refuse to use it. A cat knows that when it’s going to the bathroom it’s in a vulnerable situation, so you should make sure the box is in a calm, secure location. A basement or laundry area might be a good option.
Give the cat a collar with your contact information. Cats who stay indoors could still get out. Do everything possible to make sure your cat is returned safely to you in the event it gets out.
Never use chemicals that have phenol in it near your cat. Lysol, Pine-Sol and many other products contain this chemical. The smell from this chemical is disliked by cats. Also, when exposed to phenol for too long, it can cause issues with their liver.
Cats have a very sensitive nose and can easily detect any changes to their environment. When you give them a new toy, bed, food or scratching post, this can be an issue. Your cat may not initially appreciate a new pet. You cat will adjust as the smells of the new items as they become a regular part of his daily routine.
Did you obtain cat when you did not have a job and you are now returning to work? If so, then your cat is very likely to get bored and lonely. Therefore, in order to keep your cat happy and active, you need to consider obtaining another cat.
Sticky Tape
Put tape on your furnishings. Whenever your cat scratches any upholstery, sticky tape is a great way to dissuade them from doing it again. Your local pet store may carry tape for this. Place sticky tape on your furniture and install a scratching post in order to kick this bad habit.
Despite their independent nature, cats are no less expensive than any other pet. Cats require a lot of care, almost like an actual human child. The tips provided will help you properly take care your cat without breaking the bank.