Cats aren’t cheap to keep healthy and happy. After paying for shots, toys, cat food, litter and grooming, you may feel like reconsidering your choice to own a cat. The following are a few tips that should help you to find more enjoyable, less expensive ways to care for your cat.

It can be hard to make your cat stay off the counter. A cat will naturally want to be high enough to view everything around them. One way to combat this behavior is to proved your cat with an elevated place it is okay to climb on. For example, give them a cat tower nearby.

TIP! Drape cords should be kept distant from cats. Do not let your cat play with these.

Don’t let your cat get frequently bored. Cats need stimulation. Too many cat owners forget this simple fact. Bored cats can become depressed and inactive, causing harm to their well-being. Make sure your cats have a wide variety of toys and plenty of room for active play. An indoor cat needs a good scratching post.

Cats appreciate all the affection you can give. Cats need just as much companionship as they give out. Cats are social animals and will thrive when they are included in daily activities and life. Your cat wants to be as much a member of the family as anyone else.

You may be able to find a better deal on your cat’s prescription online instead of purchasing them from your veterinarian. When an emergency strikes, however, you may not have the option of buying medications on the Internet. But, if your cat is on a regular medication, you can save quite a bit by buying it online.

TIP! Though things may appear to be fine, you should always schedule regular medical checkups for your feline pet. In addition to checking the health of your cat, a vet can give him any needed shots.

If you’re taking kitty on a road trip, don’t play loud music. You cat is used to being at home and it might shock him to hear you singing at the top of your lungs. Spare your cat’s sensitive hearing by keeping the volume down at all times.

Before you consider buying a kitten for your children, make sure clear boundaries are set before you bring the kitten home. Make sure your kids know where the cat can be. If you want your cat to stay indoors, then the children must understand the seriousness of never letting it out. Your children will be able to understand the rules more easily if they know them ahead of time.

Why is your cat meowing? If you stay around a cat for a period of time you will figure out what their verbal cues mean. She could be signaling that she is hungry, or she might want to go outside. Getting to know your cats cues will help you to interpret her meows.

Cat Owners

When something seems amiss with your feline friend, speak with other cat owners. Other cat owners may have had experience with what you’re going through right now. The Internet will allow you to contact many forums and online communities for cat owners. Don’t forget, your vet’s office can also provide sound advice.

Your cat should like their carrier. Dogs and cats will respond differently to punishment. They need positive reinforcement. Put a favorite blanket and toy in the carrier and leave it open somewhere the cat frequents. The cat will eventually get into it and feel comfy. Once the cat is comfortable with the carrier, you can transport it easily.

TIP! Don’t allow your cat become bored. Cats need to play and get regular exercise.

Keep a breakaway collar and tag on your cat. This applies even to indoor cats. The lure of an open door or window is very attractive to your curious cat. The tag should have your phone number on it. This is also essential if they have specific medical needs.

If you are bringing home a new cat, make sure to give him time to adjust to your current cat. It usually takes about three weeks. They might have conflict, hide from each other or swat one another. However, cats should eventually learn to co-habitate properly.

You should try keeping your cat inside or allowing it to go in the backyard. It is shown that cats trained inside that then spend the majority of their lives inside tend to live longer than cats free to roam the neighborhood. You should go outside with your cat every day to play and exercise.

TIP! Most cats spend a large amount of time on grooming themselves. If your cat has hair that’s long it could get hairballs.

Cats are one of many pets that are pricy to care for. Taking care of your cat can sometimes feel like looking after a child. Fortunately, you have many options for providing essential care to your cat.