Cats aren’t cheap to keep healthy and happy. Litter, toys, food and vet bills 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.
Your home likely has no small spaces a curious cat won’t want to investigate. If they have to wear a collar then there may be a risk because your cat could end up getting stuck. Therefore, use a breakaway collar that will come undone whenever it’s being pulled very tightly. This could save your cat’s life if the collar gets caught in some branches.
If you own a female cat, it’s crucial to spay it at the appropriate age. You may not think it’s necessary if you have an indoor cat, but your cat may escape. Unless you want the hassle of getting rid of kittens, spaying is the best option for your cat.
Be sure you show your cat lots of love. Cats are by nature companion animals, but that companionship goes two ways. Without love, cats may not socialize with your family. They wish to be a happy and valuable family member.
Cats are known for spending inordinate amounts of time grooming themselves. If the cats hair is too long, this is what causes hairballs. There are special foods you can give to your cat to reduce this problem. Some cat foods are specially formulated to help reduce hairballs, which is good for both you and your pet.
Some male cats get urinary crystals, but this is preventable with proper diet. Passing stones or crystals hurts and can cost you a ton in vet bills if they don’t come out naturally. Choose foods low in magnesium for your cat. This means you should pay attention to labels on food. Products that contain fish are normally much higher in magnesium over ones containing poultry.
Often, the best cat medicine deals are found online. In an emergency, however, this might not be possible. It is possible to save up to 50% on certain medications by purchasing them online.
Try as hard as you can to understand the reason your cat meows at you. If you stay around a cat for a period of time you will figure out what their verbal cues mean. Your cat might need food or might want to go out. Look for the cues and you’ll be much more in tune with your pet.
Be very careful about allowing children to be alone with a kitten. Up until your child is five, children shouldn’t be alone with your pet. The maturity level isn’t there when it comes to your child. As a kid ages, they can show maturity with handling a little pet.
Don’t teach the basics of using a litter box. This will be something that the cat does on its own and it usually is not learned fro another. Don’t force your cat into the box or you will traumatize them.
Make canned food the mainstay of your cat’s diet. Dry food is less expensive, but there are added benefits to be had in canned cat food. Canned food is rich in protein and fat and also has a higher water content. 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.
Any pet can cost a lot to properly care for, and that is also true of cats. With the amount of care that goes into them, it can be compared with caring for a small child. Fortunately, now that you are more informed by the knowledge presented here, you can save money and enjoy a better cat.