Cats make great pets, but they can also make expensive pets. Vaccinations, toys and check-ups can set you back a lot of money. For ideas to improve your cat’s health and happiness, read on.
If you have drape cords in your home, keep them away from your cats. Never let your cats play with drape cords, as they could seriously injure themselves. This could hurt or kill them. Pin and hide drape cords to avoid this.
You should be bringing your cat to their vet for a check-up regularly. Your vet can give you an idea of your cat’s overall health, in addition to administering any shots it may need. Make sure you keep the same veterinarian for your pet throughout its life. This ensures that your vet knows your cat’s medical history.
If your cat is a female, it needs to be spayed when it reaches the appropriate age. You may not think it’s necessary if you have an indoor cat, but your cat may escape. Getting your cat spayed is a great way to stop this from going on.
If you have an outdoor kitty, make sure to invest in a break away collar with an identification tag. This can help if your cat becomes lost while wandering in the great outdoors. Have your phone number engraved on the tag.
Keep your cat away from boredom. Play and exercise are both important for cats’ well-being. Too frequently this need is overlooked by owners. Cats who get bored can actually become depressed or display other undesirable behaviors. You need to give it new toys regularly and make sure your cat has plenty of space to run and play. Give them a cat tree to play with.
If your cat is male, understand that he could develop crystals inside his urine, which can be very painful to him. Therefore, prevent this issue from occurring in the first place by feeding your cat the right type of food. Just like kidney stones, these crystals are painful and vet bills are pricey. Choose a low magnesium food. Be sure that you read the label. Fish usually has more magnesium than poultry.
If you get a small kitten for your children, make sure they understand the rules ahead of time. Make sure your children know what rooms the cat can go into and what rooms it can’t. If your have an indoor-only cat, be sure the kids understand that the cat is not to go outside. By making the rules well known to your children, your children will understand what is and is not allowed.
Pay attention and try to figure out what is causing your cat to meow. If you stay around a cat for a period of time you will figure out what their verbal cues mean. It may be a sign your cat needs food, or needs to be let outdoors. Be aware of the cues your cat gives you, and the two of you will have a better relationship.
You shouldn’t leave a young cat with children unattended. If the child is younger than 5, don’t leave them alone with a kitten. Young children are not yet mature enough to realize what behaviors are dangerous to a cat. As a kid ages, they can show maturity with handling a little pet.
Cat Owners
You can tap fellow cat owners for advice if you’re having problems with your pet. Advice from other people can be very beneficial for you. 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.
Never try to teach a cat how to work a litter box. They do this by nature and don’t need to be taught. 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.
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats like their water to move. Streaming water is much easier for your cat to take in. In fact, there are cats that enjoy drinking from a running sink instead of a bowl. A fountain keeps the water moving without letting any go to waste.
Identification Tags
Make sure your cat always wears identification tags on their collar. This is essential even for indoor cats. Cats can slip out a door in a flash. Your cat’s identification tags should provide your contact info and that of your veterinarian. This will be important especially if you have a cat with medical issues.
Any pet can cost a lot to properly care for, and that is also true of cats. It can feel as though you’re actually caring for a child. You can reduce your expenses while still taking the best care for your kitten.