Cats are beautiful creatures, but they do come with a price tag. Between toys, litter, food, and vet visits, the costs of having a cat can make a person hesitant about owning one. The following are some ideas for making the process of cat care cost a bit less.

Cats love to get into tight, small spaces. If your cat is such a curious one, wearing a collar is a safety risk, as your feline might get stuck because of it while exploring. A breakaway style collar will literally “break away” if pulled too tight. This could save your cat’s life!

Some cats like to scratch up floors and furniture. If your couch is starting to look like it’s been put through a shredder, it’s time to invest in a nice scratching post or cat tower. Put cat nip on it to attract them to it. They may not take to it overnight, but they should eventually.

Keeping your cat off of the counter can be difficult. One thing they like about it is they enjoy being high up. It helps to provide your cat with certain high spaces where it is allowed. Placing a cat tower near the kitchen will help the cats to not lay on the counter.

Location is key when placing a litter box. The box should be out of the high traffic areas and a good distance from where your cat eats. You should also make sure there is ample ventilation to avoid odors. Your cat and you will prefer this in the end.

Grooming is something that most cats do all the time. Hairballs are more common in long-haired cats. There are foods which help combat this problem. Some foods contain extra oils and nutrients, specifically designed to prevent or diminish hairball concerns.

Anytime you travel with a cat, their ears should be monitored. Although you may love singing loudly to your favorite songs while driving, your cat would probably prefer softer sounds. To keep your cat calm and collected over the course of your trip, keep the stereo low – or perhaps off entirely.

When getting a little kitty for your kid, set boundaries beforehand. Let your kids know where the cat can go. If your have an indoor-only cat, be sure the kids understand that the cat is not to go outside. By getting these rules into place before having a cat, you’ll be sure that your children can understand.

Do you own both a dog and a cat? Most dogs will not hesitate before munching on your cat’s food. Therefore, your cat’s food bowl should be placed in a high location that is out of your dog’s reach. This can also prevent unnecessary arguments between your pets over the water supply, once the food has been consumed.

Be very careful about allowing children to be alone with a kitten. Particularly if the children are younger than five, they need supervision. They’re not really mature enough to know how dangerous a kitten can be. As a kid ages, they can show maturity with handling a little pet.

Let your cat get comfortable using a carrier. Cats never respond to punishment the way that dogs do. They are much better with encouragement. Put the carrier in a comfortable place and fill it with treats and toys. The cat will be drawn to the carrier, where it will feel safe and comfy. This will make it easier to mobilize your cat.

Canned food is an excellent choice for cats. It is usually more expensive than dry food, but it is more beneficial. Your cat can get more water, fat and protein from canned food. For older feline’s, it’s also quite a lot easier to chew. Speak with your vet, however generally speaking, canned cat food is better for your cat.

Keep a breakaway collar and tag on your cat. This is essential, even for indoor pets. Even the tamest indoors cat can be tempted by the possibilities presented by an open door or window. The tag should have your name and address and also your vet’s. Veterinary information is essential if your cat needs medication.

Do you feel overwhelmed by cat hair everywhere you look? Cats are big shedders, so you should brush them frequently. When you see them shedding more than normal, that’s a great time to brush them. Doing this will also make sure they don’t get a matted or tangled coat.

Litter Box

Move the litter box if your cat won’t use it. Whenever a cat is using the restroom, it feels vulnerable; therefore, the litter box needs to be kept in a safe and quiet location. Good examples are laundry rooms, basements and other areas away from the hustle and bustle of the home.

Make sure your cat stays inside as much as it can, near to both its home and its owner. Research has shown that indoor cats have longer life spans than outdoor cats. While cats can get their exercise roaming the neighborhood and squaring off against other cats, they can also get diseases and injuries this way. Vigorous indoor play with an owner is a preferable way to get exercise.

As you can see, cats are not an exception when it comes to the necessity of spending money on on your pets. Being a cat parent can be labor and time intensive. Now that you read this article, you know what it takes to properly care for your feline.