Although cats can be great pets, they can be quite expensive to take care of. From taking them to the vet to feeding them, it can all add up. The following are a few tips that should help you to find more enjoyable, less expensive ways to care for your cat.

Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Many shelters are overcrowded with lovable and adoptable cats. You really are saving a life and keeping the feline population in check all in one!

TIP! If you want to have the love of a cat, get one from a shelter. Shelters are overflowing with wonderful cats, and the adoption fee usually covers essential vet care.

If your cat is female, it is very important that she be spayed when the vet feels she is old enough. Even if you have an indoor female cat, if it escapes when it’s in heat it could get you a bunch of kittens you weren’t planning on having. If your cat has been spayed, however, you won’t have to worry about this happening.

Your cat needs a collar and tag if it goes outside. Tags can save you a lot of trouble if your cat gets lost. The tag should contain your phone number as well as your cat’s name.

A lot of cat owners have a hard time keeping their cats off the counter. Cats have a natural predilection for staking out a nice elevated place where they have a good view of their surroundings. You may be able to battle this issue by giving your cat a high place to chill. If you don’t want your cats to jump on your counters, you can put a cat condo in or around the kitchen.

TIP! Don’t use dog products on your cats ever. Cats are not the same as dogs, and products meant for dogs can make cats very ill.

Adore your cat! Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you. Similar to people, cats like to socialize and feel as if they are important to their family. They probably would like to feel as though they are a wanted part of the family.

Make a tablecloth for your cats. A lot of time cats will take their food from their bowls to eat it on the food bowl’s side. This can lead to a big clean-up. Think about putting a placemat underneath the bowl or make your own tablecloth out of fabric.

Cats like to be up high. For a truly happy cat, provide a safe place for your cat to survey his surroundings. If you’d rather not invest in a cat tree, simply use a large shelf or bookcase without any breakable items. The cat will especially enjoy it if you put a blanket on top.

Litter Box

If your cats create messes near the litter box, don’t punish them. It might be happening because you aren’t caring for the box good enough. Punishing your cat may cause him to become afraid of you or their litter box.

Feed canned food to your cat. Dry food may cost less, but canned food has more benefits. Canned foods are also richer in fat, proteins and will help hydrate your cat. Aging cats find it makes it much easier to chew. Your vet can give you more information specific to your cat, though canned food is usually better.

TIP! It’s important that you don’t forget your cat and allow them to become bored too easily. They need exercise and they get it through play.

You want your cat to be wearing a collar with ID tags on a full-time basis. Even a cat you plan on always staying indoors should have identification. Cats can slip out a door in a flash. It is a good idea to include your own phone number along with the name and contact number of your veterinarian. This is especially true for cats with medical conditions.

Cats, like all pets, can be expensive. Cats require a lot of care, almost like an actual human child. You can reduce your expenses while still taking the best care for your kitten.