Consider the following factors when determining the frequency at which you groom your cat:
The length of your cat's hair
In general, cats with long hair need much more frequent grooming, often on a daily basis. Cats with short hair can be brushed several times a week.
Your cat's ability to groom herself
Cats who are overweight or ill often have less ability or desire to groom themselves. Older cats who may have arthritis may also tend to groom less. These cats should be groomed on a more frequent basis.
The amount your cat is shedding
The amount your cat sheds varies throughout the year. When your cat is shedding less, especially if she's a "shorthair," you may brush or comb your cat and remove very little hair. Other times, it may seem to come out in handfuls. The more a cat is shedding, the more often you should groom her. This will also greatly decrease her risk of developing hairballs.
Your cat's tolerance to grooming
Some cats love to be groomed - giving you excellent "bonding time" and a beautiful cat. Conversely, some cats seem to despise brushes and combs, and should therefore be groomed only on an "as needed" basis.
Contentment, comfort, security... for many pet owners, the humming purr of a squinting cat is the unmistakable signal that their feline is happy and healthy.
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This is why your cat purrs when petted, instinctively giving the signal "all is well," a message you can both feel and hear.
But this isn't the only message purring may signal:
Purring is one of several methods of non-verbal communication felines use to convey their moods and needs. Others include squinting or slow blinking, stretching, scratching, facial rubbing, and spraying. So the next time your cat is purring deeply while curled in your lap, try purring back - she'll know what you're saying!
We know that giving your pet the medications she needs at the right time depends a great deal on how easy it is for you to give this medication to your pet. With this in mind, we have created some simple steps to help you give your pet meds the way the professionals do (and the easiest way possible!).
Since cats are more apt to chew their food than dogs, it is generally more difficult to give a cat a pill than it is a dog. In addition, a cat may bite and learn quickly to avoid the person giving the pill.
Make sure to ask your veterinarian if your cat can take this medication with food, or if your cat has any food restrictions.
5 steps to accustom your cat to getting a pill
Here are some steps to help get your cat accustomed to being handled enough to have medications given to her:
Obviously, it would be ideal to teach this to your cat before you have to give medication, but it can still be done if you are gentle and patient.
Once your cat is used to being handled this way, or if you have a mellow cat, you can use the following steps to help you give your cat pills:
Note: We do not recommend giving meds in your cat's meals, because if she tastes something she doesn't like she may not want to eat any of it and she may become suspicious of future meals. Also, if she does not eat the entire meal, she will not get the appropriate dose of medication.
If your cat will not take the pill in food or cannot have food with the medication, then you must give it by hand. Use the following guide to help you do this:
Give your cat a pill if she won't take it with food
After you have given the medication, either with food or without, speak softly and stroke your cat or use a praise word or treat she especially enjoys. A treat, food, or water given after a pill is taken helps prevent medication from lodging in the esophagus. Food or a treat also helps make the experience pleasant and makes it much easier the next time you give the medication. Remember, the more quickly you give the medication, the easier it will be on the both of you.
Medication Tip: Breaking tablets
Because of this species' varying size and dosage changes (especially for long-term medications), tablets may need to be split in half or even smaller.
If a tablet is scored:
If the tablet is not scored, or you must break the tablet in smaller, uniform pieces, the easiest way is with a pill cutter.
The three articles above are reprinted with the permission of Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff.
You'll be surprised to find that cat health problems are very common in getting and owning a new cat. It may be from heredity or sometimes it is something that can be prevented. Doesn’t really matter what breed or type of cat you have, health problem are to be expected and are part of owning a cat. Here is the information that you need to deal with the most common health issues and illnesses.
Some cat health problems that cats get are the same health problems that we get. Such as cancer, kidney disease, arthritis, flu, and diabetes. They can also pass diseases or conditions to humans. Rabies and Cat Scratch Disease are examples.
Cats typically remain healthy if they are provided with good food, shelter, plenty of water and cared for properly. You just have to keep an eye on your pet since they do
get sick from time to time and it doesn't matter what you do. You will become an expert when you get to know your cat well and will soon spot any changes or anything out of the ordinary with your
cat’s health and behavior.
First and foremost, taking your cat to the Veterinarian for his regular check ups and vaccination is quite important. The veterinarian will check the cat’s mouth, ears, eyes, and claws for any problems. They will also give your kitty a yearly vaccination to protect them from any diseases and viruses. By doing these few things, your cat should lead a very happy, healthy life and will be your companion for years to come.
Cats are really good in hiding signs of illness but here are some things to watch out for:
If you notice any of the above signs or anything unusual or worrisome about your cat, call your veterinarian.
Because cats that are healthy should have bright, clean eyes, a pink mouth, and white teeth.
They should be active, alert, and happy. Its skin and fur should be smooth and well groomed.
Ears should be clean and pink inside.
This article is re-printed with the permission of: http://www.tips-for-cats.com/cat-health.html.