Though it is great to have a chat, they can also be pricy. Food, medical expenses, litter and toys can really add up. The following article details how you can own a cat without breaking the bank.

Drape Cords

Make sure you don’t allow your cat to be around drape cords. If the cat becomes caught in a loop, they could choke to death. This can definitely hurt them, and it could even kill them. Be sure your drape cords are strongly secured.

Cats love to squeeze into tiny spaces. There are ways to make sure that their collar does not get stuck. A breakaway collar let’s go if pulled on tightly. This could save your cat’s life if the collar gets caught in some branches.

In order to be sure your cat is healthy, take them to their vet regularly. Cats need routine annual check-ups and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations. When the cat seems to be acting abnormally, take it to the vet immediately.

It can be hard to prevent your cat from jumping on the counter. Cats instinctively want to be at a high vantage point so they can survey their surroundings. Give them an alternative. A cat tower near the kitchen will ensure that cats won’t lay on your counter.

Have your cat chipped so you can find him if he runs away. Your pet may be an indoor cat, but that doesn’t mean it’ll never dash through your door or slide outside via an open window. Tags and collars are great, but they don’t always stay on your cat. They can also be a risk, should they get snagged on something. Microchips are as small as a rice grain and have all of your important contact information. Many vets and shelters have scanners that can read these chips and since they lie under their skin, they won’t get lost.

Cats will be up during the night more often than not. The result is that cats prefer to be more active during the night. If your cats are busy keeping you awake early, just close your bedroom door. This can keep them from waking you up at night and from pouncing on feet under the blankets.

While cats are good pets for children generally, smaller children may treat them too roughly. Guide your kids in handling a feline. Demonstrate how the cat should be petted and handled and encourage your children to be very gentle. Cats have weaker bones than dogs so should be treated carefully.

Avoid letting your cat go outdoors. This could be harmful and unsafe. You cat can get fleas and contract diseases. Additionally, your cat is likely to be injured by cars or other animals. Cage in an area for a cat in your backyard if they must go outside.

You should brush your cat very regularly. Brushing spreads natural oils through the fur and also stimulates circulation. You will also decrease the amount of fur throughout your home. This keeps hairballs at bay, which may cause choking and build up inside their stomach from self-grooming.

Anytime you get a new pet, you must introduce them to your cat slowly to help to avoid problems and let the cat get used to it. Keep them separated for at least two weeks, but let them sniff at each other under a closed door. Expect to see your cats avoid each other, hiss, or even confront one another. With enough time to acclimate themselves to the new arrangement, though, virtually any two cats will become willing, friendly, and perhaps even inseparable companions.

If you’re dealing with a cat that won’t use the litter box, you should place it somewhere else. Just like humans, cats can be sensitive to where they eliminate, so choose a private location if possible. Try rooms that are less used, such as a basement or utility room.

Never use chemicals that have phenol in it near your cat. A lot of household cleaners have this in them, so you should read the labels before using them around your cat. The smell of the chemical isn’t pleasant for your cat and prolonged exposure may cause liver problems.

If your cat gets hairballs often and you have been brushing her regularly, there are other things that may help. Mix in pumpkin (a teaspoon’s worth) into the cat’s food. Flavor the pumpkin with a teaspoon of the water from a can of tuna. Many cat foods have extra fiber or other items that solve this issue.

Do not give your cat too much food, as this can result in digestive problems. If your pet eats much more than it should, it may become overweight, which can lead to a number of illnesses. Therefore, ensure you provide the proper food portions to your cat, and keep its diet healthy and well balanced.

Use sticky tape to protect your furniture. The tape can stop your cat from scratching. There is specific tape for this purpose. You should also provide your cat with a scratching post or a tower it can use instead of your furniture.

Cats get sick from many of the same things as humans. You should be able to recognize when your cat does not feel well. If so, be sure and make an appointment with your vet. The vet can reassure you that your cat isn’t seriously ill.

Cats can be a very expensive animal to take care of. Cats require a lot of care, almost like an actual human child. As you’ve seen here, your cat expenditures can be reduced while still allowing you to take good care of your cat.