Before the arrival of a cat

Before the arrival of your pet, you owe first of all, to collect information and to ask yourself important questions like:

1.             Where am I going to adopt a cat from?

2.             Will a cat be happy at my home?

3.             What type of cat to choose?

4.            What should I feed a cat?

5.             How to take care of a cat?

6.             Can I pay for the extra expenses?

7.             Can I put up with a cat?

Where am I going to adopt a cat from?

For ordinary cats, you will find them everywhere. However, you should know that there are several associations or refuges which collect abandoned or found cats. Those wait for a home and it would be really chivalrous to adopt one. As for the purebred cats, you will find them in pet shops at full price.

Will a cat be happy at my home?

Your pet will be happy if you also are happy. Even if frightened at the beginning, she will quickly get used to your home. Nevertheless, make sure that nobody at home is allergic to animal hair and that everybody agrees and happy with her arrival. Furthermore, plan to spend a lot of time with her because she is very affective. Certainly, it will not be easy if you work a lot and nobody stays with her. It will be necessary, in that case, maybe to give up on this adoption or you can take in two cats of the same mother so that they are not alone.

What type of cat to choose?

If you want a kitten, you should never adopt one if the age is less than 3-month-old. If separated too early from her mother, she can become aggressive later and show some other behavior disorders. Besides, if you find this kitten and decide to take care of her, you will have to take care of her like her mother would. Take her to a veterinarian who will know how to advise you. So, you are going to need to bottle-feed her, to give her a lot of affection, to play with her and even to pamper her. You must be ready to clean her after every meal and to rub the buttocks to stimulate her system. If you chose yourself your kitten, observe the mother and her environment. If everything suits you, opt for the one who appears most in shape. If you adopt an old cat, it will maybe not please your children in search of a playfellow. Then, you have to choose between male and female and if you don’t want to have kittens, you must be ready to spend on neutering.

Take care of a cat

If you want to adopt a cat, you will of course need to think about other aspects like food, caring, expenses involved and your capacity to put up with a cat. True enough, taking care of a cat is no easy task.

What to feed a cat?

If the adopted kitten has no teeth, she will not be able to feed herself alone. So, make mixtures of egg yolks and milk, which you will put in a syringe without needle to help her swallowing it. If she has teeth, mix certain food in some milk, such as well chopped meat or croquettes for kitten so that it looks like porridge. It is recommended to feed her every two hours.

As for a grown-up cat, a well-balanced meal has always to be in the menu. So, being carnivore, give her some meat but take into account that she also needs proteins, lipids, carbohydrates which we find in cereal, vitamins and minerals. However, it is necessary to ban fat of vegetable origin and food rich in magnesium.

How to take care of a cat?

There is a range of things to prepare like the litter and bowls, where one will have to contain some water and, the other one, the food. Be aware not to put them near the litter. Then, you will have to brush your cat regularly because she loses her hairs. She licks herself and swallowing too big quantity can be harmful for the digestive system. Use a comb or a brush adapted and for the fleas, use some cotton on which you will vaporize a special liquid, do not apply directly.

It is also necessary to take her to the veterinarian for her vaccines, medicines and in case of disease. Have a box or a basket in which you will put her to go there or even when you will go for a walk. Also, think of leaving her a basket and toys so that she can have fun with because kittens are generally very playful. A scratcher is also on the agenda because you do not want her to sharp her claws on your furniture or walls. And if you go on holiday, it will be necessary to leave her with somebody competent to take care of her.

Can I pay for the extra expenses?

Taking care of a cat requires some expenses like the veterinarian, medicines for worming treatment, food, toys, litter and anti-fleas products among others. So you have to plan ahead for a monthly budget to be able to pull through.

Can I put up with a cat?

You will have to bear many things because cats can make a great deal of mess. As an example, they hang themselves on curtains and damage furniture with their claws. However, you can prevent this by making your cat understand what bad habits are and by training her with patience. A cat can live between 15 – 20 years, thus a harmony which settles down between you would definitively be better. Before adopting a cat, review your level of tolerance.

When people come to your home and encounter a healthy, affectionate cat who is friendly and sociable, and lives in a clean, well tended environment, they are much more likely to have a positive opinion of you than if your cat is scruffy, overweight or underweight, and lives in an area that smells and looks dirty. At best, substandard cat care tells your pet and the world that you are not conscientious. At worst, failing to take good care of your cat can make you look cruel and irresponsible as your cat suffers and whines in the background of your daily life. Because your cat care habits say so much about you, it is well worth the time and effort to educate yourself about great cat care.

The good news is that great cat care is not difficult to practice. Once you learn how to care for your pet, providing top shelf cat care is a snap and take just a few minutes per day. By making cat care a part of your daily routine, you can make sure that you get to tasks like cleaning the litter box and grooming your pet before they become difficult or arduous. Cat care can be a snap as long as you are willing to take a little bit of time and effort in order to learn what your cat needs and how you can provide it.

Your cat care habits may say a lot, but they are also very easy to alter in as little as five or ten minutes of attention every day. If you aren’t taking the best possible care of your feline companion, there is no reason not to make a change for the better. Once you master how to provide great cat care, you will see your cat’s blossoming health and warm affection for you as a reflection of your best qualities. A happy cat in the pink of vigor tells the world that you are a caring and sympathetic person with a great capacity for being responsible and trustworthy. Improving your cat care skills can help you make a wonderful impression on anyone who is lucky enough to encounter your pleasant, healthy pet.

Find out more about how to care for your cat. Click here now! [http://www.yourpetsinfo.com/cats.html]

Author: Christopher Byrnes
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Having a cat is a two way street. The better the level of care that you can provide for your pet, the more energetic, affectionate, and well behaved it will be. By giving your pet optimum care, you will make it more agreeable to the training and behavior modification techniques that can take the headaches out of pet ownership. Good cat care often translates into a better cat that will react to commands more willingly than a cat who does not receive enough attention, affection, and care. The more you learn about how to care for your cat, the better the level of health and happiness you will be able to bring to your feline friend. The healthier your cat is, the stronger the emotional bond between you and your pet will be, and that bond often serves as the core of obedience training.

By educating yourself about cat care and practicing the best, tested feline care techniques to provide your cat with optimum attention, you can make sure that your cat is as happy as possible. The happier your cat is, the happier it will be able to make you. A cat that is well cared for is a cat that will be interested in active playtime and in calm relaxation. The better your cat care abilities are, the more fully you will be able to share time with your cat doing all of you pet’s, and your, favorite activities together. Great care provides a strong foundation for your bond with your cat. Good care and attention can help you grow closer with your beloved pet by making sure that he or she is always up for spending time with you. This is why cat care is an important part of your emotional relationship with your cat.

If your cat isn’t getting the right kind of care, from the best kind of diet to the ideal grooming schedule, your cat may develop behavior issues that can make him or her feel like a problem child. However, the positive side of this equation is that conscientious and responsible cat care can help your cat overcome issues ranging from constant meowing to weight issues to destructive tendencies. Good cat care means a happier and healthier pet, and even a problematic cat who receives enough of the right kind of care can become a pleasant companion.

Author: Bruce Walls
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Remember that ingesting bulb plants often cause the most severe illnesses. Here are a list of some popular winter holiday plants and their potential toxicities.

	Amaryllis (Amaryllis spp). Ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhea, depression, lack of appetite, tremors, drooling and abdominal pain.
	Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, Easter cactus (Schlumbergera or Zygocactus). In dogs, if large quantities of this plant are ingested, vomiting, possibly with blood, diarrhea, possibly with blood and mental depression have been reported. With small ingestions, typically there are no signs of toxicity. These plants are considered low toxicity plants.
	Holly (Ilex sp.). This plant, commonly found around Christmas time, can cause intense vomiting and diarrhea. Mental depression can also occur.
	Mistletoe (Phoradendron spp.). This plant, another Christmas plant, can also cause significant vomiting and diarrhea. In addition, this plant has been associated with difficulty breathing, slowed heart rate, collapse and, if a lot is ingested, death has occurred. Some animals may even show erratic behavior and possible hallucinations.
	Poinsettia (Euphorbia). This plant can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach and sometimes vomiting. It has a low level of toxicity and is overrated as a toxic plant. Many people consider it basically non-toxic.

Some less common toxic winter holiday plants include:

	American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens). Ingestion results in weakness, vomiting and seizures.
	Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale). Ingestion of the bulbs results in mouth irritation, blooding vomiting, diarrhea, shock, kidney failure, liver damage and bone marrow suppression.
	Burning bush (Euronymous alatus). Ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhea, depression and lack of appetite.
	Christmas dagger fern (Polystichym spp). This plant is considered nontoxic.
	Christmas orchid (Cattleya trianaei). This plant is considered nontoxic.
	Christmas palm (Veitchia merrillii). This plant is considered nontoxic.
	Christmas rose (Helleborus niger). Ingestion results in abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea and delirium.
	Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium). Ingestion results in vomiting, diarrhea, depression, drooling and lack of appetite.
	European bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara). Ingestion results in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, lack of appetite, weakness, confusion and low heart rate.
	Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicuni). Ingestion results in vomiting, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, seizures, mental depression, respiratory depression, shock and death.
	Mistletoes cactus (Rhipsalis cassutha). This plant is considered nontoxic.
	Thanksgiving cactus (Zygocactus truncactus). Ingestion results in vomiting, diarrhea and depression. Cats also can develop staggering.

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Applying Advantage® flea control to your feline friend is fast and easy. There are two convenient package sizes which offer flexibility in dosing:

For cats and kittens eight weeks or older:

• Kittens/Cats 9 lbs. and under
• Cats over 9 lbs.

Once you have the correct pre-measured dose from your veterinarian, follow the instructions below to provide your purr-fect companion with fast relief. (Advantage for cats should not be used on any other type of animal. Always consult your veterinarian prior to application.)

To correctly treat your kitten or cat:

1. Remove one applicator tube from the package.
2. Hold applicator tube in an upright position. Pull cap off tube.
3. Turn the cap around and place other end of cap back on tube.
4. Twist cap to break seal, then remove cap from tube.
5. Part the hair on the neck at the base of the skull until the skin is visible. Place the tip of the tube on the skin and squeeze the tube twice to apply the solution directly on the skin. Do not get this product in your pet’s eyes or mouth. The product is bitter tasting and salivation may occur for a short time if the cat licks the product immediately after treatment. Treatment at the base of the skull will minimize the opportunity for the cat to lick the product.
6. Discard empty tube by securely wrapping in several layers of newspaper and discarding in trash.

See picture below.

Cats that have long hair need to be brushed and combed on a daily basis, while cats with short hair need to be groomed on a weekly basis.  When you brush your cat, you should always watch for lumps in the coat and skin irritations.  You should start brushing along the cat’s back, going from his head to his tail.  Do this a few times on one side, and then switch to the other.  Each area should be brushed a few times in the direction of the way your cat’s hair is growing.

When you brush your cat, you should always avoid brushing his face and paws.  If a cat doesn’t like to be brushed, you can still groom him using another tool.  The grooming glove is an excellent alternative to the brush, as most cats don’t mind it at all.  Starting out young is the key to grooming, as it will get your cat used to brushing and grooming.  Some cats that have started grooming when they were kittens grow to love it, many of which often look forward to their grooming time.

When brushing your cat, make sure that you check his ears, eyes, teeth, and claws.  His eyes should be bright and clear with nothing residing in the corners.  His ears should be clean, pink in color, and no sign of ear mites.  Ear mites result from dirt built up in a cat’s ears, and can result in the ears shriveling up and your cat losing his hearing.  Ear mites are very annoying for the cat, and hard for you as an owner to get rid of.  The best way to get rid of them – is to ensure that your cat’s ears stay clean and healthy.

Each time you groom your cat, you should always aim to go a bit further with your examinations.  When your cat remains still, you should always praise him and give him a treat.  If your cat doesn’t cooperate and starts to struggle, you shouldn’t fight with him, but instead let him go and try the next day.  Once your cat gets used to grooming he will look forward to it each and every day.

Cat fleas can be difficult to get rid of once they have established themselves in your home. Cat fleas can live off dogs and other pets. The larvae can live for a long time in your pet’s bedding, feeding off of dropping of adult fleas. Fleas can hurt your cat when they bite. They can be very annoying to your pet.

If your cat develops an allergy to the flea saliva then his health could be at risk. Cat fleas bite humans too and can transmit disease. When you have a problem with cat fleas, you must quickly take action to rid your home of those unwanted pests.

Your veterinarian can give your cat medication that will keep him free from fleas although it will take a few days for the medication to begin to work. In the mean time, the vet may recommend you give your cat a flea bath or use a flea spray.

Getting your cat free of fleas is just half the battle. If the fleas avoid your cat, they will be more likely to go after your dog or humans living in the house. You must treat your home to rid it of fleas as well. Your cat’s bedding should be washed and treated to get rid of both the larvae and adults. You may need to treat your carpet and upholstered furniture that your cat spent a lot of time on. Using a carpet spray that contains malathion will prevent larvae from growing into adult fleas. Preventing cat fleas from taking over your home and cat is a lot easier than getting rid of an infestation.

Take your cat to your veterinarian for regular checkups so the vet can look for telltale signs of fleabites. Regular use of flea medication as prescribed by your vet will keep fleas off your cat and hopefully out of your home.

Cat fleas are far more than just an annoyance to your beloved pet. They can spread disease to your cat and your family members. Fleas can make your cat miserable, so always be alert for signs that your cat has fleas. Take action even if you see just one flea. If there is one, there are more hiding somewhere and they are all reproducing. It doesn’t take long for a full blown infestation to develop.

All kidding aside, you know that your cat’s muscles and bones get tired and sore, too!

Your cat may think you’re a little off your rocker at first, but minimal resistance, your cat will learn to love getting a quick massage. It is best to wait until he or she is relaxed before you attempt the first few times, this way you won’t catch them off guard or anything. The best times are always after playtime or just before nap/bedtime.

Make sure that your cat is comfortable before you begin the massage. The best position is for him or her to be lying down or sitting comfortably. Then, begin at the back of the neck. You know your cat better than anybody, so if there is an area that you know he or she doesn’t like to be touched, I would strongly recommend not trying to massage there!

Basically, you want to use your fingertips or the meaty part of your hands to gently massage your cat in circular motions. Go in-between the shoulder blades, under the chin, neck and chest area, your cat will let you know which areas he or she likes. Make a mental note for future reference if he or she seems to dislike one particular area. This will also give you a chance to check the animal for any bumps or lumps you might not normally notice, too.

The trick is the amount of pressure that you apply to the body. You will want it to be hard enough to be able to feel the muscles, but not hard enough to make the cat uncomfortable. Don’t worry, it’s pretty easy to figure it out and soon, both you and your cat will come to enjoy this precious time together!

It is possible that you have a cat that is not crazy about being massages. If this is the case, there are other ways to help them wind down and relax. Maybe he or she likes to lounge on an electric blanket. Some crazy cats even like to sleep in the tub; it doesn’t matter, as long as you are okay with it!

There are some people that will inevitably try to use an electric massager on their cat. I would strongly recommend against this idea. If you really want to go that extra mile, then ask your vet if there are any safe massagers on the pet product market. You don’t want to hurt your furry friend, so don’t go overboard!