As pets, cats are always a great choice, except that they can get a little pricey. From taking them to the vet to feeding them, it can all add up. This article has ideas you can use to make living with a cat cheaper and easier.
Look a local animal shelters for cats. Shelters have a lot of cats in them and you can get one adopted for a small fee. Taking a cat home with you means that a life has been saved.
Groom your cat. Brush your cat's fur often to help it be shiny and healthy. If you do this often, their coat will stay clean. It also reduces their shedding and hairballs. Keeping your cat nicely groomed will keep him and your home looking their best.
If your cat is female, then ensure you spay her as soon as you can. While your cat may be an indoor one, there is always the possibility it can get out and you wind up with kittens one day. A spayed cat is a safe cat.
Flea Products
Do not use dog products on your cat. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs. When it comes to flea products this is particularly true. These dog flea products can even cause feline death. If you treat your dog for fleas, make sure you keep the cat away for several hours following the application.
Most cats spend a large amount of time on grooming themselves. If the cat has longer hair, it can be the cause of hairballs. There are special foods that can ease this issue. There are foods that are made to reduce the frequency of hairballs. It's a smart move for your cat and your sanity.
Avoid the chance that your male cat will develop crystals in his system that will come out in his urine by feeding a high quality diet. These crystals can cause a lot of pain to your cat and could end up costing you a lot in medical expenses. Your cat needs food low in magnesium. Check the label. Fish products can have more magnesium when compared to poultry.
Sometimes children get too excited when playing with a new cat and may mishandle them. Teach your kid how to properly handle a cat. Teach them which activities are good and how to properly pick your cat up. A cat's bones can be quite fragile and they need to be treated gently.
Cat Owners
You may find it is helpful to talk to others about challenges you have with your cat. It can really help to get advice from fellow cat owners. There are a number of message boards for cat owners on the Internet, or you can go to your vet with problems.
Don't try and teach your kitty how the litter box is supposed to be used. They do this by nature and don't need to be taught. While some folks think you should pick up your cat and place their paws against the litter, this can actually be traumatic.
Purchase high quality food for your cat. Read the ingredients, and make sure a source of protein, like fish or chicken, is near the top. Steer clear of food made primarily of corn and fillers. The main part of a cat's diet should be meat protein, so his cat food should be mostly real meat.
If you're adding an additional cat to your home, give the cats a few weeks to get to know each other. They might have conflict, hide from each other or swat one another. Eventually they will grow accustomed to it and start tolerating or even enjoying each other's company.
You should think carefully before getting a long-haired cat. Shedding is a major issue that you will have to face. Only choose a cat with long hair if you can clean up after it consistently. Additionally, consider that longer-haired cats are more likely to have issues with hairballs.
Do you feel like everywhere you turn you are surrounded by your cats hair? Cats shed a lot, so it is important to brush them often. If your cat sheds, it's important to brush then frequently. It's also a great aid to keeping the cat's coat as pristine as possible.
Litter Box
The location of a litter box is very important. You may really want to hide that box from everyday life. However, your cat's litter box needs to stay in an easily accessible place so that he can find it. Cats tend to be finicky so you need to give them an environment that isn't off-putting or inconvenient. A litter box located in the basement should be placed on a thick mat or rug.
Have your cat vaccinated as often as your vet prescribes. Similar to kids, cats need shots and check-ups to prevent health problems. Your cat will be a part of your home and that means it should be treated as good as you would treat a family member.
If your pet is avoiding its litter box, try moving it to a different spot. A cat's instinct tells him that eliminating puts him in a vulnerable state, so try putting his litter box in a safe, quiet area of the house. The best places are basements and laundry rooms.
Make sure your cat's collar has important information, such as your address, phone number and name. Even if they're an indoor cat, they may get out. It is important that you provide a way that they can get back home if that should happen.
It can be quite expensive to properly care for your beloved cat. There are a lot of responsibilities that you will have. You can reduce your expenses while still taking the best care for your kitten.