Caring for a cat is a lot of work, even though they make great pets. Between vet bills, cat food and litter and cat toys, you may need to reconsider if you can afford a cat. Here are a few ways that you can still keep your cat and save money while caring for them.
Regular veterinary checkups are important for the health of your cat. Cats need to get shots so they don’t get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay. For the most consistent pet care, choose one veterinarian and stick with them. Your veterinarian needs to know about your pet’s history, and your cat will feel more comfortable if you always take her to the same vet.
If your cat is female, you need to get it spayed at the proper age. While your cat may be an indoor one, there is always the possibility it can get out and you wind up with kittens one day. Having your cat spayed helps to control the pet population and will save you time and trouble.
Put a cloth down in your cat’s eating area. Often cats prefer moving food from a bowl onto the floor to eat. That can mean a bigger mess for you to clean. Use a placemat under your cat’s bowl or cut some fabric to create a small tablecloth. Shake the placemat or cloth over the garbage regularly.
Think over whether or not you should let your cat go outdoors. Going outdoors isn’t very safe for a domesticated cat. Your cat may pick up some fleas, or worse. Your cat may be targeted by another animal, or get injured by a vehicle or another person. If your cat must be an outdoor cat, limit it to your own backyard.
Make sure that you brush your cat’s coat often. This will help spread the natural oils within their fur while stimulating their skin’s blood flow. It will also remove loose hair. This will help you to avoid hairballs, which may cause your cat to choke. Hairballs are caused when a cat grooms itself.
If your cat does not use the litter box, do not use punishments to try to discipline him. Improper box care on your part causes the mess, not the cat. Punishing the cat will only make him afraid to be around you in the future.
Don’t toss your cat’s scratching post just because it’s starting to look haggard. You may believe that it’s in terrible condition, but cats typically prefer it this way. If you throw it away, you may find your cat scratching on other surfaces.
Canned food is usually the best option for your cat. Dry food is cheaper, but some wet foods have more benefits. Your cat can get more water, fat and protein from canned food. Older cats find it easier to eat, too. Ask your vet, though canned food is often better for your cat.
As you can see, cats are not an exception when it comes to the necessity of spending money on on your pets. Cats generally need a lot of care which can be considered similar to caring for a child. As you now know, you can curtail the expenses of having cats while you still get to enjoy giving them good care.