Cats make great pets, but caring for them can be costly. The cost of vet bills, food, toys, and cat litter are enough to make any person reconsider owning a cat. Here are a few ways that you can still keep your cat and save money while caring for them.
Grooming is an essential part of your cat’s care. Brush your cat’s fur often to help it be shiny and healthy. Such practices help keep cats’ coats clean. It also stops hairballs. In order to keep shed hair down to a minimum, plus have a beautiful cat, you must groom your cat regularly.
Take your cat to the vet every year. They should have a routine check-up once a year or more if important shots are due. If there are obvious issues with your cat, it needs to see the vet immediately. Don’t wait!
Be cautious about using canine products on your feline friend. Some can be quite dangerous, and even deadly, when used on a cat. This is particularly true when it comes to flea treatments. Flea products meant for dogs can seriously harm or kill a cat. Your cat needs to be away from the dog after your dog has received a flea treatment.
It’s very important to get your cat microchipped. Even an indoor cat may find a way out of your home. A collar with tags increases your chances of getting your cat back if it gets lost but it can also be a risk, for instance if it gets snagged in some branches. A microchip, on the other hand, is inserted near your cat’s shoulder blades, takes only a second to do, and all of your current contact info can be read through the chip. Most organizations that deal with animal care can scan your cat for microchips, and because they are implanted, they won’t get lost.
Check prices online for your cat’s medication to see if they are cheaper than at your vet’s office. When an emergency strikes, however, you may not have the option of buying medications on the Internet. But, for routine medications, this can be a budget-saver.
Create a tablecloth for the feline. Cats will sometimes pluck food from the bowl and enjoy it straight off the ground. This can result in you having to clean up food outside its bowl if you don’t use a tablecloth. Simply place a cloth placemat that will grab at the food under their plate and then shaken out over the trash. You can put a vinyl one underneath that can be picked up wiped down easily if you prefer.
Litter Box
Make sure that you do not instruct your cat on using the litter box. Using the litter box will come naturally to your cat. Don’t try to force them into the litter box by rubbing their paws or face in it.
There is more care to consider with long-haired cats. Long-haired cats shed constantly, and the fur ends up on your clothing, floors, and everything else in your home. Realize the extra effort needed to keep a long-haired cat. Also, cats with long hair tend to have frequent hairball issues.
Do you feel like everywhere you turn you are surrounded by your cats hair? Cats shed frequently; therefore, you need to brush them on a regular basis. When you see them shedding more than normal, that’s a great time to brush them. Brushing will also keep their coat in good shape.
Make sure you provide adequate space to a cat that is about to give birth. Labor can last as long as four hours, so stay patient. When six hours passes, get to the vet immediately.
If you are having problems getting the cat to use the litter box, move it. Cats perceive using the bathroom as an activity that makes them vulnerable, so moving the litter box to a less-trafficked area means your cat is more likely to use it. A couple of good places to put your cat box are your basement and laundry room.
Every cat should have a collar with his name on it, the owner’s name, and a phone number. This should be done even with an indoors cat. The animal could get out. If this occurs, you should ensure you do all you can to get your cat back.
Don’t give your cat medicine that is meant for humans. If you have a sick cat it is best to take them to someone who specializes in animal sickness, such as a veterinarian. Giving your pet medication that was meant for you can hurt them pretty seriously and it may even cause death.
Cats’ powerful olfactory abilities mean that they can smell changes in their home. This can lead to issues when you introduce something new, such as a new toy, bed, or food dish. Your cat will probably not like these items immediately; therefore, be patient. After your cat adjusts to the new scent, they’ll be more interested in the new object.
One easy way to prevent a lot of potential feline health problems down the road is to refrain from over-feeding your cat. Overfeeding your cat may cause it to become obese and develop serious medical issues. Be sure they are not only eating balanced food, but that they are also eating appropriate proportions.
Cats may be affected by the same illnesses humans get. You see your cat each day, so you should develop an intuition about when it is sick. It’s crucial that you have them checked by a vet. That will ensure that it is a small infection, rather than a serious issue.
Pets can be expensive to care for, and cats are no exception. Cats require so much attention and care you would swear they are as needy as human children are. As you can see, it is possible to save money while still taking excellent care of your pet cat.
