Cat Care
Cat care, including cat health problems is something that should not be taken for granted. Many people think that if they get a cat as a pet that there is nothing to do except feed them and clean their litter boxes. Although cats may be a bit easier to care for than dogs, they require a lot more than this. They will need to have medical care and they will even need to be groomed. If you have a cat that has long hair, you will need to brush him/her on a regular basis to prevent mats from forming. Hair mats can be very painful if they are not removed. If you notice that your cat is moving around less, check their fur for mats. When they walk the mats pull on their skin and cause pain.
If you don’t want to spend time brushing your cat as much may want to get a short-haired cat. A lot of people think that Persian cats are beautiful, but after they get one they are startled at the amount of brushing and grooming they have to do. Cats shed the same as most dogs do, so even if you have a short-haired cat, cat care will involve brushing and grooming.
Feeding Your Cat:
Feeding is the most important part of cat care over the long haul. As with dogs there are a lot of holistic and natural cat foods on the market these days. It is important that you find a food that has no artificial color or artificial flavoring. Select a brand that has all the vitamins and supplements that a cat needs. Try to stay away from the cheap cat foods. Your cat’s health will depend on it. You can feed your cat a wet canned food and maybe leave a small amount of dry food out for nibbling on. Since cats don’t chew on bones like dogs do, having a small amount of dry food will help keep their teeth healthier. Having healthy teeth is an important part of cat care.
Many people make their own cat food. That way they know exactly whats in the food their pets are eating. You can look at some of the natural cat food recipes here. Be sure to add the necessary vitamins and minerals. You can avoid many cat health problems if you make your own food.
Litter Boxes:
One of the benefits of having a cat compared to a dog is that you don’t have to walk them on cold winter nights. However, you will have a major indoor problem if you don’t provide an appropriate and clean litter box inside. Keep the box somewhere that is quiet so that your cat will not feel threatened using it. A lot of people keep them in the bathroom or in a utility room. If you have more than one cat, you should have a box of each cat. Once you get this issue under control, cat care will be a little easier.
The main thing to remember is that a cat will not use a litter box if it is too dirty so daily cleaning of the litter box is the best bet. Use whatever type of litter you prefer. Your cat will usually use whatever type your choice. It is best to use the same type all the time. If your cat will not always use the litter box he/she may be trying to tell you to try another type. Proper cat care involves scooping the box daily and completely change the litter every 3 or 4 days.
Bathing Your Cat:
Cats by nature groom themselves so many people do not bath their cats. However, bathing may become a part of your cat care routine. If you start to notice that your cat has dandruff or is not as clean as you would like, bathing your cat is the best solution. It is just another way to maintain cat health. To do this you should get an attachment for your faucet that will allow you to get your cat wet and then thoroughly rinse them. Have your shampoo and towel as well as anything else you will use for bathing. You may want to have a wash cloth to wash their face. Turn the water on so that it is a mild flow at a warm temperature. Get your cat wet, and then apply the shampoo. Massage it through their fur and afterwards thoroughly rinse the shampoo out. Bathing your cat should be a very gentle process. Over time they should get used to it.
Towel dry them. Keep them warm. Don’t let them become chilled. If they will allow you to blow-dry their hair it will make them a lot fluffier. Just try a low speed so that they are not startled. After you have brushed them and gotten them dry, you may want to try to clip their nails. If they are too stressed, do this at another time. Just clip the very tip ends of their nails so that you don’t cause their nail to bleed.
Poisonous House Plants:
Good cat care involves keeping your cat safe also. Cats that live inside all the time may try to eat plants just out of boredom. They don’t have access to outside greenery so they try what’s inside. If they get a plant that is poisonous, it will obviously cause problems for both of you. Here is a list of some of the house plants that are poisonous for cats. This list is not a complete list so check before getting a specific plant for your home.
- Philodendron
- Dieffenbachia
- Poinsettias
- Mistletoe
- Holly
- Ivies
- Elephant Ears
- Cherry Laurel
- Majesty
- Balsam
- Pine
- Cedar Fir
- False Jerusalem Cherry
- Par lour Palms
- Birds of Paradise
- Caladium
- Creeping Charlie
- Boston Ivy
This list is not a complete one, but you get the idea. There are a lot of plants that can make your cat sick, so be vigilant. If you have a house cat, you might want to think about getting some “cat grass.” You can grow it yourself or buy it and set it out for your cat. Most cats love it.
Cat Health Problems:
Cat health problems are something every owner will have to deal with from time to time, If the cats are house cats they may not be as prone to illnesses as if they were outside, however with age a cat will develop illnesses just like all the rest of us. For discussion on specific cat illnesses and how to deal with them, click on the topic below.
Feline Diabetes
Feline Acne
Feline Leukemia
Feline Kidney Failure
Feline Acne
Feline Hypothyroidism
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