Cats are great, but they’re not cheap to take care of. Between vet bills, cat food and litter and cat toys, you may need to reconsider if you can afford a cat. Check out the tips provided below to gain a little insight on being a responsible cat owner.
If you want to add a cat to your family, go to the shelter first to see what is available. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee. When you adopt a cat from a shelter, you save a life and help keep the cat population under control.
Regular visits to the vet will make sure that you cat is as healthy as he can be. They should go in for a routine check-up at least once a year, possibly more if they need important shots. If there are obvious issues with your cat, it needs to see the vet immediately. Don’t wait!
Your cat needs a collar and tag if it goes outside. Cats sometimes travel a bit when outside, and a tag prevents any mishaps due to your cat being lost. You have to be sure you have your pet’s name and number written on the tag.
Cats can use their claws to destroy furniture and other parts of the house. If you have a cat that is wreaking havoc, buy a scratching post. Encourage them to scratch that instead. This solution might take time to take, but it will help in the end.
A lot of cat owners have a hard time keeping their cats off the counter. Cats love being up high so that they can see. Making a place high-up for your cat can solve this issue. A carefully placed cat tower in the kitchen will keep cats away from the counter.
Grooming is something that most cats do all the time. If the cats hair is too long, this is what causes hairballs. Buy special food in order to help that problem. Some foods contain extra oils and nutrients, specifically designed to prevent or diminish hairball concerns.
Though a veterinarian will almost always have a supply of medications that your cat needs, it can be more cost-effective to purchase them from online venues. Naturally, some stuff won’t be available online. But, if your cat is on a regular medication, you can save quite a bit by buying it online.
Cats like to be up high. Your cat will be truly happy if you provide a place for him to view his surroundings. If a cat tree is not your style, clear off a sturdy shelf that he can jump up on. For an additional treat, put a little bed or blanket in there, too.
Don’t think that you can teach a cat to use its litter box. This is a natural instinct that cannot be taught. Many people believe that taking your cat to the box and rubbing their paws in the litter is a good idea, but it may actually traumatize them.
To avoid having a picky cat, switch up the kinds of foods you give him. If you feed them the same thing day in and day out, it will be the only thing that they are able to eat later on down the road.
Are you overwhelmed by cat hair? Cats shed frequently; therefore, you need to brush them on a regular basis. If your cat is a big shedder, you definitely want to brush him often. This can also prevent their coat from becoming matted or tangled.
Caring for your cat is fun but it can also be a lot of work. Cats require a lot of care, almost like an actual human child. Fortunately, you have many options for providing essential care to your cat.