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House Cat Care Essentials
A cat who experiences good cat care and training is likely to live a
long, healthy life. If you have a new cat, the first thing to do is
take her to the veterinarian for a health check up. A lot of
veterinarians are also willing to provide cat care tips and information
on how to look after your new pet. Your cat will need vaccines. The
most common ones protect against feline upper respiratory disease (cat
flu), feline enteritis and feline leukemia. Your veterinarian will tell
you which vaccinations your cat requires and when. He will also check
for worms or other infestations on your first visit with your new cat.
Feeding Your Cat
The basic requirements for a cat are food, water and shelter. There are
many types of cat food on the market and different cats have different
preferences. A young kitten should be fed several times a day and an
older cat once or twice. For good House Cat Care,
try to keep to a feeding schedule so your cat knows when feeding time
is approaching. Fresh, clean water should be available all the time.
Cow's milk is not recommended for cats, despite popular belief!
Make Your Home Cat-Proof
Your home might not seem dangerous to you but there are various
products, plants and furnishings which can be hazardous to cats.
Possible dangers include exposed electrical cords, insecticides,
laxatives, perfume, sleeping pills, stain removers, nail polish
remover, solvents, aspirin and bleach.
Cats are naturally inquisitive and will investigate anything new or
unusual they come across. Common signs of cat poisoning include a pale
tongue and gums, vomiting, convulsions, a swollen tongue, no appetite
and diarrhea. If your cat has any of these symptoms or if you suspect
she has eaten something she shouldn't have, get her to the veterinarian
as soon as possible, with a sample of whatever she has consumed.
Remember too that some household plants are toxic to cats, with lilies
being especially dangerous for them.
Caring for Your Cat's Coat
Brushing, feeding a balanced diet and regular parasite treatments are
the best ways to ensure a healthy coat for your cat. Grooming removes
knots and fur matting and also loose hair which might otherwise cause
hairballs. Shorthaired cats might need brushing once a week but
longhaired varieties of cats might need to be brushed daily.
House cat care includes combing, which removes fleas, flea eggs and
ticks. Fleas are small, brown insects without wings. They feed on the
blood of their host. You might see them and their droppings on your
cat's fur or skin. To check for fleas, look around the head, ears and
neck of your cat and also around her tail. These are the most common
places to find cat fleas. There are various ways to combat fleas,
including collars, powders, sprays and topical liquids applied to the
fur.
Cat Parasites
If your house cat gets outdoors or if she is especially young, she
might be at risk from worms. Worm varieties found in cats include
hookworms, tapeworms and roundworms. You can get advice about
de-worming and other tips about house cat care and training from your
veterinarian.
Tags: Cat Health and Care Cat Care House Cat Care Essentials good cat care cat care and training |
