For all of us who have tried removing cat hair from an armchair, cat seat, or our best coat, know it can be a daunting task.  Here are some suggestions that may prove helpful:
- First of all, it is recommended that you remove cat hair as soon as possible from any fabric surface.  That is because the longer it sits the more chance it will work itself into the fabric and be much more difficult to remove.
- Variety stores and pet supply places carry hand held sticky rollers that are especially designed to pick up lint, dust and animal hair.  S.C. Johnson's Pledge division makes a "Fabric Sweeper for Pet Hair" product that is very economical, easy to store and promises that it will pick up as much pet hair as 145 sticky roller sheets.
- Lint brushes feature a napped surface that also picks up animal hair.  The secret to success is to stroke in one direction only, or the nap will flatten out and redistribute the hair over the fabric.
- Sticky sheets are like large pieces of sticky tape that you can use on larger areas like furniture or rugs.  You simply press it down and when you remove it the cat hair comes with it.  After a couple uses it becomes a "trough-away item".
- You can dampen your hand, or if you prefer wearing a glove, simply moisten it with a little water and run your hand over the area using short strokes in one direction to scrape up the hair.
- Need an emergency small clean-up just before going out or just before company arrives.  Try blowing up a balloon, rubbing it over the fabric, and let the static electricity pick up the hair.  Works best on new surface hair.
 

1. Reduce grooming costs by asking your vet or groomer to teach you how to do the simple things so you can extend the time between professional visits and save money.  Most cat owners can learn how to clip their cats' nails, or how to bath and brush them properly.

2. Trade services with a friend or neighbor.  Agree to watch your neighbors dog, if they will watch your cat so each of you can take a vacation and save boarding expenses.

3. Buy pet food in largest quantity possible because it can be very expensive to buy what you need in small quantities.  Because you will be buying in a larger quantity than you can reasonably use split the food and cost with a pet-owning neighbor, friend or family member.

4. Save money on prescription drugs by buying from internet sites.  Sites like 1800petmeds.com and petmedoutlet.com will give you a place to start comparing prices.  Even if from a comfort level you would rather get your cats' prescription drugs from your vet, nothing prevents you from printing out the price list from the internet site and taking it to your vet to see if he/she will match the price.

5. Buying pet insurance can actually be a money saving practice.  In the event your cat needs emergency care you'll most likely be hit with a major bill.  You can avoid "economic euthanasia" by spending a small amount each month on pet insurance to protect you from unaffordable medical expenses.  Check out insurance cost by visiting those insurance company websites listed in the margin of this newsletter.

The best money saving tip of them all has to do with "prevention".  Keeping your cat healthy means maintaining proper weight, feeding your cat high quality food, ensuring your cat gets a proper amount of exercise, and taking your cat to the vet on a regular recommended basis.  Following the practice of "prevention" will keep your cat happy and healthy, and hopefully some of your hard earned money in your pocket.