Results tagged “cat care tips” from Face Kitty

Because fleas cause illnesses that can kill your cat (see my previous post called sickness in cats from fleas) its a good idea to check your cats regularly. Unless you check, you may not even know your cat has fleas until it's too late.

I thought my vet was crazy when he checked Neo for fleas, because

Some cats just don't want to be combed, whatever the reason, you've tried to get a comb on them, but it just won't work. It's important to keep their fur under control for their health. Here are three things you can try.

First, use a course fabric mitten. You can get ones made specifically for cats. Just put it on and pet your cat. it catches the loose fur. These aren't as good as a the comb but it will work.

Second, is to get one of these corner gadgets. You mount it on the wall about cat height and as they rub against it they comb themselves!

And third, seriously, try the vacuum, it doesn't massage the scalp very well, but some sensitive cats prefer it to combs. Especially the quieter models. This older cat loves the vacuum! And her owner is smart to use the little round bristle brush so her skin isn't sucked up into the machine.

5. Brush your cat's fur weekly if not more often. Regular brushing or combing catches loose fur and massages the scalp. You'll notice a reduction in fur balls and loose fur around your home.

4. Check for skin irritations, fleas and ticks when you brush. Early detection of these things can prevent bigger problems later. SOme skin irritations are the first signs of bigger problems like allergies, and diseases.

3. Feed your cat high quality food and treats from your vet. Grocery store and lower quality cat foods contain too many starches, sugars and grain products which leads to an unhealthy cat and unhealthy fur. If you switch to high quality canned or raw cat food you'll notice a difference in your cat's health and in his fur.

2. Let your cat move around while you are grooming him. He knows where his body needs to be groomed. He may have some hard to reach places like at the base of the tail and the top of his head.

1. Try several combs and brushes, even the vacuum cleaner! Neo likes it when I use one of those adhesive lint rollers on him after I comb him, it lifts up all the loose fur.

Kitty's been exploring and is really dusty and dirty now. Or maybe kitty came home covered in what looks like oil and smells like an engine. Now what?

You can’t let her clean herself, engine oil is toxic...the only thing you can do is give her a bath. Here is the best way to give a cat a bath. If you can get help, great, one of you to hold the cat and one to wet, shampoo, and rinse. Either way, follow these five steps for bathing cats and you and kitty will live to tell the tale!

Worried about property damage from cats? Trimming your cat's claws is the best way to avoid it.

Trimming your cat's claws is safe and easy. And it is much healthier for your cat than declawing - which is slicing off their fingers, leaving them in pain, emotionally damaged and unable to walk properly.

Ok, this guy has a very well trained F2 (second generation) Savannah male. I've never seen a cat so comfortable with having his claws cut! This is a good demonstration of how to cut your cat's claws. But if you don't have a cat that sits on a pedestal and gives you his paw, then keep watching.

This guy also has an F1 Savannah female who is not as laid back about having her nails trimmed. He demonstrates how to hold her through the process. Every cat owner has to trim the nails regularly to prevent property damage from cats. Also, if you opt in to get nail caps for cats, you have to trim regularly.

Thinking about herbal treatment for cats? There are so many theories and so many people selling stuff that is toxic to cats that it's really a buyer beware market. The problem is that there are no regulations and no real evidence to show what works and what doesn't. Its a bit of a risk, but if you are concerned about your cat's health, herbal treatment for cats might be the way to go. But first, always ask a vet, if your vet is not into herbal treatments, refer to this list of vets who practice alternative medicine. Some safe herbal treatment for cats include:

-Acidophilus - to restore intestinal health and maybe even correct diarrhea and constipation in cats.

-Catnip - it doesn't work for all cats, usually unneutered males like it the most because it resembles female cat urine.

-Topical Epsom Salts - don't let your cat lick it because it caused diarrhea! But it has been helpful to draw out infections from nail beds and soothe itchy paws.

-Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids - for a shiny coat and tests are showing that they help relieve cats of allergies.

-Glucosamine and Chondroitin - are used to treat arthritis in cats with much success.

-Milk Thistle - for when your cat's liver is under stress from some form of poisoning - but make sure you see your vet, cats have very sensitive livers.

Of all the herbal treatment for cats I've researched over the years, these are the only ones that are proven safe for cats. But please, please, talk to your vet before giving any herbal treatment for cats. Your vet can alert you to harmful reactions and write it in your cat's medical chart for future reference. If your vet is not into herbal treatments and you are, then maybe it is time to get a new vet

If you see the symptoms bloody stool in cats, you need to collect a sample of the stool and get to the vet for a complete exam. Your vet is going to ask you a few questions so be prepared by taking stock of what could cause the blood.

Twelve questions your vet will ask you about symptoms bloody stool in cats:

1. Did your cat eat any bones or chew on other non-food items such as wood?

2. Did your cat eat any spoiled food? (did you leave the soft food out too long in his food dish?)

3. Have you changed his diet recently? (this includes treats, hard and soft food, and water or other liquids)

4. Has your cat eaten any people food? If so, what did he eat?

5. Has your cat been bitten by or playing with another animal?

6. Has your cat experienced any injuries to the anal area? (like a pelvic fracture, or a fall, or an anal temperature probe?)

7. Has your cat been rubbing his anus on the floor or carpets?

8. When did you first notice the blood in his stool?

9. Has your cat been straining or constipated? (your cat could have hemorrhoids)

10. How many times has your cat defecated in the past 24 hours?

11. Are there other symptoms your cat has? (such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, drinking a lot of water, and lethargic?)

12. Have there been any changes in the cats environment? (are you renovating? did you move the litter box? a new kitten in the house?)

Basically the bottom line is this, if you see the symptoms bloody stool in cats, put the stool in a plastic bag and get your cat and the stool to your vet as soon as possible.

Other posts I think you might be into:

12 cats that will be extinct by 2020

See a 400 lbs African Lion hug and kiss his rescuer!

Woman gets tackled by a lion at a Photoshoot!

These ringtones will drive your cat crazy...