Sometimes, cats will rack up the bills for you. After paying for shots, toys, cat food, litter and grooming, you may feel like reconsidering your choice to own a cat. These tip can help you keep your cats and save some money while you care for them.

Female cats need to be spayed as soon as they reach the proper age. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant. Spaying your cat is the best way to prevent this from happening.

TIP! Visit your local shelter if you’re thinking about getting a cat. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee.

Try to avoid your cat from becoming bored each day. They need exercise and they get it through play. But many cat owners ignore that need. Cats that are bored may develop obsessive compulsive disorders, depression, or other issues that can harm their health. Spend time playing with them, and go through a variety of toys to find ones they like and will play with while you’re busy, too. Indoor cats will appreciate having a structure they can climb on or a dedicated scratching post.

Being nocturnal is quite normal for cats. It is likely that they will want to play while you are sleeping. If your cats keep you up at night, kick them out of the bedroom. This will ensure you sleep much better, without cats jumping into bed with you.

Cats and small children may not always mix. It is important to show your child how to approach and handle a cat. Demonstrate the appropriate way to pick the cat up and how to play with them. A cat’s bones are not as strong as a dogs, and they should be treated more gently.

TIP! Get your cat to a vet on a regular basis for the best health possible. They should go in for a routine check-up at least once a year, possibly more if they need important shots.

There needs to be set boundaries with your children and a new kitty. Make sure your kids know where the cat can be. If you’re planning on keeping your kitty inside full time, make sure your kids know their pet shouldn’t go outdoors. Setting rules in advances ensures understanding.

Think twice before leaving a child alone with a kitten. Particularly if the children are younger than five, they need supervision. Small children don’t have the mental capacity to understand that certain activities are dangerous to the kitten. As your child matures, carefully consider whether a small pet is safe with them.

If your cats create messes near the litter box, don’t punish them. If this happens, it may be because you have not kept the box as clean as you should. Punishing your cat may cause him to become afraid of you or their litter box.

TIP! Think about having a microchip inserted in your cat. Indoor cats can slip out an open door.

Feeding them lots of different foods can lower their chances of becoming finicky eaters. If they start eating just one type of food without variation, they are sure to grow finicky.

Expect it to take several weeks for your current cat to accept a new cat in the home. They may hide from one another, hiss, or even swat each other. Eventually they will grow accustomed to it and start tolerating or even enjoying each other’s company.

Cat Sheds

TIP! Being nocturnal is quite normal for cats. This means their behavior is quite active during the night.

Do you feel like everywhere you turn you are surrounded by your cats hair? When a cat sheds a lot, brushing is very important. How often and how much your cat sheds can give you a good idea of how often he need to be brushed. This will make your cat’s coat nice and smooth.

There are certain human foods that you should never feed to cats. These include garlic, grapes, green tomatoes and onions. These foods will cause indigestion or much worse for your cat. Milk can also upset your cats’ stomach.

You should try keeping your cat inside or allowing it to go in the backyard. Free-ranging cats who spend most of their time outdoors have a shorter lifespan than those that are raised and accustomed to indoor living. If you want to give your indoor cat some outdoor time, exercise with them. That way, your cat gets some fresh air, sunshine and outdoor scenery without the risks of free-roamers.

TIP! Your cat needs attention and a lot of affection. Cats need companionship as much as we do.

Keep an eye out for panting. Panting is completely normal in dogs. Panting can be an indicator of health problems in your cat. You should be speaking with a vet in case there is a respiratory issue.

If your cat gets hairballs often and you have been brushing her regularly, there are other things that may help. Mix in a few pinches of pumpkin into your cat’s food. A teaspoon of tuna can water can be mixed with it for flavor’s sake. Some cat foods also contain a component for anti-hairballs, generally extra fiber, which may resolve the problem.

Beginning a new job out of the house can have an impact on your cat. You can avoid both boredom and loneliness by getting another cat.

TIP! Cats frequently groom themselves. Your cat’s long hair can cause hair balls.

Cats can get the same colds you do. You will probably be able to tell if your cat isn’t at 100 percent. Take your cat to the veterinarian. The vet will be able to let you know if it’s something more serious.

Be aware of holes around your home that your cat can get into. It’s amazing how small a hole has to be before a cat can’t fit. This is especially true of kittens. You will want to especially be wary of these when introducing a new cat to your home. When you find a hole that may be dangerous, make the necessary repairs right away.

Despite their independent nature, cats are no less expensive than any other pet. The care they need is similar to that of children. You can reduce your expenses while still taking the best care for your kitten.