Sometimes, cats will rack up the bills for you. Medical expenses, toys, food and cat litter can quickly add up. Here are a few ways that you can still keep your cat and save money while caring for them.
Make sure you purchase medicines and treatments specifically for cats. Cats have very strong, negative reactions to products formulated for dogs. When it comes to flea products this is particularly true. Your cat can die when exposed to flea prevention items made for dogs. Actually, it is best to separate the cat from the dog once the flea problem has been treated.
You can also consider outfitting your cat with a chip so you can monitor its whereabouts. Even cats who live completely indoors may someday decide to bolt out the door or escape out of a window. 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. You can use a microchip instead; you can store your contact information in the chip and it will not bother your cat. Most shelters and veterinarians can scan your pet to read the information on the chip, and the chip cannot be lost since it is beneath the skin.
Litter Box
The litter box for your cat needs to be in a good location. Put the litter box in a secluded area, and make sure that it is not near the cat’s food. Also be sure that the cat litter area is ventilated so the smell doesn’t linger. This will keep both you and your cat happy.
Grooming is something that most cats do all the time. If your kitty is a long-haired breed, the result of this might be hairballs. If you’ve got a cat with this issue, get it special types of food. Some foods have special formula for hairball reduction, which will benefit you and your cat.
If you’re looking for good prices on cat medications, check online sources. The prices will usually be substantially better than at your vet. Sometimes you might not have time to wait for an online order to arrive however, such as if your cat needs an immediate antibiotic or emergency treatment. But, for routine medications, this can be a budget-saver.
Cats can be great pets for children, but some younger children may be a bit too rough with cats. Make sure your child knows how to pet a cat. Teach them which activities are good and how to properly pick your cat up. Because cats are more delicate than dogs, they need to be handled more carefully.
Do you have both a dog and a cat? Dogs are known for eating other pet’s food. You should create a feeding space for the cat that is much too high for a dog to get to. Doing this will also help you avoid fights over the water bowl.
Be cautious when leaving a kitten with children. Younger children, especially under 5, cannot be left alone with your cat. Little children do not have the necessary skills yet to handle a pet by themselves. As children get older, decide when they show the maturity to handle a small pet.
You need to buy some quality food for your cat. Read the ingredients, and make sure a source of protein, like fish or chicken, is near the top. Any foods with non-protein sources, such as corn, should be avoided. Your cat is a carnivore, and for proper nutrition, he should have a food high in animal protein in order to keep him at his best.
If your cat urinates frequently or outside his box, you may need to talk to your vet. Cats may show this behavior if they develop an infection of the urinary tract, or some other health issue. Antibiotics will often do the trick if it is an infection.
Aired Cat
If you are considering a long-haired cat breed then you should also consider the extra maintenance required. Long-haired cats are beautiful animals, but keep in mind that they will shed everywhere in your home. Do not choose a long-haired cat unless you can commit to the added cleanup. They can also have more health issues due to hairballs.
If a cat is about to give birth, provide them an area that’s spacious. The kittens will arrive within three or four hours, so try to be patient. When six hours passes, get to the vet immediately.
Chemicals containing phenol shouldn’t be anywhere near your cat. This chemical is often in Lysol and certain other regular household cleaners. The smell from this chemical is disliked by cats. Also, when exposed to phenol for too long, it can cause issues with their liver.
Do not give cat medications intended 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 cats medication meant for humans is very dangerous and could even kill them.
If your find that your cat is panting, pay attention. Panting is normal for a dog. Panting can be an indicator of health problems in your cat. Call your vet, especially if you cat has a history of respiratory problems.
Pets can take a lot of money to care for properly, and this includes cats. There are so many things to do that it is akin to having a child. These tips make it clear that you can care for your cat appropriately while spending less money.