Cats are wonderful pets, but it can be expensive to care for them. If you are unprepared for the costs, challenges, and care associated with raising a cat, you are not likely to have a good experience. Read on to find out what it takes to care for your cat.
If you are planning to get a pet cat, be sure to check with your local shelter. Shelters always have plenty of cats available and adoption fees are usually very affordable. When adopting a shelter cat, you’re saving a life and aiding in controlling the cat population.
Regular visits to the vet will preserve your cat’s health. They should go at least once yearly for a check-up, and more often if they need any shots. Make vet appointments immediately if your cat has a medical condition or has become injured.
Flea Products
Never use any product intended for dogs on a cat. This can irritate your cat or cause an allergic reaction. Be very careful with the flea products you use. These dog flea products can even cause feline death. In fact, it is a good idea to separate your cat and dog for a few hours after your dog has taken flea medication.
You should get your cat a tagged collar, even if it is not legally required. Understand that cats may travel a long distance; therefore, if it gets lost, this tag will assist you and others in finding it. Make sure at a minimum to put your pets name and your phone number on the tag.
Normally cats are nocturnal animals. This refers to the fact that they are usually more active at night. If your busy kitties are keeping you up into the wee hours, try simply closing your bedroom door. They should stay away from you at night and then they will not be able to jump on your feet.
Give your cat plenty of love and affection. Most cats crave the same warmth and companionship they give their owners. Cats have a need to communicate with others to show they are part of the family. This will increase the love that surrounds the family.
You can often find better deals for cat medicine online rather than buying them from the veterinarian. Naturally, some stuff won’t be available online. But, if your cat is on a regular medication, you can save quite a bit by buying it online.
Do you own a dog and a cat? Dogs will eat a cat’s food any time they’re given the chance. Thus, you must keep cat food out of the dog’s reach. This will prevent the two from fighting over the water when the food dishes are empty.
Don’t leave a kitten with small kids. If a child is under the age of five, you should not leave the pet alone with them. Younger children cannot fully understand how to properly handle a small pet. As your children get older, you can decide when to teach them about handling a pet.
Cats enjoy high places. A happy cat is one that has a safe living environment. You can have a cat tree or even a strong wall shelf. Put a blanket on it so they can rest peacefully.
Drinking Fountain
Get a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats that live in the wild like drinking from running water, and they have the same desires in a home. Streams of water will attract your cat. In fact, many cats like to drink from a running faucet instead of drinking from their water bowls. A drinking fountain is a more environmentally-friendly way to allow them to drink naturally.
As soon as you adopt your cat, fit him with identification tags attached to a collar. This is very important for indoor cats. Cats tend to be curious and open doors and windows can be inviting. The tag should have your name and address and also your vet’s. This is also vital if your animal has health issues.
When your cat is close to giving birth, provide a spacious area for her. The birth process can last up to four hours, which means you must exercise patience. If your cat has still not given birth to all her kittens after six hours, get her to a vet right away.
When dogs are excited their tails wag from side to side. A cat wagging its tail can have a very different meaning. If you see a cat’s tail moving like that, it is an indication that they are agitated or don’t know what to do. Along the same line, if your cat wags its tail while you are holding it, you should put it down to avoid getting scratched.
Pets are often expensive, and this is surely true of cats. Cats require a lot of care, almost like an actual human child. These tips make it clear that you can care for your cat appropriately while spending less money.