If you have a cat, then you’re probably familiar with how much you spend a year on it. There are many expenses associated with cats, including food and medical bills. There are steps you can take to spend less money on the things your cat needs, which you can see in the following article.
Regular veterinary checkups are important for the health of your cat. Cats need special shots to keep them from getting sick, and the veterinarian will check your cats overall health. Your cat will be more comfortable if you continue using the same vet. This ensures that your vet will have an excellent understanding of your pet’s medical history.
Never have your cat declawed. Many people misunderstand declawing, thinking it is the simple removal of a cat’s nail. This is not true. In fact, the veterinarian must remove the top knuckle along with the claw during the procedure. This can result in arthritis pain later in life and many behavior problems, such as biting. There are many alternatives from scratching posts to glue-on claw caps that can protect your belongings from a cat’s claws without resorting to such a harsh surgical solution.
Making sure your cat doesn’t jump on the counters is hard to do. Cats enjoy heights, as they can monitor events from their perch. You can get your cat to quit doing this if you make areas that it can climb up to. Having a cat tower near your kitchen will keep them off your counters.
Make sure your cat is properly hydrated. Like humans, cats need to drink lots of water. If they don’t get enough water, they can get dehydrated, develop various health problems, or die. Make sure they always have a bowl of fresh and clean water. The bowl itself also needs to be cleaned and refilled every day. You should also keep this bowl in one location.
Cats are hunters by nature. They love to chase mice and other small animals and insects. Buying little fuzzy mice filled with catnip and batting them around with your cat is a great idea. Your cat will feel as though they are really hunting prey. This will also help you to connect with your cat better.
Is your cat constantly destroying your toilet paper? Make sure that your bath tissue is stopping it from rolling over the top. You can also make or buy a toilet paper cover. These covers are not expensive and will save you money if your furry friend insists on playing with your tissue.
Do not wait too long to scoop any waste that has accumulated in a cat litter box. When left dirty for too long, bacteria can grow and it can cause health issues for you and your kitten. It is best to do this every single day so you avoid any issues.
Cats’ curiosity often puts them in risky situations. Something as simple as a necklace, window pull, or phone cords can cause your pet to become injured or even killed. These items should be bound securely so that they are not a source of temptation for your inquisitive pet. Many childproofing aids work just as well for your kitten.
If your cat is bitten by another cat, try to get him to the vet within 24 hours. The vet can put him on antibiotics that will protect him from infection setting in, and causing serious health problems. Cat bites can trap bacteria under your cat’s skin, forming an abscess, or other dangerous infection that can cost you hundreds of dollars to treat later.
Get your cat all the necessary vaccinations. There are a number of them and you should talk to your veterinarian about the proper schedule. Many are given at the early stages of a kitten’s development, then given annually thereafter. These vaccinations prevent such problems as feline leukemia, rabies and respiratory problems.
Make sure to provide your cats with toys. Many people consider toys a need for dogs, but they do not feel the same about cats. Cats need stimulation throughout the day to remain healthy both mentally and physically. Toys can provide this. Keep your cats from boredom by remembering this tip.
Much like people, cats have been known to develop food allergies later in life. Any time you introduce a new type of treat or food into your pet’s diet, watch them closely for signs of an allergic reaction. These include shortness of breath, hives, and erratic behavior. If possible, determine which ingredients are the culprit and ask your vet for recommendations.
It’s important to know which food ingredients are good for your cat, and which ones to stay away from. Avoid foods containing corn, chemicals or unknown meat products. Such ingredients might not be instantly detrimental, but they do not provide much nutrition. A key to consider is to always look for a meat protein as the main ingredient.
If you have any household plants, keep them out of reach of your feline friend. Always remember that your kitty can jump and climb, so just keeping them up high might not be enough. Houseplants can be dangerous to cats, some even cause often fatal health conditions. Keep your kitty safe by making sure your plants are well out of reach, especially when you are not home.
Cats bring on the allergies, even if you didn’t think you had any allergies previously. This means you shouldn’t own a cat. Avoid getting unneutered male black cats. Choose a Siamese or a female of a light color instead.
During the cold winter months when your cat goes out less often, keep your cat active indoors with interesting feathered toys and a solid scratching post or two. Rotate the toys regularly to make sure that your cat doesn’t loose interest and continues to be entertained and active until the warmer weather comes around again.
Cats aren’t exactly the cheapest pets on the planet. Food bills alone are expensive enough, and when you add medical bills and more, things get even more expensive. If you take this article’s contents into consideration, you won’t have to worry about emptying your wallet in order to make sure your cat has the best.
