Although cats can be great pets, they can be quite expensive to take care of. If you are unprepared for the costs, challenges, and care associated with raising a cat, you are not likely to have a good experience. Check out the tips provided below to gain a little insight on being a responsible cat owner.
Taking your cat in for regular check-ups at the veterinarian’s office is part of being a responsible pet owner. Cats need special shots to keep them from getting sick, and the veterinarian will check your cats overall health. Try keeping the same vet throughout your cat’s life. They will learn your cat’s history best.
Keep your older cat comfortable by placing a heated tile underneath its bed. Use a terra cotta tile to help relieve your cat’s aches and pains; put it in the oven on low heat – 200 degrees or so – for 15 minutes. Wrap it tightly in a towel and place it under the cat bed. If you want, change it now and then so the warmth continues.
You should get your cat a tagged collar, even if it is not legally required. Cats can travel a long way and this will help you get them back easier if they’re lost. You have to be sure you have your pet’s name and number written on the tag.
Do not allow your cat to get an electrical shock. Spray them with bitter apple, and they will stay away. If your cat likes to chew cords, hide the cords as best you can. Use paper towel or wrapping paper rolls to bundle up cords. Personal electronic devices should be stored when not needed to keep their cords out of reach.
Cats love to play on kitchen counters, and it can be hard to break them of the habit. Cats enjoy heights, as they can monitor events from their perch. You can try to combat this problem by designating some high-up places for your cat to hang out. Your cat will not go on your counters if there’s a cat tower close to the kitchen.
Think about having a microchip inserted in your cat. Indoor cats can slip out an open door. Cats can get out of a collar or, worse, have that collar choke them to death. A microchip, on the other hand, is inserted near your cat’s shoulder blades, takes only a second to do, and all of your current contact info can be read through the chip. 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.
Male felines tend to have a build-up of crystals that present in the urine, so you need to avoid this with proper nutrition. If they have to pass the crystals it can cause the cat a lot of pain and paying a vet to help with this can cost you a lot of money. Make sure your cat’s food is not high in magnesium. Check the label. Poultry products are typically lower in magnesium than fish products.
Find cat medicine online if you want to get discounts. You can’t always get it online. But if you have to regularly buy pet medicine, you can save 50% or more on some medicines by buying online.
Try and figure out why kitty is meowing. After living with your cat for long, it’s easier to interpret its meows. The cat might want something to eat, or just to go outside. Watch their cues to learn more about them.
Is your pet’s scratching post starting to look beat up? Don’t toss it out! When a post is worn, your cats may enjoy it more. If you throw it away too soon, that cat may look to your furniture for some clawing while it slowly breaks in a new scratching post.
Your cat should be given food from a can. While dry food is less expensive, canned food is healthier. Canned food provides more water content for your cat as well as more fat and protein. For aging cats, it is also easier to chew. Be sure to ask your vet about your pet’s food; however, canned food is usually the best for your cat.
Cats are one of many pets that are pricy to care for. It’s so much work, it rivals raising a child! As this article has shown, there are many things that must be done to keep your cat happy and healthy.