Cats make great pets, but they can also make expensive pets. From taking them to the vet to feeding them, it can all add up. This article gives information about some ways you can keep your cat while saving money.

Keep your drapery cords out of the reach of your cat. Cats should not be allowed to play with these cords, as they can get parts of their body stuck in the cord loops. It may actually cause them some serious harm. To stop this from happening, pin your drapes and hide them out of sight.

TIP! If you want to have the love of a cat, get one from a shelter. Shelters have lots of great cats available, and your adoption fee often covers key veterinary services.

Properly groom your cat. Cats require frequent brushing or combing. If this is done frequently, your cat’s coat will be much cleaner. It will also cut down on shedding and hairballs. Keep your cat looking at its best by grooming it well.

You should take your cat to the vet on a regular basis to maintain optimum health. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots. Cats need to be seen by a vet right away if there are injuries or health problems that don’t go away.

If you have an outdoor cat, be sure he or she has a tagged collar. Cats enjoy traveling far away, so a tag can help your cat get back home when lost. Even if the tag just has your phone number, it can be the difference between your pet coming home and being lost forever.

TIP! Get your cat to a vet on a regular basis for the best health possible. Most vets recommend yearly check-ups.

Pick the right location for your cat’s litter box. Try and put it in an isolated area away from the cat bowl. Additionally, don’t make the mistake of putting it in a poorly-ventilated area, or the smell will become overpowering. Your kitty will thank you.

Some male cats get urinary crystals, but this is preventable with proper diet. Passing such crystals is a painful experience for your cat, and your wallet isn’t going to enjoy the vet bill. Feed your cat food that is low in magnesium. Go over the label carefully. Avoid fish products.

If you are traveling with a cat in tow, be aware of the noises in your car. You and your cat probably have different ideas about the ideal volume for the car stereo, for instance: Remember that your cat’s hearing is more sensitive than yours. Spare your cat’s sensitive hearing by keeping the volume down at all times.

TIP! Use bitter apple on your electric cords to keep your kitty away from them. If your cat still insists on chewing your cords, try to cover as many of them as possible.

When you purchase a kitten for your child, set rules and boundaries beforehand. Make sure your children are aware of rooms that are open to your cat. Make sure the kids know if your cat is indoors only. Setting the rules in advance will ensure your children understand.

Be careful if you leave a kitten with a young child. If the child is younger than 5, don’t leave them alone with a kitten. They are just not mature enough to understand the danger they can pose for the kitten. As they age, you can determine how much interaction they should have with the animal.

As you can see, cats are not an exception when it comes to the necessity of spending money on on your pets. Cats require a lot of care, almost like an actual human child. As this article has shown, there are many things that must be done to keep your cat happy and healthy.