Cats make great pets, but caring for them can be costly. Between vet bills, cat food and litter and cat toys, you may need to reconsider if you can afford a cat. These tips will help you own a cat without spending a fortune.
To help your aging cat feel cozy, place a warmed tile under his bed. You can do this simply with a terra cotta tile measuring a square foot. Heated in your oven around 200 degrees, it can be ready in as little as 15 minutes. Wrap it tightly in a towel and place it under the cat bed. Change it regularly if you need to.
Be sure you have a vet that your cat sees regularly so it stays healthy. Your cat should have a health check yearly, but should go in more if your cat needs shots. Cats should visit the vet right away if they are having any issues.
Deter cats from shocking themselves on electrical wires by spraying them with bitter apple. You can also cover your cords under a rug or tape them to walls. An inexpensive way to hide electrical cords is to thread them through used paper towel rolls. Electronic items with tasty-looking, thin cords (video game controllers, phone chargers, and so on) should be stored securely when you’re not using them.
Don’t let your cat’s days pass without stimulation and excitement! Cats need play and exercise. Sadly, this can be easily overlooked. Bored cats will quickly wreck your home or become obese. Give them enough space to exercise in, with fun toys to keep them entertained. If you have an indoor cat, provide a kitty gym for them to climb on or a scratching post.
Crystals form in urine from male cats. This can be prevented with good food choices. Passing crystals is very painful for your cat, and the vet’s bill will be painful for you. Try to find a cat food that has a low level of magnesium. Consult the ingredient list. Fish usually has more magnesium than poultry.
If you’re traveling with your cat, take care to remember their ears. They don’t want to hear you singing at the top of your lungs. Try turning down your tunes or keeping it off to make your cat’s trip better.
While cats are good pets for children generally, smaller children may treat them too roughly. You need to show your children how the cat should be treated. Show them to pick up kitty gently and the types of activities which are appropriate. Feline bones are weaker than those of many other pets, so they must be handled with care.
Do you happen to own both a dog and a cat? A dog will probably end up eating the cat’s food if it gets the chance. This makes it a good idea to have a cat feeding place high up enough that your dog can’t get to it. In doing so, you prevent spats and spitting over competition for water.
You must take caution when leaving your cat with any children. A child under five should not be left alone with a pet. These children just do not possess the maturity to handle a kitten. They aren’t aware of the danger that they can cause to it. As children get older, decide when they show the maturity to handle a small pet.
New cats are sometimes not welcomed in the home. They will probably hide from each other, hiss or even attack each other. Eventually, they become used to each other and are comfortable together.
Play is an important part of a cat’s life. Playing is a very common activity shared by most animals. Older cats may not have much energy, but they still like to play. Make sure you and your cat are thoroughly enjoying each other.
Litter Box
Where did you put the litter box? Do not hide the box simply to reduce the smell. This litter box must stay in an easy-to-find spot for your cat. It has to be a quiet area with little traffic. If you keep the litter box on a cold cement floor, put a mat or rug down underneath it.
Give your cat a collar with your contact information. Even a cat you plan to keep indoors can sometimes get out or get lost. If this occurs, you must be sure that your animal can find its way home.
There are certain foods that you might eat everyday that are not healthy for your cat. Onions, garlic, grapes and green tomatoes are among these foods. If your cat eats these things, they could become very sick. Milk upsets a cat’s stomach, too.
Many diseases can be transmitted between humans and felines. Since cats are like family, it’s easy to tell when they’re sick. Take your cat to the veterinarian. A seemingly minor illness might really be something far more serious.
Look out for holes around the home you would rather your cat didn’t get into. Keep in mind that a tiny gap is enough for your cat to go outside. This is very true of kittens. When you bring a new kitty home, keep this in mind. Cover up or repair any sizable holes you find.
Cats are a wonderful creature to share your space with, though they can be pricy. It can feel as though you’re actually caring for a child. Fortunately, you have many options for providing essential care to your cat.
