Cats make great pets, but caring for them can be costly. Vet expenses, toys, food and litter all add up to a significant amount. The following are some ideas for making the process of cat care cost a bit less.
Drape Cords
Don’t leave drape cords near your cats. Cats can potentially strangle themselves on these cords so it is important to protect your cat from this potential danger. This could really hurt or possibly kill them. It is highly recommended that you keep all drape cords pinned in such a way that the cat can’t see them so as to prevent any accidents.
Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Many shelters have more cats than they can handle and the fees associated with adoption take care of vet visits. When a cat is adopted from an animal shelter it saves its life and it helps control the cat population.
Properly groom your cat. Brush your cat’s fur often to help it be shiny and healthy. This will help them maintain a clean and healthy coat. It also reduces their shedding and hairballs. A well groomed cat will be much more pleasant for everyone and will also help you keep your home clean.
Your furnishings and belongings can easily be ruined by a cat’s claws. If your couch is starting to look like it’s been put through a shredder, it’s time to invest in a nice scratching post or cat tower. It is much better if your cat uses his claws on that, rather than your furniture. This approach takes time, but it usually works.
It’s not easy to keep cats off counters. After all, cats prefer to stay high so that they can keep an eye out on everything. One good way to beat this problem is by giving your kitty some safe, high perches throughout the house. A cat tower near the kitchen will ensure that cats won’t lay on your counter.
Think about putting a microchip in your pet. 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 collar with tags increases your chances of getting your cat back if it gets lost but it can also be a risk, for instance if it gets snagged in some branches. A microchip about as big as a grain of rice and holds all the contact information your cat needs. All shelters and vets have scanners to ensure your cat gets home safely.
Keep your cat amused. Cats require physical activity. The unfortunate thing is that many owners of cats don’t realize this. Bored cats can develop depression and other harmful health conditions. Give them plenty of room to exercise and a wide selections of toys. If they’re an indoor cat, get them an object to climb on or a scratching post.
Be sure you show your cat lots of love. They are very loving animals and deserve affection back. Like most people, cats like to socialize and feel that they are included in the family. They also like feeling important and a big member of the family.
If you get a small kitten for your children, make sure they understand the rules ahead of time. Let your children know which areas of the house are off-limits for the cat. If your cat is going to be one that stays inside, let the kids know that it’s not allowed outside. Setting rules in advances ensures understanding.
Brush your cat on a regular basis. The act of brushing helps the coat become glossy, and it helps stimulate the skin. Furthermore, it helps reduce all the loose hair. This is a good way to avoid hairballs, which are a serious health problem since they can cause choking.
A battered appearance isn’t a good reason to discard a beloved cat condo or scratching post. When it is in this condition, cats tend to like it the most. Even if you throw it away and buy a new one, your cat may opt for tearing up your upholstery instead.
A cat’s life isn’t complete without play. After all, everyone likes to play. Though older cats don’t have as much energy, they still need some play. Take time to have fun with your cat.
Before bringing home a long-haired cat, consider the extra care involved. Long-haired cats are beautiful animals, but keep in mind that they will shed everywhere in your home. Unless you are prepared to do more cleaning, don’t buy a long haired cat. Hair balls are also more prevalent in long haired cats.
Pets can be expensive to care for, and cats are no exception. Caring for cat is almost like having a child, considering what needs to be done to take care of them. As you now know, you can curtail the expenses of having cats while you still get to enjoy giving them good care.
