Though it is great to have a chat, they can also be pricy. Vet expenses, toys, food and litter all add up to a significant amount. These tips will help you own a cat without spending a fortune.
Have your cat see a vet frequently to keep good health. A routine check-up should happen annually, and more often if necessary shots are due. If there are obvious issues with your cat, it needs to see the vet immediately. Don't wait!
Never use any product intended for dogs on a cat. Cats are not the same as dogs, and products meant for dogs can make cats very ill. This is especially true of flea products. When used on your cat, flea products for dogs can be lethal. After getting the dog treated, keep the cat away for many hours.
A microchip will allow you to find your pet if it is lost. Even indoor cats may get out of your home at some point. A tagged collar might help get kitty home, but it can just as easily come off if snagged on a branch. Microchips are minuscule, but can hold all the essential information about your cat and its hope. Most organizations that deal with animal care can scan your cat for microchips, and because they are implanted, they won't get lost.
You will often find ways to save money on medication for your cat on the Internet instead of getting it from your vet. In an emergency, this won't be much help, of course. It is possible to save up to 50% on certain medications by purchasing them online.
Little kids shouldn't be left alone near cats. Always train your child the proper way to handle a pet. Teach them which activities are good and how to properly pick your cat up. Cats need to be protected, too. Their bones are much more susceptible than dogs.
Think over whether or not you should let your cat go outdoors. Going outdoors isn't very safe for a domesticated cat. You cat might pick up pests or fleas. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. If the cat must go outside, set aside a small part of the backyard or front lawn as a place where they can go.
Never make the mistake of leaving a kitten in a room alone with small children. If a child is under the age of five, you should not leave the pet alone with them. Most of them simply aren't mature enough to grasp the concept of danger to themselves or the animal. As they grow, you will be able to decide when it is the right time for them to handle a cat or kitten without supervision.
Talk to others when you have a problem with your cat. It is possible to work out the problem yourself, but help from others can be invaluable. The Internet will allow you to contact many forums and online communities for cat owners. Don't forget, your vet's office can also provide sound advice.
Litter Box
Never try to teach a cat to use a litter box. Using the litter box is instinctual for cats, and they require no training. A lot of people think that rubbing a cat's paws in its litter box may help them, but in reality, it can be damaging to them.
Give your cat a good brushing regularly. This will reduce the amount of bacteria on the fur. Additionally, brushing helps to expedite hair shedding. This keeps hairballs at bay, which may cause choking and build up inside their stomach from self-grooming.
Vary your cat's diet just a tiny bit to keep them from being picky. Cats who eat the same food day after day either grow tired of it, or it becomes the only food that they will eat.
If the cats scratching post is looking tired and worn out, never throw it away. This is the condition that cats most appreciate. There is a good chance if you got rid of it and bought a new one that your cat would start scratching up your furniture.
If adding an additional cat to your home, give the cats a couple of weeks to get comfortable with each other. They may still hiss and growl when they are in the same room together. After the initial period though, they should start to settle and begin to get along like old friends.
As you can see, cats are not an exception when it comes to the necessity of spending money on on your pets. Cats generally need a lot of care which can be considered similar to caring for a child. These tips make it clear that you can care for your cat appropriately while spending less money.