As pets, cats are always a great choice, except that they can get a little pricey. Vet bills, toys, cat litter and food add up. Here are a few ways that you can still keep your cat and save money while caring for them.
Don’t let your cat near drape cords. Keep the cat away from these cords as they tend to form loops when the cat is playing around, and it could accidentally go around their neck and strangle them. This accident could trap or injure your cat, or even be fatal. Make sure that the cords are completely out of sight.
Regular visits to the vet will make sure that you cat is as healthy as he can be. They should have a routine check-up once a year or more if important shots are due. Cats must see their vet right away if they start having health issues, injuries or other problems.
Deter cats from shocking themselves on electrical wires by spraying them with bitter apple. If this does not work, make sure you cover the cords. Use paper towel or wrapping paper rolls to bundle up cords. All thin cords should be put up when you’re not using them.
Do not allow your cat to be bored frequently. Play and exercise are both important for cats’ well-being. Unfortunately, a lot of cat owners neglect this. Cats who become bored often have issues that can affect them in a big way. Some of these issues are obesity due to eating out of boredom, OCD issues, fighting with other pets and depression. Provide your cats with the toys and space it needs. If your cat is an indoor cat, a cat tower or scratching post makes an ideal source of fun and exercise.
Most cats tend towards nocturnal behavior. This means that they’re going to be running around more when it gets dark. If your busy kitties are keeping you up into the wee hours, try simply closing your bedroom door. This will ensure they don’t pounce on you at nighttime, or wake you up in other ways.
You can sometimes find better prices for cat medication online than getting it from your veterinarian. You can’t always get it online. It is possible to save up to 50% on certain medications by purchasing them online.
Be especially mindful of your cat’s ears when you take them on a trip. Although you might enjoy jamming to your music, understand that cats prefer peace and quiet. Keep your music off, and talk to your cat instead.
If you get a small kitten for your children, make sure they understand the rules ahead of time. Make sure your kids know where the cat can be. It’s also important to let them know that outside doors must be kept closed so that the cat doesn’t escape. Make sure your children understand the rules from the get go.
Are you the owner of both a dog and cat? Dogs will eat cat food right up. Thus, you must keep cat food out of the dog’s reach. In doing so, you prevent spats and spitting over competition for water.
Keep a breakaway collar and tag on your cat. Even an indoor pet should have this. The lure of an open door or window is very attractive to your curious cat. Include your vet’s info as well as your own on the tags. This precaution is especially important when your cat has an existing medical condition.
Pets can be expensive to care for, and cats are no exception. Cats have complex requirements, which leads many people to compare their needs to those of a small child. As you can see, it is possible to save money while still taking excellent care of your pet cat.