Cats are beautiful creatures, but they do come with a price tag. Vaccinations, toys and check-ups can set you back a lot of money. Check out the tips provided below to gain a little insight on being a responsible cat owner.
Check out your local shelter if you are thinking about getting a cat. Shelters have tons of great cats and their adoption fee will generally cover necessary vet care. Adopting a cat this way helps to save their life and cut down on unwanted animal births.
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. Getting your cat spayed is the best in regards to prevention.
Put a collar on any cats which go outside. Cats sometimes travel a bit when outside, and a tag prevents any mishaps due to your cat being lost. Even if the tag just has your phone number, it can be the difference between your pet coming home and being lost forever.
Contact Information
Microchips are an increasingly popular form of pet protection. Your pet may be an indoor cat, but that doesn’t mean it’ll never dash through your door or slide outside via an open window. Collars and tags can help get your cat home, however cats are experts at wiggling out of these, not to mention the risk they pose if they were to get snagged on a bush or tree branch. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and can hold all of your contact information. Almost every vet and shelter has a scanner these days, and they can retrieve your contact information should they find your pet.
Don’t let your cat’s days pass without stimulation and excitement! Just like dogs, cats need playtime and physical exercise, too. Sadly, many cat owners do not understand the importance of this. A bored cat runs the risk of developing depression and obsessive compulsive disorders that may harm them or something in your home. Provide them with space to exercise and lots of toys to play with. If they’re an indoor cat, get them an object to climb on or a scratching post.
Cats can tend to be more nocturnal than not. Do not be surprised if your cat is very active at night. If your cat’s activities are keeping you awake at night, try keeping your bedroom door shut. This will ensure they don’t pounce on you at nighttime, or wake you up in other ways.
Give your cat lots of attention and love. Most cats crave the same warmth and companionship they give their owners. Cats are social animals and will thrive when they are included in daily activities and life. A cat can feel that he is a valuable, cherished part of their household.
Little kids shouldn’t be left alone near cats. Make sure your child knows how to pet a cat. Teach them what are appropriate activities and how to gently touch it. Feline bones are weaker than those of many other pets, so they must be handled with care.
When purchasing a tiny kitty as gift for the kids, it’s best to establish boundaries well ahead of the arrival. Tell your kids which rooms the cat is allowed in. Make sure that your children know if the cat is strictly an indoor cat. This will ensure nothing bad happens.
Reconsider having an outdoor cat. This can be something that isn’t very safe for a cat. There is a chance your cat can contract fleas or perhaps something much worse. Your cat may be targeted by another animal, or get injured by a vehicle or another person. If letting your cat outdoors is important to you, let them out in a safe fenced area.
Cats, like all pets, can be expensive. You should care for your pet like you would care for a child. These tips make it clear that you can care for your cat appropriately while spending less money.