Cats make great pets, but caring for them can be costly. From taking them to the vet to feeding them, it can all add up. The following tips can help you maximize your happiness without breaking your wallet.
Don’t give a cat a dog’s product. This can irritate your cat or cause an allergic reaction. This warning applies to products for getting rid of fleas. Dog products that are flea related can kill a cat. You need to separate your pets when you treat them for fleas.
Spray bitter apple on electrical cords. If your cat still prefers to chew on cords, then you have to make sure they stay covered. Loose cords can be bundled and tucked inside old paper towel rolls. Personal electronic devices should be stored when not needed to keep their cords out of reach.
Place a “tablecloth” under your cat’s food bowl. Cats like to make a mess when they eat. This can result in a mess that needs to be cleaned up. An easier way to do that is to either buy a placemat and put it underneath the cat bowl, or to cut a bit of fabric to use as a tablecloth that you can pick up and wash or shake over the garbage can.
Don’t let your cat go outside. Your cat might not be safe outside. Your cat may get fleas or have other problems. Your cat might be injured by people, other animals and even vehicles on the road. Cage in an area for a cat in your backyard if they must go outside.
Do you happen to own both a dog and a cat? That dog will really love stalking (and eating) that cat food. You should create a feeding space for the cat that is much too high for a dog to get to. This will ensure they don’t fight over food or water, too.
Seek the advice of others if you have a cat that’s giving you problems. You can solve most problems by yourself, but you might benefit from the experience of others. Your vet is a great source of advice, or you can find forums on the Internet to connect with other cat owners.
Don’t stress yourself out about instructing your cat on proper litter box usage. This is not something that needs to be taught. In fact, it comes naturally for them. A common misconception is to rub your cats paws into the kitty litter however this isn’t a good idea.
Make sure your cat has identification and a collar all the time. This is necessary even for an indoors pet. Cats are naturally curious and a door or window that’s open invites exploration. Tags that list your contact number and vet’s name need to be worn. This is particularly important if you have a cat with medical needs.
It may be time to take your cat to see the vet if it begins urinating more frequently and in places besides its litter box. Cats often do such things when suffering from urinary tract infections or other sorts of health issues. A potentially serious illness can be prevented with some inexpensive antibiotics.
Do you see cat hair everywhere you look? Since cats shed so much, you must remember to brush them regularly. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him just as much. This will also help their coat from getting tangled or matted.
As you can see, cats are not an exception when it comes to the necessity of spending money on on your pets. 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.