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[ Contents ]
Cat Care
GROOMING
Cats are very clean animals, and spend a lot of their time grooming themselves, but they will still need a helping hand. The Persian requires daily grooming and weekly grooming is a must for the shorter haired cats. Regular grooming not only keeps the coat in good condition, it also helps you to:
* Detect fleas or other parasites and effect treatment before they become too much of a problem.
* Minimise the chances of your cat developing fur balls by swallowing too much fur.
* Notice sore or swollen areas, before they can develop into more serious conditions.
CLEANING EYES, EARS AND TEETH
Healthy cats should have clear, bright eyes, with no discharge present. It is usual to find some "sleep" deposits in the corners of their eyes; this is easily wiped with a soft cloth moistened with warm water, any persistent discharge should be treated by your Veterinarian. Some pedigree breeds are susceptible to their eyes weeping due to blocked tear ducts. These cats are not ill or infectious but due to their breeding, are not able to drain their tears away properly.
The inside of your cat's ears should look clean, with no persistent over-production of wax or any foul-smelling matter. If this is the case, then you should consult your Veterinarian. Never probe into the ear canal, as great damage could be done to this very delicate organ.
Most cats are fed on soft canned food, which is not good news for your cat's teeth and gums. You can buy various items to help with the cleaning of your cats teeth including toothpaste, toothbrushes, chews etc. All cats are different in temperament and I feel that you just have to find the best method that suits your feline friend.
CLIPPING CLAWS
Outdoor cats scratch their claws on trees, not so with cats that spend their lives indoors, if they are not provided with a scratching post, they will use your furniture. It is a good idea to check and clip your cats claws regularly, as this will protect your furniture and also enable you to spot any problems. Here are a few basic principles:
* On examination of the claw you should see a pink cortex containing the blood supply near to the paw, while the area near the tip of the claw is white with no blood supply present.
* Use nail clippers or claw clippers to cut off the sharp portion of the claw taking care not to cut into the pink quick, as this will bleed and be very painful for your cat.
BATHING
Generally, cats should not need to be bathed as a routine as they are quite capable of washing themselves, although there may be occasions when it will become necessary to do so, if the cat comes into contact with a toxic substance for instance. Show cats are well-used to being bathed and normally enjoy it, or at least don't complain too much! Kittens under three months, elderly cats or pregnant queens should not be bathed. If in any doubt consult your veterinarian.
A much less traumatic option is to bath your cat using baby powder taking care not to let the powder get into your cat's eyes. Alternatively you can use warmed bran at hand temperature. Rub the bran into the cats coat, massaging it well into the fur. Remove the bran by using a bristle brush.
INOCULATIONS
Kittens obtain immunity from serious infections by absorbing the antibodies from their mothers milk. They are most vulnerable from the age of six weeks, when they are weaned until twelve weeks, when they may be inoculated. They must be confined indoors and not allowed to mix with other pets until they have received their inoculation.
PARASITES
Probably the best known external parasite is the flea, others include mites and ticks. Internal parasites include round worms and tape worms.
[ How Cats Can Transmit Infection ]
All animals at some time in their lives will get fleas, and the cat is no exception; I prefer to give my own cat the "Program" treatment. This is given once a month, mixed with the cats food and prevents fleas from reproducing.
