Cats make great pets, but they can also make expensive pets. Food, medical expenses, litter and toys can really add up. Here are a few ways that you can still keep your cat and save money while caring for them.
Cats often view small spaces as a fun challenge. A collar can be a dangerous thing to wear in such a place. A breakaway collar has the ability to release its hold if the cat pulls tightly on it. This can make the difference in whether your cat have nine lives or only a couple of them.
If you’d like to make an elderly cat’s bed more comfy, stick a heated tile beneath its bed. Simply heat a terra-cotta tile in a 200 degree oven for 20 minutes. Wrap it up in a towel and place it under where your cat sleeps. If possible, re-heat several times throughout the night.
If your cat is female, you need to get it spayed at the proper age. Even though your cat stays indoors all the time, there might be that one time she slips through the door when she goes into heat, which results in a litter of unexpected kittens. You can prevent this by spaying or neutering your cat.
Crystals form in urine from male cats. This can be prevented with good food choices. Passing those crystals hurts and having this corrected by a vet is expensive. Choose foods low in magnesium for your cat. Read the ingredient list on the label. Cat food with lots of fish tends to have more magnesium, while products with lots of poultry tend to have less.
Be sure you think about your cat’s ears when traveling. You may be tempted to blast your favorite songs at top volume. Cats, on the other hand, would probably prefer that you didn’t. Try turning down your tunes or keeping it off to make your cat’s trip better.
Be careful as small kids may treat kittens too roughly. Always train your child the proper way to handle a pet. Show them how to gently pick kitty up and what kinds of activities are appropriate. Cats have weaker bones than dogs do, and must be treated accordingly.
Put your cat’s food on a tablecloth. Often, a cat will remove food from his bowl to eat on the side. This can result in a mess that needs to be cleaned up. A simpler way to do this is by getting a place-mat and placing it under their bowl. You can also cut some fabric to make a tablecloth that can be lifted, washed, or shaken over a trash can.
When you get a kitten for kids, you have to set up a few rules first. Let your kids know where the cat can go. If your cat is going to be one that stays inside, let the kids know that it’s not allowed outside. If your children know the rules beforehand, mishaps are less likely.
Cats have a love affair with heights. Providing a safe environment for your cat is key to its happiness. If a big cat tree is not something that can easily fit in your home, get a sturdy shelf that can be used as a perch. For an additional treat, put a little bed or blanket in there, too.
Drinking Fountain
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat to get water from. Cats normally look to drink from running water. This is true in the wild or at home. They are more likely to get plenty of water when it is running. Cats will even drink from the tap if they can! A drinking fountain provides a more natural and environmentally friendly way for your cat to drink.
Expect it to take several weeks for your current cat to accept a new cat in the home. They may seem like they’re fighting all the time. Eventually, they become used to each other and are comfortable together.
If you notice your cat urinating more frequently or outside his litter box, then it might be time to see the vet. Cats often do such things when suffering from urinary tract infections or other sorts of health issues. Inexpensive antibiotics generally clear this right up.
Pets can be expensive to care for, and cats are no exception. With the amount of care that goes into them, it can be compared with caring for a small child. You can reduce your expenses while still taking the best care for your kitten.