Cats make great pets, but they can also make expensive pets. Vet bills, toys, food, and cat litter costs can make anyone reconsider owning cats. The following article details how you can own a cat without breaking the bank.
Drape Cords
Keep your drape cords away from your cats. Keep the cat away from these cords as they tend to form loops when the cat is playing around, and it could accidentally go around their neck and strangle them. This could even choke them to death. Be sure your drape cords are strongly secured.
You should take your cat to the vet on a regular basis to maintain optimum health. A yearly visit for a regular check-up is important, with more frequent visits for shots as required. If there are more pressing health problems, take your cat to the vet right away.
Avoid using dog products on cats. They can have very strong and possibly negative reactions to dog products. Be very careful with the flea products you use. Your cat may die if you use dog flea products on it. Actually, it is best to separate the cat from the dog once the flea problem has been treated.
Put a collar on any cats which go outside. Tags can save you a lot of trouble if your cat gets lost. Even if the tag just has your phone number, it can be the difference between your pet coming home and being lost forever.
Cats appreciate all the affection you can give. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you. Like people, cats like to socialize and need to feel like they’re an essential part of your life. They need to feel as though they are an important part of the family, as well.
Your cat can take lots of time to groom themselves to what they consider “perfect.” Hairballs are very common for long-haired cats. Buy special food in order to help that problem. There are foods that are made to reduce the frequency of hairballs. It’s a smart move for your cat and your sanity.
Some male cats get urinary crystals, but this is preventable with proper diet. It is painful for your cat to pass these crystals and the cost to have this treated by a vet is high. Choose a cat food low in magnesium. Read the label on any food you choose. Poultry-based foods are generally lower in magnesium than fish.
Cats enjoy heights. A cat will only be happy if you give it a safe spot to look over everything. Placing a shelf or two up high will not take up too much space in your home. You can even lay down a blanket to give your kitty some comfort.
You should never punish your cat for not using the litter box. If this happens, it may be because you have not kept the box as clean as you should. Punishing your cat will just make them afraid of you later on.
Get your feline acclimated to its carrier. You cannot punish a cat the same way you would a dog. Most of the time, it is better to use positive reinforcement. You should place a toy or a blanket inside the carrier and place it in an area where it will be noticed by your cat. Soon, your cat will naturally enter the carrier. This takes the hassle out of traveling with your cat in its carrier.
Scratching Post
If your cat has a scratching post that is beginning to look worn, don’t get rid of it. The cats loves it the most in this condition. By throwing away an old scratching post and replacing it with a newer one, your cat will likely look for older items to scratch, such as your furniture.
Caring for any pet properly involves a fair amount of effort, and cats are certainly included. Taking care of your cat can sometimes feel like looking after a child. As this article has shown, there are many things that must be done to keep your cat happy and healthy.
