Basic Cat Care

May 10, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Pets

Debbie Foster asked:


Having any family pet is a big responsibility so you must know all the underlying steps on how to take care of it. So if you are keen to keep a cat, you need to know more about feline care. Owning a pet cat is not as easy as feeding it daily. Food is not the only thing a pet cat requires to stay healthy and happy. Just like you and me, cats also need some of their basic needs to be met.  Caring for cats is more than just the caring part, you have to know what to do and how to do it. As a conscientious cat owner, here are some things to be aware of.

Some people feed their family cats leftover foods or table scraps, but you have to understand that human food may be harmful to cats.  A combination of the two gives the correct kind of nutritional food for your pet. It can be affordable if you include it in your monthly household shopping budget.

Next, they need a home. You have to make sure the immediate surroundings will be safe and secure for your pet. Much like the way we take care to remove all potentially dangerous and threatening items from the home area when we have a child in the house. Of course, there’s also the need for a litter box for your feline. These can be very inexpensive or more pricey like the self cleaning type. Cats love toys to bring out their playful side, so you’ll want a few of those. Then to further show you care, cozy cat beds are nice. Again, these run from very affordable to more expensive like in the temperature regulated heated cat beds.

Exactly like an infant, your cat needs to be looked over by their veterinarian on a regular basis. It’s also important to take them to the veterinarian to have them neutered or spayed unless you intentionally plan to breed. Cats require vaccinations from time to time, and the costs of such shots may vary. Cats also need annual check-ups with their vet. Regular veterinary visits, as well as emergency visits from illness or injury can turn into a sizeable sum, so be prepared and plan extra money into your budget. It’s better to be prepared for the worst than to be sorry later. Cat care may seem like a cake walk in the beginning, but it is a full-time commitment to be a fully responsible cat owner. Before you dream of owning a pet, or actually getting one, please make sure you’re able to care for it in every sense.



Your Cat’s Teeth are Important

May 10, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Pets

Debbie Foster asked:


Looking after your pet’s oral hygiene is a primary responsibility of any pet owner, so begin your cat tooth care today instead of waiting for next February. In case you are wondering why February is mentioned, it is because two mega associations, The United States American Veterinarian Medicine Association or the AVMA, and the American Veterinary Dental Society or the AVDS, have decided to do something special during this calendar month.

These two groups tagged what used to be the month for romance as the Cat Dental Health month where they both target and carry out steps in preparing pet owners like you on how to care for the oral needs of your family pets every day. These two reputed groups know how vital it is to take good care of the oral requirements of your family pets. Their big focus is to dedicate a month in the year for the oral care of your pet, whatever that pet may be.

Did you know that approximately 85 percent of mature pets have dental diseases? Did you also know that this is one of the most common causes of health related problems with cats? If you don’t pay attention to those periodontic ailments, more problems may surface. If not properly treated, harmful elements like bacteria from the oral cavity can spread throughout the bloodstream. This in turn could infect other essential organs and ultimately lead to the death of your beloved cat.

As the owner you should be cleaning your cat’s teeth daily. This may not be practical to do by yourself, so utilize another household member to gently hold open your cat’s mouth so you can then clean its teeth comfortably. Your furry friend may not like the procedure at first but it is for their own good. If your cat has their claws, you’ll want to wear some protective clothing while they get accustomed to the process. Starting this as a kitten is best as then it’s not a big thing. If starting later in your cat’s life, both of you will have to get accustomed to the process. To make it a little easier for your cat, try using a fish flavored toothpaste. It’s prudent to be in touch with your vet regarding the dental care of your family pets. When visiting your vet, they will check your cat’s gum and teeth to provide any additional recommendations, if required.

Oral care for your cat should begin at an early age to prevent future ill health as the cat grows older. If you have endured painful teeth, you can imagine the pain your cat must be going through when there are tooth issues. If left untreated, your cat could be prone to heart, lung, liver and kidney problems. Effective tooth care would help to ensure that your cat grows older gracefully and in sound health. By doing what is necessary, you are preparing your family pets to have a more comfortable life as they age.



Are There Better Cat Breeds as Pets?

May 10, 2011 by admin  
Filed under Pets

Debbie Foster asked:


Cats have been a part of human life since ancient times. Today they are second only to dogs in popularity. Taking care of cats is easy to do, even if you are away from your apartment for long periods of time during the day. If this sounds like your schedule, a cat as a pet is a good choice.

The majority of felines don’t come with a pedigree because most cats are derived from multiple breeds. Actually there are only a small 3% of felines that are purebred. This is because they cost a lot more than the mixed breed cat and have no significant advantages or disadvantages over the mixed breeds. Across the globe, there are now just over one hundred purebred cats that have been identified.

There are notable distinctions between the unique breeds. There are distinct types of body shapes, coat lengths, color of coat, eye color, personalities and size of the animal. Cats can be categorized as the short haired or long haired variety. The most common of the two being short hair varieties.

Long haired cats take more time to care for. They require more daily grooming and are more prone to hairballs. Also, the long fur makes it more challenging to get rid of fleas, and harder to care for any cuts they may have.

Cats do not take as much of your time as dogs, who need daily exercise. Really, all the felines need is a little food, attention and a litter box. Of course, felines enjoy playing and climbing.  The occasional unexpected pounce or sweet purring in your ear are attributes of a happy cat. Additionally, because they are so adaptable, cats are great for most anyone’s living area, including apartments. Undoubtedly, these furry friends quickly become adored pets through their playfulness, affection, and loyalty.