Although cats make great pets, they can be expensive. Vet bills, toys, cat litter and food add up. This article has ideas you can use to make living with a cat cheaper and easier.
You never want to leave the cords of your drapes dangling down. Don’t let the cat play with them since they can jump into them or play with them and get them around their neck if they have loops. This accident could trap or injure your cat, or even be fatal. Make sure that the cords are completely out of sight.
It’s crucial that your pet gets checkups from your vet regularly. Your cat should have regular well visits, as well as all the recommended vaccinations for his age. Try to keep the same vet during the life of your pet. They will understand your cat and its issues better this way.
Cats love to squeeze into tiny spaces. If your cat is such a curious one, wearing a collar is a safety risk, as your feline might get stuck because of it while exploring. A collar that is a breakaway model will detach itself if it gets pulled on. A collar like this could save your cat’s life.
Put a heated tile beneath the bed of an older cat. You should heat a terra cotta tile with your oven, at about 200 degrees, for around fifteen minutes. Keep this underneath your cat’s resting space for extra warmth. If possible, re-heat several times throughout the night.
Regular vet visits are very important for your cat’s health. They should go at least once yearly for a check-up, and more often if they need any shots. Don’t hesitate to take your cat to the vet immediately if you notice anything unusual about their health or if they are injured.
Get a microchip for your cat. Even indoor cats can decide to run away at a moment’s notice, escaping through an open window. A collar and identification tags can help bring your pet back to you. But experts point out that collars that do not snap apart quickly if your cat gets it caught on a branch or even a bush can accidentally strangle your cat. Microchips are as small as a rice grain and have all of your important contact information. Many vets and shelters have scanners that can read these chips and since they lie under their skin, they won’t get lost.
Keep your cat away from boredom. They need exercise and they get it through play. But, too many cat owners fail to realize this. Cats who get bored can actually become depressed or display other undesirable behaviors. Give them plenty of space to roam and provide them with toys to give them some exercise. If they stay indoors make sure they have a scratching post for climbing.
Think over whether or not you should let your cat go outdoors. This can put your cat in an unsafe position. The cat can get fleas or something much worse. They might get injured by some other animals, vehicles, or people. If you allow your cat outside, make sure you live in a reasonably safe area.
Do you have both a dog and a cat? Dogs will generally try to eat the cat’s food whenever the opportunity comes along. Because of this, you should make the place that your cat food is in higher up so that the dog cannot reach it. The added benefit is that you will prevent fights over the other animals food and water when one of them runs out.
Speak to your peers about your cat issues. You can solve most problems by yourself, but you might benefit from the experience of others. Participate in online discussion boards for cat owners, or pick up the telephone and speak with your vet.
Litter Box
Never try to teach a cat how to work a litter box. They will do it on their own and don’t need to be taught. Some cat owners believe they should expose their cat to the litter box and rub its paws into the litter; however, this may actually have the opposite effect and make your cat scared of it.
Rotate the variety of food you feed your cat. By giving them one kind of food all the time, it will be all they want to eat.
Feed canned food to your cat. Dry food may cost less, but canned food has more benefits. Canned food will give your cat more water, fat and protein. Aging cats will find it easier to chew. You should ask your vet for some recommendations if you are not sure what kind of food to get.
Dogs wag tails out of joy. Cats wag their tails, but definitely not for the same reason. Tail wagging in a cat usually indicates a mental conflict that your cat is mulling over, such as deciding whether to flee or attack. If you are petting your cat and its tail begins to wag vigorously, stay away from the cat. It may be ready to attack you.
Pets can be expensive to care for, and cats are no exception. They need a lot of help, and it can be just like caring for a small child at times. You should apply the tips you just read, and do your best to be a responsible cat owner.