Cats make great pets, but they can also make expensive pets. There are many things you will need to pay for, such as cat litter, food, toys and trips to the vet. Here are a few ways that you can still keep your cat and save money while caring for them.
A heated tile for underneath your cat’s bed can provide real comfort. Put a square foot of terra cotta tile into your oven heated to 200 degrees. Keep the tile in the oven for about 15 minutes. Wrap it tightly in a towel and place it under the cat bed. This should be changed a few times a day to maximize comfort.
Regular visits to the vet will make sure that you cat is as healthy as he can be. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots. Don’t hesitate to take your cat to the vet immediately if you notice anything unusual about their health or if they are injured.
Dog products shouldn’t be used on cats. Some can be quite dangerous, and even deadly, when used on a cat. Flea products especially. Your cat can die when exposed to flea prevention items made for dogs. If you own a dog, and they’ve been given a flea treatment, you should separate them from your cat for a few hours.
Keep your cat away from boredom. Although you may believe that cats just lie around, this isn’t the case. They need their exercise. Sometimes, cat owners don’t realize this. Cats who become bored often have issues that can affect them in a big way. Some of these issues are obesity due to eating out of boredom, OCD issues, fighting with other pets and depression. Spend time playing with them, and go through a variety of toys to find ones they like and will play with while you’re busy, too. If you have an indoor cat, provide a kitty gym for them to climb on or a scratching post.
When your cat accompanies you on a trip, remember to consider the health of their ears. You may be tempted to blast your favorite songs at top volume. Cats, on the other hand, would probably prefer that you didn’t. If your cat seems upset or agitated, turn down the music and speak calmly to him.
Make a tablecloth that your cat can use. Some cats prefer removing their food from the bowl and eating it on the side. This makes quite a mess. Something as simple as a place mat can help make cleanup easier.
Do you happen to own both a dog and a cat? Dogs will generally try to eat the cat’s food whenever the opportunity comes along. For this reason, you need to place your cat’s bowl in an area that is to high for a dog to reach. This will help prevent any fights that may occur between your animals.
Talk to people you know about any cat problems you’re having. It can really help to get advice from fellow cat owners. There are also forums on the Internet which cater to cat parents.
Feed your cat several different kinds of food if you want to the lower the chances of them becoming finicky. If you raise your kitten with the same food for their entire life, this can become the only type of food they will willingly eat.
Scratching Post
Don’t toss your cat’s scratching post just because it’s starting to look haggard. It may not look as nice, but cats love a scratching post with some wear and tear. Your cat might not want to use the new scratching post and start ruining your furniture instead.
Provide your cat with high-quality cat food. Beef, fish or chicken, all great protein sources, should head the list of main ingredients. Don’t feed your cat food that includes corn or other fillers. The main part of a cat’s diet should be meat protein, so his cat food should be mostly real meat.
Be patient with your pets when you introduce a second cat into your home. There will be an inevitable adjustment period as your two cats get to know each other. Expect to see your cats avoid each other, hiss, or even confront one another. Eventually they are going to get used to each other, and they may even end up becoming best friends.
If your cat uses the bathroom more than normal, or if they suddenly stop using the litter box, think about taking them to the veterinarian. This sort of behavior can be caused by urinary tract infections or other, more serious medical issues in your cat. In many cases, cheap antibiotics will resolve the problem and keep your cat healthy.
If you are considering a long-haired cat breed then you should also consider the extra maintenance required. Shedding is a major issue that you will have to face. Unless you are prepared to do more cleaning, don’t buy a long haired cat. Additionally, consider that longer-haired cats are more likely to have issues with hairballs.
Do you feel as if there is cat hair all over the place? When a cat sheds a lot, brushing is very important. You should brush your cat quite a bit of they are prone to shedding. Frequent brushing or combing keeps the cat from getting a tangled, matted coat.
The foods you eat might not be very healthy for your pet. Some of these include onions, grapes, garlic and green tomatoes. These foods can make your cat very ill. Too much milk can also be a bad thing for a grown cat.
Pets can be expensive to care for, and cats are no exception. Cats require so much attention and care you would swear they are as needy as human children are. The tips provided will help you properly take care your cat without breaking the bank.