General Cat Care Tips

Many people think that because cats are generally independent creatures that don’t need love and care. Nothing could be farther from the truth! Although cats are small pets, they are comparable to a two-year-old child. You are responsible for all of your cat’s health care needs, so it is important to learn how to best take care of your cat. If your cat is a new addition to the family, you’ll need to work extra hard to learn how you can best care for your cat’s health.

First and foremost, it is important to get to know your cat. Cats are generally creatures of habit, so if you know your cat’s normal daily activities, then you’ll know when something is wrong. A cat who walks differently, losing or gains an appetite, or has a change in behavior, it may be ill or injured.

Your cat’s dental health is an important aspect that many people forget. If your cat is eating on one side or making loud noises, you should be concerned about sore gums or teeth. Cats with a broken canine tooth often sneeze a lot, which can indicate the problem to you. You should also brush you cat’s teeth regularly using a small toothbrush and pet toothpaste.

Remember, diet is important to your cat. Make sure that you purchase pet food that is formulated for your cat’s age and health. Your vet can make recommendations. Do not feed your cat human food unless your vet indicates that this is ok. Although cats like the taste of sweet things, items like chocolate can actually be fatal, even in small doses. Also avoid feeding your cat with dog food, unless you have no other option. Dogs and cats and genetically different, so dog food will not have the same nutritional value as cat food.

Grooming is also crucial. Cats self-groom with their tongues, but combing the fur of a long-haired cat is necessary. You can also use talcum powder to help remove dirt as you combing, and baths can be effective if you’re dealing with fleas. You can also have your pet professionally groomed, which he or she will probably find very therapeutic.

Lastly, it is simply important to make sure that you have all important numbers written down. If you got the pet from someone else, have their number on hand for the first month in case problems or questions arise. Also keep the number for your vet on hand, and make a note of the number you should call in an emergency. Doing this will help to keep any cat safe and healthy.

How to Treat Hairballs

Your cat’s health is very important. You should always ask your veterinarian when in doubt, but it is important to learn about such things on your own. That way, you will not only notice symptoms faster, you can also save some money and grief. If you want to be sure that you cat is getting treatment as soon as possible, you need to watch for signs that something may be wrong with your pet. One common medical condition that affects many cats is hairballs. While hairballs are normal for a cat to some extent, you should contact your veterinarian immediately if you think the problem is out of control.

Why cats get hairballs: Cats get hairballs mainly because they much of their day cleaning themselves. That’s why frequent baths aren’t necessary. Although cats do not like water, they do like being very clean at all times, and they do so, of course, by licking their fur. You cat probably spends 1-3 hours per day grooming. Because cats also shed, they swallow a lot of their own hair. Most of the hair gets digested and passes naturally through the cat’s system, but occasionally the hair becomes matted and entwined in the stomach, causing a hairball that is too large to pass through the system. When this happens, the cat vomits the hairball.

If your cat seems to have an abnormally high amount of hairballs, you should talk to your veterinarian as soon as possible. If you want Fluffy to remain health and friendly, don’t put off veterinarian visits. About a quarter of all digestive blockages in cats come from hairballs that cannot pass or be vomited. A blockage of the digestive system will make any mammal sick and your cat is no exception. Huge hairballs that size of baseballs have been known to form in a cat’s stomach. A hairball of that size can easily kill your cat.

Symptoms: There are a number of signs you will see in a cat having hairball problems.

Some are listed below:

1. Your cat is retching often
2. Your cat has a change in digestion
3. Your cat has a swollen abdomen

If any of those signs appear in your cat, he or she may have a problem with hairballs.

Treatment: Your veterinarian can give you cat flavored medication that your pet will love. The medication contains inside it non-digestible oil lubricants that will help your cat pass hairballs easily.

Prevention: Taking the medication mentioned above regularly will prevent your cat from ever forming hairballs again. Another great way to prevent hairballs from forming is a high-fiber diet, possibly including a fiber supplement. Home remedies, on the other hand, are not a good idea, because they could cause other problems with your cat’s digestive system.