Cats are beautiful creatures, but they do come with a price tag. Litter, toys, food and vet bills all add up. Here are a few ways that you can still keep your cat and save money while caring for them.

Be certain your cat has regular vet visits. Cats need routine annual check-ups and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations. If your cat is having a health issue or injury, they need to be seen by their vet right away.

TIP! Older cats will appreciate a heated bed; you can use a heated tile to create one! Just heat a one-foot square terra cotta tile in your oven at about 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Then, wrap this up into a towel and place it underneath your cat’s bed.

It’s not easy convincing your pet that the kitchen counter is a no-cats zone. Cats like heights and like to see everything happening around them. One way to deal with this issue could be to devote certain high spaces for your feline friend to sit in. A cat tower near the kitchen will ensure that cats won’t lay on your counter.

Have your cat chipped so you can find him if he runs away. Your pet may be an indoor cat, but that doesn’t mean it’ll never dash through your door or slide outside via an open window. A tagged collar might help get kitty home, but it can just as easily come off if snagged on a branch. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and can hold all of your contact information. Every shelter and most veterinarian offices have microchip scanners that can read the chips, and best of all, they chips can’t be lost.

Cats frequently groom themselves. Hairballs are more common in long-haired cats. There are special foods you can give to your cat to reduce this problem. Some food are produced specifically for hairball reduction, which will help.

TIP! Put a collar on any cats which go outside. Cats can get lost, and they need a tag to be found.

You can sometimes find better prices for cat medication online than getting it from your veterinarian. In emergency situations, buying online may not be a good option. However, for standard medications, like flea medications or heart worm pills, online sources offer a substantial savings to pet owners.

Make a tablecloth for your cats. Cats often take food from their bowls to eat on the side. That can mean a bigger mess for you to clean. A simpler way to do this is by getting a place-mat and placing it under their bowl. You can also cut some fabric to make a tablecloth that can be lifted, washed, or shaken over a trash can.

You should think again before allowing your cat to go outside. Being outside all the time is not safe for a cat. Your cat could get parasites, or worse. Other animals and vehicles could also injure your cat. If you need to let your cat out of the house, be sure it’s in a safe place.

TIP! Spray bitter apple on electrical cords. If your cat likes to chew cords, hide the cords as best you can.

Is your home also the home of both a dog and cat? Most dogs will not hesitate before munching on your cat’s food. If you’re having a problem with this, make your cat’s eating area high enough that your dog cannot reach. This will ensure they don’t fight over food or water, too.

Litter Box

Don’t think that you can teach a cat to use its litter box. Using the litter box will come naturally to your cat. Many people think rubbing a cat’s paws in litter will teach them to use the litter box, but it might actually traumatize them.

TIP! Never let a cat become bored. Play is important to the health and vitality of your cat.

You may want to try different types of cat food. Cats can easily become finicky eaters. By giving them one kind of food all the time, it will be all they want to eat.

Use canned food for your cat. Even though the dry versions can be more cost-effective, canned cat food usually is more beneficial. Your cat will get more water and more vitamins and protein. For older feline’s, it’s also quite a lot easier to chew. Ask your vet, though canned food is often better for your cat.

Make sure your cat always wears identification tags on their collar. This is even true for indoor cats. An adventurous cat can easily slip through an open door or window. Tags with your veterinarian’s info and your contact number should be worn. This is also important if your cat has special medical needs.

TIP! Always provide your feline with special attention and affection. Cats need companionship as much as we do.

Does it seem like your cat’s hairs are everywhere you look? Cats are known for shedding, so good grooming habits are a must. If your cat sheds a lot, you probably need to brush it more often. This can also prevent their coat from becoming matted or tangled.

Caring for your cat is fun but it can also be a lot of work. It’s so much work, it rivals raising a child! Although, there are many ways that you can reduce the expenses for your cat and care for it in the way that it deserves.