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.

Cat Health Worm and the Heartworm

Heartworms do affect cats, but not as much as they do dogs. The sign of heartworm in cats is anorexia. A cat will become so underweight and experience bouts of vomiting causing concern in for owners. These worms are deadly and need prevention rather than treatment to protect the kitten and full-grown cat.

Roundworm and the Cat Health Worm Issue

Roundworms grow to be about four inches long and live in the intestine of the cat. Roundworms appear in the stool and vomit of a cat as they populate inside the cat. The cat may also show signs of bloating and in some cases, will block the intestines to prevent bowel movements. If you catch this problem early enough, you can prevent some further complications that may put your cat at risk of death.

Hookworms and the Cat Health Worm Problem

Hookworms live inside the cat and suck the blood from the cat usually causing the cat to become anemic. These worms live in the intestines and are generally found in younger cats rather than in older cats. Older cats seem to develop an immunity to fight the hookworm that kittens do not have at such a young age.

Cat Health Worm Problems and the Tapeworm

Tapeworms feed from the cat and cause the cats to become weak and listless if not treated. In young kittens, these worms hinder the growth and can cause death if not treated early. You see these worms by the rectum and they appear to be little pieces of rice.

Treatment of Intestinal Worms

If you bring a kitten home without treating it for worms, chances are, if you have other cats, they will become infected. The thought that all kittens have worms, is not true. Kittens born outside probably do, but kittens born inside to a properly cared for mother may not. If you have a kitten with worms, an over the counter de-wormer works great. You may need to treat more than once, but generally speaking, one dose for an inside cat usually cures the problem.

Heartworm prevention is the only way to protect the cat. If an animal contracts the heartworm, killing the worm may and not of the time does kill the pet. These worms affect cats and dogs, but for cats, it appears to cause health problems earlier than with a dog. Prevention always saves lives and keeps the cat happy and healthy. Cat health worm and potential problems need immediate attention to prevent further health complications.

You can also find more info on Neutered Cat Post Operative and Pregnant Cat Health. Aboutcathealth.org is a comprehensive resource to find more information about cat health.

Author: Mandi Fain
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Cats Have Lower Insurance Rates than Dogs

The great thing about having a cat is that they have lower insurance rates than dogs. If you start your cat in a health insurance plan while it is young, you’ll also save money. As long as it never has any serious illnesses the insurance rates will continue to be low. However, if it gets injured or becomes ill, you’ll have something to fall back on to help pay many bills.

Routine Checkups and More

As your cat continues to age the health insurance is going to come in handy. You’ll need to have routine checkups and there may be some other procedures needed along the way. Having cat health insurance will help you afford the checkups and preventive health care that your cat will need.

Making Your Cat’s Prescriptions Affordable

If you are a cat owner, one of the most expensive things to pay for can be its prescription drugs. Whether you cat needs a prescription after a procedure or due to an injury, it can really get quite expensive. As your cat gets older, it may need drugs to help with arthritis or other health conditions. These medications can get expensive and may cost more than $100 each month. However, if you have insurance for your cat the prescriptions may be covered by the insurance company.

Pure Bred Cats Really Benefit

If you have a pure bred cat, then you can really benefit from having cat health insurance. You see, many pure bred cats, as well as dogs, have specific physical problems that occur later in their lives. This can get expensive as your cat grows older, so having the cat insurance can really save you money as you endeavor to care for your pure bred feline.

It is important that you don’t wait until your cat gets injured or sick to begin thinking about health insurance. You can save a huge amount of money by insuring your cat now. Yes, you’ll be paying on a monthly basis, but the benefits of the insurance are enormous.

In summation, you may be risking your cat’s life if an unexpected sizable health expense surfaces and you are not prepared.

Yes, cat health insurance can make the difference between risking your cat’s life to euthanasia and being able to afford proper health care.

For More Detailed information visit, http://www.allthingscat.com/cat_health_insurance.html

Sheri Davis Collins is a responsible pet owner for 20+ years, practicing holistic and homeopathic care. She is also the webmaster of http://www.allthingscat.com The website for alternative views on cat health care. Which includes correct feeding, health problems, harmful cat litter, hairball resolution and cat lover gifts.

Author: Sheri Davis Collins
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

DIET: Cat health is strongly affected by what your pet eats. Obesity is a major factor in heart disease particularly as you cat gets older. Choose a pet food for your cat that is right for it’s age but feed it regularly. Consistency is the key to a well-fed pet.

GROOMING: Longhaired cats should be groomed regularly for optimum cat health. Use a pet brush and groom no less than once a week.

LITTER: The litter box can be a danger to both cat health and human health if it isn’t cleaned regularly. Change your pet’s letter no less than once every four days and keep a small dish of baking soda near the litter area.

ELDERLY CATS: Some diseases occur because your pet gets older. These can be labeled elderly cat health problems. As cats age their kidneys and eyesight fail and may need special diets.

SCRATCHING: Scratching is a major cat health concern because if a cat scratches regularly it is often a sign of other problems. If your cat is scratching an area a lot try a delousing product and then take your pet to the vet.

BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS: Many cat health problems relate to difficult or uncommon behavior. Listlessness can be a symptom of depression. Strange aggression is sometimes caused by hormone imbalances.

DECLAWING: Choosing to declaw can be a major factor in Cat health. If you choose to declaw your pet it is important to remember to keep them inside at all times.

PARASITES: Parasites like ringworm, heart worm and rabies can greatly affect cat health. Blood in a cat’s stool or uncommon appetite are common signs of parasites.

STRESS: Stressful situations like moving, traveling, natural disasters or even changes in the family can affect cat health. To minimize the effects of stress on your pet, purchase a tranquilizer for distance traveling and have a place in your home where your cat can escape if there are busy changes in the house.

POISON: Part of managing cat health is making sure dangerous poisons like antifreeze are inaccessible to your pet. Some plants are fatal to cats so make sure to raise your plants and lock your toxins.

MOUTH: Cat’s often have mouth diseases and this can impact cat health. Cat’s are just as prone to gingivitis as humans and cats can also develop. For problems like rodents ulcer or bad breath, brush your cat’s teeth with a small child’s toothbrush.

INDOORS/OUTDOORS: One of the greatest factors in determining cat health is whether you cat goes out of doors. Cars, children, other animals and toxins are all dangerous and should be avoided by keeping your cat indoors.

Cat health is an issue that concerns us all and hopefully this article has provided you with information that will make your cat’s life safer and healthier.

For more more information about cat health please visit http://www.1health-center.com/articles/How-to-Make-Your-Pets-Healthier-and-Happier.php

Author: Peter Lenkefi
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Because quality care is important, the point of the adopting benefit cat health shelter procedures keeps your cat happy and healthy. Because every cat is an individual personality and health need, these shelters take time to know each of the needs of any given cat. These shelters protect the cats until somebody comes to adopt them.

Most shelters have a veterinary that visits the shelter regularly to check the health of the cats and this is another reason for adopting benefit cat health shelter procedures to ensure the health and welfare of your cat. Cat health problems arise from bacterial and viral sources and need to be monitored constantly.

Feeding and watering your cats are one important part of caring for the cat, but their health must remain at 100% in order to be a great companion. Other health concerns that leave the need for adopting benefit cat health shelter procedures are tumors, diabetes and abscesses to name a few. Some illnesses or injuries require surgery to correct, which can cost the owner quite a bit of money. Ensuring your cats health will remain perfect requires safety and proper care by their owners.

Viral diseases become fatal to cats if not properly cared for with medical treatments from a qualified vet. Vaccinations and boosters need to be given yearly to protect the health of your cat. Bacterial infections clear up rather easily with proper medication such as antibiotics. With a viral infection, your cat may need confinement away from other animals until treatments clear up the infection. One top viral infection is the feline distemper and leukemia, which in some cases requires the cat to live in confinement for months and can result in death.

Some concerns seen by cat owners are chocolates and food poisoning. Cats love to explore and get into everything, especially kittens. Adopting benefit cat health shelter procedures help you learn what will harm your pet and what to do in the case of an emergency. If your cat consumes chocolate, they likely will experience stomach upset with diarrhea and vomiting.

Keeping all the health issues in mind, you will see that adopting benefit cat health shelter procedures help you raise a healthy and happy cat. Once you know the needs of your cat and the health issues, you may need to get another kitten for them to play and run around together, this helps with exercising your cats. Try to follow adoption benefit cat health shelter procedures to protect your cat or kitten from harm and disease,

Author: Mandy Fain
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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

Here are some guidelines and precautions you should take to protect your cat and your Christmas tree.

1. Pick the perfect spot for your tree. Preferably choose a corner, easier to secure the tree, and away from high furniture as you don’t want to make too easy for your cat to climb or jump on the tree. Also be sure that a power plug is near so you won’t have to use extra power cord that will run all over the area.

2. Tree area preparation. Cover the area of your tree with plastic sheeting or with a tree bag so it will be easier to pick it up at the end of the season and it will also collect all the pine needles. Ingestion of needles can cause vomiting and gastric irritation.

To keep your cat away from the tree you could spray some pinecones with citronella and stack them around the base of the tree. Cats don’t like to walk on pinecones and this trick can also be used for your houseplants.  If pinecones are not available, you can also use orange peels placed under the tree, cats also hate the scent of oranges.

If you use natural tree, cover the base with a tree skirt to prevent your pet from drinking the water  liquid can make your animal sick.

3. Tree preparation. Like with the citronella, you can also spray the branches of the tree with bitter apple which usually repels cats.

4. Secure the tree. Use a piece of high test fishing line to connect to the top of the tree to the ceiling. This will prevent from tipping. If the tree is placed in a corner, you could also use small hooks on both walls to secure your tree for falling if your cat finally passed through your previous “defense” and decided to climb on your Christmas tree.

5. Hide the electrical cords. Power cords always represent potential danger for cats especially the youngest that like to chew on anything.  Plug the tree lights into a short indoor extension cord and tape the plug into the socket with electrical tape. Simply unplug the lights from the extension cord to turn off. Plug the tree lights into a short indoor extension cord and tape the plug into the socket with electrical tape. Simply unplug the lights from the extension cord to turn off.

6. Safe ornaments. Ensure that your ornaments don’t use hooks and prefer loop of string tied in a knot. Ornaments often fall from the tree and cats may catch or swallow the hooks.

There is no entirely pet-safe bulb, as any ornament can be ingested and cause an intestinal obstruction but a cat “safer” bulb would be made of plastic or wood. Don’t place glass bulbs on the lower limbs of your tree because if broken, cats can step on them and cut their feet or worse yet – treat the bulbs like a ball and chew on them causing them to break, resulting in mouth or throat trauma and bleeding. Many cat owners have learned the hard way not to place any ornaments on the lower limbs.

7. Tinsels or ribbons. Replace shiny tinsel and garland, that always attract cats and can get caught in their intestine if ingested, with big red velvet ribbons.

8. Presents. Cats always love to explore and they certainly don’t understand that all these gifts under the tree are not all meant for them and certainly not to be opened before Christmas.  Beside the destruction of presents, there is always a risk of ingesting ornamental small ribbons or strings so keep all the presents in a safe until the last days or always supervise the area when your cat is investigating the tree.

9. Supervision and “training”. Nevertheless the safest thing to do would be to let your cat have access to the tree only under strict supervision and be positively encouraged to leave the tree alone. For persistent tree chewer or climber, you could always use a small spray bottle full of water near the tree. If your cats still go after the tree, a light spritz of water on their back and a firm “NO!” will get the point across.

To keep your cat away from the Christmas tree get your cat his own tree with this charming cat tree with pawprint motif. The various platforms offer your cat unrivaled views over his domain while the box can be a sanctuary or a playground depending on your pet’s mood! Alicante Cat Tree

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.

.

Some may only result in small digestive disturbances, whereas, others can cause serious sickness, and even death.

The following common food items should not be given to cats. This list is, naturally, incomplete as we can’t possibly list everything your cat shouldn’t eat.

…

Applaws Chicken Cat Food – Economy pack: 2 x 7.5 kg

Gastrointestinal foreign bodies

Gastrointestinal foreign bodies are a veterinary emergency, having the potential to make the canine or feline patient very sick, cause severe pain and discomfort, and ultimately cause death left untreated.

Clinical signs of gastrointestinal foreign body obstruction include: not eating, drooling, vomiting, lack of ability to hold down any food or water, lack of feces production, distended/painful abdomen, lethargy, and depression.  In the cases of sharp foreign bodies that can puncture the gastrointestinal tract, a very dangerous condition can ensue due to leakage of the bacteria ridden gastrointestinal material into the sterile intra-abdominal environment, called peritonitis.  Peritonitis can quickly lead to shock, septis (bloodborne infection), and death.

As previously stated, gastrointestinal foreign body obstruction is an emergency that necessitates immediate veterinary attention.  Time is often of the essence in these cases, so be certain not to hesitate in seeking veterinary attention for your pet if gastrointestinal foreign body obstruction is suspected.

Gastrointestinal foreign body obstructions are diagnosed by a combination of history, physical examination, x-rays, and a special x-ray imaging technique called a barium series (when a foreign body is not readily evident on simple x-ray).  If foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal (esophagus, stomach, upper small intestine) are small enough, they can sometimes be retrieved non-surgically with an endoscope.  However, larger and more distal foreign bodies must be surgically removed.

Prognosis following gastrointestinal foreign body surgery depends on how stable the patient was at the time of surgery, how compromised the gut is at the time of surgery, and whether or not there was any leakage gastrointestinal tract material into the abdomen.  Post-op care includes aggressive IV fluids, antibiotics, gastrointestinal protectants, and narcotic pain management.

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.

Worms

No matter what breed of cat it may be, worms are a very common and repeating problem.  Tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms are among the most common that infect cats.  Cats who have problems putting on weight, problems with fleas, or if you find white specks in his stool, you should have your vet test him for worms.  Although they can be treated with medicine, worms can  be fatal if they are left without treatment.

Hairball

Hairballs are the most common health problem for cats.  All cats groom themselves on a daily basis, normally swallowing the loose hair that comes from their coats.  Occasionally, this loose hair will gather into a ball and become lodged in the digestive tract instead of passing through in your cat’s stool.  When your cat begins coughing and hack, he is normally coughing up a hairball.  Although it can be rather disgusting finally, most cats can dislodge hairballs with no problems.

In rare cases, a hairball can pass through to a cat’s intestine, creating a blockage.  Blockages are very serious problems, and can be dangerous for your cat’s life if they aren’t treated.  If your cat becomes constipated, isn’t eating properly, or has a very dull coat, he could have a blockage.  If you observe any of these symptoms, you should take him to the veterinarian at once.  You can prevent hairballs and blockages by brushing your cat 2 – 3 times a week to get rid of loose hair.  You can also feed him food that is designed to control hairballs.

Urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infection is also a common health problem with cats.  Urinary tract infection is more common with male cats that have not been neutered, although females can suffer from this problem as well.  When a cat suddenly stops going to his litter box, this problem is normally the cause. An additional symptom is when the cat’s urine begins to smell very strong.  If you suspect that your cat has a urinary tract infection, you should take him to the vet.  Your vet can treat the problem with medicine, and make recommendations to help avoid this problem in the future.

Feline leukemia

In the past, feline leukemia was the biggest cause of death in cats. These days however, there are vaccines available that can treat the disease.  To treat the disease, your cat will need to be given the shot before he or she is exposed.  Even though death doesn’t happen immediately, cats that are exposed to feline leukemia normally don’t have a long life span.  If you know your cat has feline leukemia, you should never allow other cats around him, as the virus is extremely contagious.

To protect your cat, you should always make sure that you take him to the vet for his regular check ups.  If you keep him up to date on his vaccinations, he should lead a healthy and productive life.  Although some health problems can’t be avoided, most of them can.  You can also keep your cat indoors as well, which will protect him from a majority of health problems.  If your cat is an outdoor cat, regular visits to the vet will keep him healthy.  As long as you take your cat to the vet and keep him healthy – he will be your companion for years to come.

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.