As one of the best pets out there, cats are a pleasure to have, but caring for them can get a bit spendy. Between vet bills, cat food and litter and cat toys, you may need to reconsider if you can afford a cat. Check out the tips provided below to gain a little insight on being a responsible cat owner.
Drape Cords
If you have drape cords in your home, keep them away from your cats. Do not allow your cat to play with these. The cords may be looped and a cat may get them wound around their neck. This could hurt or kill them. Pin back drape cords to avoid this type of issue.
Make sure your cat is always well groomed. You should comb and/or brush them on a regular basis. This can keep them clean. Doing this will also help alleviate hairballs and excessive shedding. Brushing your cat will keep your home cleaner, too.
You need to take your pet to the vet on a regular basis. The vet will be able to provide your cat with needed vaccinations and any medications it requires. Veterinarians also keep tabs on your cat’s overall health and diagnose any problems they find. If you can, stick with one vet for your cat’s entire life. They will understand your cat and its issues better this way.
If you have a female cat it is important to have her spayed once she becomes old enough. You may not think it’s necessary if you have an indoor cat, but your cat may escape. Spaying your cat is the best way to prevent this from happening.
It’s not easy to keep cats off counters. Cats enjoy high places so they can see what is happening around them. Therefore, you should create high areas for resting. A cat tower near your kitchen can give them a place to watch you that is out of the way.
Cats and small children may not always mix. Make sure that you teach your children the proper way to handle a kitten or cat. Teach them what are appropriate activities and how to gently touch it. Cats have weaker bones than dogs so should be treated carefully.
Make sure that you have a good tablecloth for your kitten. Cats often take food from their bowls to eat on the side. This can really make a mess, and you might have to spend significant time cleaning around your cat’s food bowl. You can get a pet mat or use a piece of old fabric to put under it for easy cleanup.
Try as hard as you can to understand the reason your cat meows at you. Learning about your cat’s meows will be easier the longer you know her. She will let you know when her demands are for food or when you need to let her out. Watch their cues to learn more about them.
Cats feel safest in an elevated location. Make sure your cat has a safe place to play. You should install a cat tree or allow your cat to climb on some shelves. You could even place a small bed or blanket on the shelf to make your cat feel more comfortable.
Mix up the food you feed your cat to avoid them becoming a picky eater. If your cat only eats one brand of cat food from the beginning, he will probably not like any other brand.
Splurge on your cat’s food. Read the ingredient label, and make sure a protein from meat tops the list. Stay way from cat foods made of corn or any other ingredients that aren’t based in protein. Cats are carnivores, so if you want them to be as healthy as possible, you need to be sure they’re eating enough animal protein.
As you can see, cats are not an exception when it comes to the necessity of spending money on on your pets. You should care for your pet like you would care for a child. You should apply the tips you just read, and do your best to be a responsible cat owner.