Responsible Cat Ownership

Author: Madi ClevelandHutson

 Although cats are very different than dogs, they still need comparable kind of love and attention committed to their care. Due to their longer lifespan - over 15 years - taking care of a cat can turn into a really long-term commitment, in terms of both time and cash. Some of the factors include food, litter, and veterinary care. And as with any creature, you have to be responsible enough prior to deciding to introduce the pet into your home.
You will also need cat grooming products. Cats also need regular grooming to keep hairballs to a minimum. Because of this you have to brush their hair at least once a week, whether or not they are short or long hair cats. They also need to have regular exercise, and a scratching post, or else you are going to end up with furniture that is ruined. Cat condos are the best option for both purposes, and these can range in price from around fifty dollars to well in the hundreds, dependant upon the size and all the different features.
You also need to think of your home life and situation when choosing a cat. For instance, if you have children, you need to think about if a cat is right for your young ones. If they play too roughly with the cat, they will probably get scratched! Some cats are more patient and easy-going than others, so you will need to think about that when choosing the right pet for you.

With all the different cat breeds to choose from, it may be a great idea to consult a veterinarian before selecting the right breed for you and your family. Long hair cats tend to shed more, and some breeds are inclined to medical problems that you may not have the time or money to manage. Furthermore, even if it is going to be a fully indoor cat, they still need regular checkups, as well as shots. Also, you should always get your cat spayed or neutered. Male cats usually spray to mark their territory, females are quite annoying with their howling when they are in season. Getting them fixed not only can solve these problems, but prevent unwanted pregnancies. You may also be thinking about getting them declawed, particularly if they are indoor cats.

 Now there are lots of ways to get a cat. You can get them from breeders, and pet stores, but you should consider a shelter cat. Usually there are some sure benefits to owning a shelter cat. One of them is that they are screened to make sure they are appropriate for people, not feral. Many cats find themselves in shelters through no fault of their own, and cats are occasionally harder to get adopted than dogs. Even kittens can have their shots, older cats could even be fixed or have had their claws removed. Shelter cats have also been to a vet generally, had check ups and are in good medical condition. If the cat is too young to be fixed, a shelter might be able to provide a coupon to get this done for a reduced cost. All these cats need is a good loving environment, such as yours.
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You will also need cat grooming products, so be sure to invest in and use a deshedding tool for cats to keep your cat's hairballs low. Your cat, and your furniture, will thank you!