Although cats make great pets, they can be expensive. Between toys, litter, food, and vet visits, the costs of having a cat can make a person hesitant about owning one. Read on to find out what it takes to care for your cat.
If you’re thinking of getting a cat for a pet, you should look to the local shelter. Shelters are overflowing with wonderful cats, and the adoption fee usually covers essential vet care. When you adopt a cat from a shelter, you save a life and help keep the cat population under control.
Be sure your cat gets regular checkups at the vet. Your cat should have a health check yearly, but should go in more if your cat needs shots. Cats should see a vet right away if any health problems or injuries needing treatment occur.
You shouldn’t ever use products designed to be used on dogs on your cat. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs. Flea products are a great example of this. These products can be fatal for your cat. If you own a dog, and they’ve been given a flea treatment, you should separate them from your cat for a few hours.
Cats can really scratch up your home. If your cat is ripping up and shredding your home, invest in a kitty tower or scratching post. They can scratch this instead. This approach takes time, but it usually works.
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 collar and identification tags can help bring your pet back to you. But experts point out that collars that do not snap apart quickly if your cat gets it caught on a branch or even a bush can accidentally strangle your cat. Microchips are as tiny as a piece of rice and will tell people where the cat belongs. Most shelters and veterinarians can scan your pet to read the information on the chip, and the chip cannot be lost since it is beneath the skin.
It’s difficult to deny that owning any type of pet comes with costs and conundrums. Taking care of your cat can sometimes feel like looking after a child. Clearly, it really is possible to economize without sacrificing your cat’s care.