Created by-Boykin Madsen

If you have a cat, then you're probably familiar with how much you spend a year on it. There are many expenses associated with cats, including food and medical bills. There are steps you can take to spend less money on the things your cat needs, which you can see in the following article.

Watch the amount of treats that you give your cat. Like humans, cats can easily overeat junk food. This can cause them to gain weight and may lead to some health problems like heart issues and diabetes. If you do give your cat treats, give them a small amount and make it a special thing instead of a regular routine.

Have your kids help you take care of the cat. Assign daily jobs such as feeding the cat and cleaning the litter box. Not only will taking care of the cat teach them responsibility, it also gives you a break from these tasks. This means that you can spend more time cuddling with your cat.

Be careful when treating your cat for fleas. Be sure to consult with your vet before using natural alternatives to control your cat's fleas. Cats are very sensitive to essential oils and many herbs. Your vet will probably recommend you use a prescription flea treatment, which is usually best for cats.

Cats are constantly grooming themselves, and this is why they rarely need a bath. If your cat gets into something particularly stinky, a bath will not hurt them. If your cat does not like water you might want to wear gloves so that you do not get scratched. You might also want to enlist the help of a friend or family member.

Cats love to much on grass and plants such as catnip. There are plants however that are poisonous to cats. Chrysanthemums and holly are beautiful and common around the Holidays, but can be very toxic to cats. Other plants that are toxic or lethal include lilies, rhubarb and daffodils.

A cat's nails can grow really quickly. They sharpen their nails by scratching on different surfaces like a scratching post. You can help avoid your cat destroying your furniture by clipping their nails often. This will help to discourage your cat from scratching at different things around your house.

Do not allow your cat to stay bored all of the time. Play is important to the health and vitality of your cat. A lot of cat owners do not keep their cats busy. A lack of stimulation can lead to psychological or medical problems for your cat, including depression, compulsive disorders, and chronic misbehavior. Give them exercise space and a lot of toys. Indoor cats will be happier if you provide them with climbing resources and practical things such as scratching posts.

Do you have more than one cat? If so, then you should have more than one litter box as well. Having one for each of your cats will give them multiple spots to go. If the odor gets too much you can add a little baking soda to the litter to freshen it up.







When training a cat, take the proper approach. Encouragement works better than anger. If you are trying to teach a kitten to use a litterbox, for instance, yelling will only frighten a small cat. When do retirement homes allow pets starts to go outside the box, gently place them in the box so they learn.

Do not let a declawed cat outside. Your cat may be seriously injured or killed because they are not prepared to defend themselves against another animal who may attack them. Indoor cats are the only type of cat that needs to be declawed. Remove only the front claws. A cat's back claws are not used when scratching furniture, so those can be left.

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Buy a fountain for your cat. Cats have a tendency to not drink enough water. This can leave them dehydrated. They often prefer running water to water sitting out in a bowl. If you suspect your kitty isn't drinking enough, consider investing in a cat fountain to avoid health problems.

When the cat's litter box starts to become rough and worn at the bottom, it is time to replace it. If you leave it this way, it will cause waste to accumulate in damaged areas. Your cat may be very offended by the odor and decide to use the bathroom somewhere else in the house.

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If you're tempted to load up on litter to cut back on cleanings, think again. Some people believe that the more cat litter they use, the longer they can go between emptying the litter box. Actually, this is a waste of your litter! Many cats refuse to use a litter box with more than 2 inches of litter on the bottom. Some prefer to dig to the bottom of the box before doing their business.

Your kittens don't want dirty mouths either, so take a toothbrush and clean those gums everyday before breakfast. Without proper brushing, cats can catch diseases, infections, and suffer serious side effects. A few minutes daily keeps these teeth healthy, strong, and sparkling. You should ask a veterinarian how to properly brush your cat's teeth.

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Feed your kitten a variety of cat foods to avoid a finicky cat later. Pick different textures and different brands on a regular basis and your kitten will learn to enjoy new tastes. This can also avoid feeding problems if your usual brand is no longer available in your area.

Do not let a declawed cat outside. The cat will be unable to defend itself against other cats or animals, risking injury or even death. Cats should only be declawed if they're going to be inside fulltime. Even in the case of indoor cats, you should only declaw the front claws. The back claws should remain as they will not scratch furniture or floors.

Never give your pet any drugs that were designed for use by humans. If your cat is sick, take it to the veterinarian and use the medication recommended. Pets that have taken human medications face serious injury or worse.

When click now turns treacherous, remember to bring your cat indoors. Bad weather can include times of unusual cold and heat, as well as constant rain and windy periods. Left alone outside a cat's natural instinct will be to hide, and they won't always choose a good hiding place. Keeping a cat outside during such weather events increases the chance that the cat might become injured or die.

As was mentioned earlier in this article, cats can make great companions. If you own a cat, or are considering getting one as a pet, use the information provided. Doing so will ensure that your cat lives a long, healthy and happy life, which is something you most definitely want.