Cats are beautiful creatures, but they do come with a price tag. There are many things you will need to pay for, such as cat litter, food, toys and trips to the vet. The following tips can help you maximize your happiness without breaking your wallet.
If you own a female cat, it’s crucial to spay it at the appropriate age. You may believe that this is unnecessary if your cat stays inside all the time; however, cats almost always find a way to get outside, especially when they are in heat. When this occurs, your cat could get pregnant. Unless you want the hassle of getting rid of kittens, spaying is the best option for your cat.
Although depicted in countless movies and cartoons, milk is not the best source of nutrition for your cat. Once cats have grown, they do not need milk as a regular part of their diet. Milk can cause stomach distress and bloating. Instead of giving your cat milk, always have fresh, clean water available to them instead.
Keep your cat’s coat healthy by giving them a supplement of nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is an inexpensive supplement that can be found in most health food stores. Simply sprinkle a little bit on your cat’s dry food, or mix it in with their wet food. Not only do they love how it tastes, but it’s full of protein and vitamins that will keep them looking their best!
If you going to be gone for more than a day, you should have someone look in on your cat. Leave out plenty of food, but have someone come to make sure it doesn’t run out. If you do not have a neighbor or family to look in on your cat, you can usually find a cat sitter for a few dollars each day.
If you cat is overly vocal, try to figure out exactly why he or she is making so much noise. After some time, you’ll understand why your cat purs or meows based on what she wants. This could mean that your cat needs to go out or is hungry. Pay attention to her cues, and you can understand your cat that much more.
Feeding your cat the proper canned food is ideal. Dry food may cost less, but canned food has more benefits. Your cat can get more water, fat and protein from canned food. This food is easier to chew for old cat. Talk to the veterinarian prior to making any big changes; but, usually, canned food is best for your cat.
If your cat has recently given birth, be sure she has a safe, private area to take care of them. Mother cats can become frightened by strangers or loud noise, sometimes leading to decreased milk production. They may also hide the kittens in places where you cannot find them, such as closets, or under beds.
If you live in an area that is populated by wild animals, such as coyote and fox, you may need to make you cat an indoor cat. Wild animals pose a real threat to cats, and to avoid the loss of a beloved pet, it is sometimes best to keep them indoors for the course of their lives.
While there is nothing wrong with using clumping cat litter for older felines, you should stick with sandy litter when dealing with kittens. The clumping litters are usually treated with all types of chemicals that may nto be safe for smaller cats. Once they are older, you should be able to make the switch with no issue.
Be aware whenever your cat suddenly quits using its litter box. Your cat might have a hard time using the litter box because of a health condition. A urinary infection or a kidney problem could be responsible for your cat’s behavior. Talk to the vet when your cat goes to the bathroom where they shouldn’t.
Make sure that you change your cat’s food and water on a regular basis. Just like humans, cats want to eat fresh food and drink water that is clean. Feed them at the same time each and every day if you want them to get into a regular feeding routine.
Try to be consistent with the type of cat litter and food you buy your cat. If you change up, it may cause some issues. Cats are creatures of habit, and they do not adapt well to change. If you must make some changes, it would be a good idea to do them gradually.
Don’t give a cat medicine that is intended for humans. If they have health issues, see a vet and give them what they provide. Your cat could become very sick or perhaps die when taking your medication.
Keep your cat on a diet of dry food if at all possible. Kittens have small teeth so they need soft food. As the adult teeth grow in, hard food can help to clean and strengthen the teeth. If you have an extremely finicky cat, you could mix dry and wet food together.
Once your cat starts to age, they may have to go to the vet more often than they did before. To make sure that your senior cat is in optimal health, you should take him to see the vet at least twice a year. Make sure that you follow any advice given to you during the visit.
Cats, like all pets, can be expensive. They need a lot of help, and it can be just like caring for a small child at times. These tips make it clear that you can care for your cat appropriately while spending less money.
