Caring for an Elderly Cat

Many of us consider our cat to be more than just a member of our household, we think of them as being a member of the family. Sometimes, we may have had the cat in our family from the time they were just a very young kitten and we couldn’t image living life without them. At some point or another, however, you might just look over and realize that the little bundle of joy has grown old. When that is the case, what can you do to care for the elderly cat properly?

First of all, it is important to recognize that elderly cats are going to have more special needs than most younger cats. For that reason, it might be necessary to schedule more visits with the veterinarian. They are the ones who can diagnose any problems that the cat may be having and perhaps even offer a solution to help your cat to be comfortable. Along with the regular visits, be quick to call the vet if you notice any significant change in the cat’s behavior or appearance.

When you go to the vet with your elderly cat, it is important for you to be more than just someone who drives them there and pays the bill. It is also important that you play an active part in the visit as well. If you have noticed any changes in the cat or anything unusual since the last visit, be sure that you bring it to the attention of the doctor. You should also ask them to do a body condition evaluation every visit.

Give some serious consideration to the type and amount of food you are feeding your older cat. They will have specific nutritional needs and it may be necessary to switch to a higher protein diet as they get older. As far as how much you are feeding the cat is concerned, you should let their health and weight dictate the amount. It can be tempting to feed your cat extra during this time in life but the extra weight is not going to do them any favors. Include some supplements for your cat as well, such as fatty acids. Your vet can give you information as to what is best.

Finally, make sure that you are giving your older cat plenty of love and attention. They may be feeling the strain of getting older and a scratch behind the ears or a soft voice may go along way to helping with their stress levels. Enjoy this time in your cat’s life. They have provided you with a lifetime of love and affection. Be sure you give it back to them in a large way.

What Your Cat Needs to Be Happy and Healthy

When we have a cat in the family, they quickly grow to be a big part of our lives. We want to make sure that they have everything they need in life. This is not only true when it comes to the general care we give, we also want to provide what is necessary to keep our cats happy as well as healthy. In fact, many of us consider this to be our mission in life.

As you probably already recognize, most cats are able to fend for themselves quite nicely in many different circumstances. They often find a way to care for things if you don’t, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be caring for them as well. Here are a few ways to keep your furry friend smiling from ear to ear.

First of all, it is possible for cats to get bored easily. That is especially true if your cat spends all of their time indoors. Things can quickly get monotonous and boring, so it is important to keep their lives as interesting as possible.

One of the ways we might do so is through play. Most cats will love a great play session and might have a favorite toy that they carry around regularly. You might even find that they enjoy playing catch. Most cats will let you know when they want to play but there is nothing wrong with you initiating a session every now and then.

Even though your cat may be on your lap anytime you sit down, they might also appreciate some space of their own. This is especially true when it comes to the litter box. Make sure it is keeps in an out of the way, quiet and lit area of the home. They will sneak away when they need to do their business.

Feeding your cat is also a very important part of keeping them both happy and healthy. Choosing the right food for their needs, however, can be a challenge. Try to aim for something that has high fat and protein with just a balanced level of carbs. You can try different foods but be careful you don’t upset the cat’s digestive process.

Cats are well known for taking care of themselves. They might do this in different ways, but they are quite efficient at cleaning themselves and will do so regularly. From time to time, however, it may be necessary to take your cat to the groomers for a bath and to have their nails cared for. Some cats love being at the groomers, others hate it.

These are just a few of the suggestions for taking care of your cat to keep them healthy and happy. Continue to watch your feline and to make changes as needed. Your cat will thank you for it in amazing ways.

Do You Have an Outside Cat or an Inside Cat?

There are many different things to consider when you own a cat and all of them can affect the health and happiness of the feline. most people would consider the basics, such as the food the cat eats or how much time they have to play. There is something else, however, that can really impact the feline and that is whether they will live inside or outside. This choice may not be as simple as you first thought.

First of all, there are some cats who love being outside and if you keep them inside all of the time, they will probably be by the door, letting you know about it. Those cats seem to love to roam and being outside can give them the chance to explore a little more of the world around them

At the same time, however, there are also some dangers of being outside that should not be ignored. Those problems could include other cats or perhaps some wild animals that could cause some obvious problems. There is also more of a chance for your cat to get into something they shouldn’t, including picking up fleas or other problems from other yards. You should also not ignore traffic, and this could be a real problem in some areas.

Some people may wonder if they are being cruel to the cat when they decide to keep them inside rather than allow them to roam free outside. When you consider the numbers, however, you might not feel so bad. About 2 out of 3 cats spend the majority, if not all, of their time inside of the house and they do just fine. In fact, those cats are just as happy and healthy as cats who get outside, not to mention they spend most of their time with their family. The statistics also show that you will shorten the life of your cat by letting them wander around outside. That is something that none of us want.

If it seems that your cat is just determined to go outside, despite your best efforts to keep them inside, you might need to consider taking them outside with you. Cat’s are perfectly capable of being trained and you can teach them easily to walk on a leash. Once they are comfortable walking on a leash, you can take them out anytime you want. It is great for the cat and even better, it gets you outside as well.

There are many things to keep in mind when you have a cat in the family and where they live is near the top of the list. It is a personal decision but when you consider everything on the subject, keeping them inside may just be the best thing to do.

What Should You Feed Your Cat?

If you have a cat as a part of your family, you are really in a great position. Cats often provide more love than what we could ever give them in return. That doesn’t mean, however, that we don’t need to provide anything for them. If they were on their own, they would fend for themselves but since they live in our family, they rely on us to make sure they have what they need. This includes having plenty of food to eat to keep them both healthy and happy.

One of the more common questions that cat owners ask is in regards to what type of food they should be feeding their felines. This question deserves some serious consideration, because it is an important part of caring for the cat in the right way. The problem that many of us face, however, is that it is not only important to choose the type of food that our cat eats, we also need to make sure that they are wiling to eat it.

If there is one thing that most people know about cats, it’s the fact that they have an opinion about anything they do in life. This includes the food that they eat and you might just find that you have a picky eater on your hands. This is especially a problem when a cat is young but even an older cat can be set in their ways as far as the food is concerned.

First of all, it’s a good idea to go for something balanced when it comes to feeding our felines. You should take a close look at the nutrients but even more important is the amount of fat and protein. These are the basic nutrients your cat needs to be healthy. Most cat foods will also have a fair amount of carbs that help hold things together and add a crunch. A little is ok but too much is not going to be good for every cat.

Some people have also considered feeding their cat a vegetarian or vegan diet. These types of diets might be fantastic for a human but cats are not going to do well on them. Cats are made to eat meat and it is a good idea to have it in their diet.

Finally, you might want to be cautious when switching the diet too quickly. It is always best to gradually shift from one type of food to another. This helps your cat get used to the food and keeps them from getting sick from the switch.

What to Do When Your Cat Gets Sick

Most of us really love taking care of our cat and we consider it to be both a privilege and a responsibility. When our cat is healthy, they often provide much more for us in the way of love than we could ever hope to give them in return. At the same time, however, there are going to be times when it is necessary to care for the cat under less than ideal circumstances. When they get sick, they are looking to us to provide the care they need.

First of all, it is a good idea to know how to recognize when your cat is sick. Most of us will be able to tell if things aren’t quite right but there may also be some telltale signs that a problem is taking place.

Changes in behavior – This may manifest itself in many ways and may also be associated with their appearance as well. Look for subtle changes as well as big changes in their appetite, sleeping habits or the way they use the litter box. Although it isn’t always a sign that your cat is sick, it can help to alert you to a problem.

Symptoms – The issue may also show up in various symptoms; some subtle, others severe. Problems such as vomiting, diarrhea or listlessness may be the result of an illness or an internal parasite. They may also get up slowly from a laying position or could act disoriented. If your cat has any unusual symptoms, they are worth looking into.

Watch for specific problems – Sometimes, your cat may show specific problems that are possible to diagnose at home. These could include coughing up hairballs, scratching from fleas or drinking excessively because of feline diabetes. If you see any of these specific problems, take appropriate action.

What is you see an issue and you don’t know the right course to take? There are some over the counter medications for cats that may help under certain circumstances but they might not always be appropriate for every cat. That is why it is important to have a veterinarian on call and to make the call if needed.

veterinarians are able to handle specific problems and can diagnose the issue when things just don’t seem right. Many people avoid make the call to the veterinarian because they think it is either too expensive or perhaps is too much of a hassle. In some cases, however, having them checked out could help to correct an issue before it becomes too much of a problem.

In the end, it is our responsibility to ensure that our cat is well cared for. Be sure to take the time to do so and you will find that you have a happy, healthy cat on your hands.

Caring for a Kitten

There are many pleasures we may experience in life but there is nothing quite as nice as having a new kitten in the home. They bring us so much love and that little bundle of joy is something that puts a smile on our face every time. Of course, if you are brining a kitten into the home, it is important to ensure that you care for them properly. Here are a few things you should keep in mind, and on hand, when the new cat arrives.

Food and water – Although there are many things to consider, you really need to think about their basic needs first. Having a high quality food for kittens on hand is one of the best things you can do to keep them growing healthy and strong. In addition, make sure to provide them with quality, filtered water and change it on a regular basis.

Bedding – Your kitten may be content to curl up on your lap but that might not always be the best choice for their sleeping habits. Provide your cat with a warm, comfortable bed that is lined with a towel or warm blanket. It is ok to keep the bed near you but most cats will appreciate their own, private place to hang out from time to time.

Scratching post – This is a must have for any home with a kitten or sometimes, even an older cat. Scratching is a natural behavior and they will do it often. The problem is, most cats will try to do so by scratching on your sofa or curtains. Having one or more scratching posts available will give them a better target to aim for.

Grooming – Although it is true that cats can take care of their own grooming in many ways, it is also important to help them along from time to time. A brush and nail clippers can go a long way to helping with these necessary items.

Veterinarian – Your cat should make their first visit to the veterinarian when they are between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Choose a vet that is going to care for their needs properly and will be available in case of an emergency. This can go a long way in helping to keep them healthy and in giving you peace of mind.

Name Tag – It is always a good idea to have a name tag on hand and worn by your feline from the time they are a young kitten. If possible, look into having a microchip implanted in case they should get lost.

Carrier – Finally, make sure you have a cat carrier and get them used to being in it from a young age. This is going to be a convenience you appreciate for a very long time.

Cat Grooming Tools – What Do You Need?

What is the first thing you think of when you think about taking care of your cat? If you are like most people, you think about giving them food and water or perhaps taking them to the veterinarian if necessary. The fact is, however, there is much more to taking care of a cat that those jobs. Some of them are going to be done on a regular basis and could even be enjoyable. Then again, you have the grooming process and this isn’t something that most cat owners really enjoy doing.

Enjoy it or not, grooming a cat is an important part of responsible cat ownership. Most people, however, don’t have the experience necessary or perhaps they might not have the tools. In either case, being able to take care of this job on your own can save you a lot of time and hassle in comparison to going to a professional groomer. When you are ready to get started, be sure you have the proper tools. The following 3 tools are essential for any home cat grooming session.

Brushes and Combs – When it comes to cat grooming tools, you are going to have a hard time finding one with more options than brushes and combs. In fact, there are so many options that it can sometimes be difficult to choose the one that is right for you. Choosing the right one has to do with both your personal preference and the cat’s coat.

Take some time to familiarize yourself with the coat of your cat and then look for the proper brush or comb for it. Having the right one on hand will make for a much easier and more effective grooming session.

Nail Clippers – Admittedly, most cats are not going to like the clipping process but it is important for proper feline grooming. Fortunately, they are not expensive and fairly easy to use. Just make sure that you go for quality rather than cheap price. It will be better for you and better for the cat. You can also choose between the scissor or the guillotine style. This is a matter of personal preference.

Dental Tools – Something that most people tend to skip when it comes to cat grooming is their teeth. It is important, however, and caring for your cat’s teeth now can go a long way in helping them to avoid problems later. Brushing your cat’s teeth will help to keep their teeth clean and free of problems.

These are just a few of the grooming tools you might want to consider for your cat. There are also some specialty tools that could help to make the process easier but sometimes, they are just a gimmick. As long as you have the essentials and some patience, you can go a long way when it comes to caring for the process.

Should You Give Your Cat Treats?

When it comes to taking care of a family pet, there is perhaps nothing that we love more than feeding them. It gives us a good feeling to know that we are doing something for them that sustains them and keeps them healthy. Perhaps that is why many of us not only feed our pets at the designated meal times, we may give them treats as well. This is true of all animals in the home, but what about cats? Is it a good idea to give them treats?

Before we start to go over the ins and outs of giving a cat a treat, it is a good idea to give a straight answer. Yes, it is perfectly find to give a cat treats. There are, however, some things you should know that will make a difference in the types of treats you choose and how often you give them to your cat.

First, let’s consider what type of treats you should give the cat. When you go through the pet store isles, you will see a wide range of options for treats, but not all of them are created equally. Some are going to be healthier than others and some are going to be tastier. It is a good idea to pick one that is balanced. You should also try to feed the cat a treat they enjoy, so some testing may be needed.

Some treats may provide other benefits in addition to keeping them well fed and happy. For example, there are some dental treats that help to keep plaque off of the teeth of your feline. Don’t do this instead of cleaning your cat’s teeth, do it in addition to the dental cleaning that is specific for that purpose.

Sometimes, you might want to give your cat a treat that is from the table. Many people will give the cat a piece of chicken (no bones, please) or some tuna fish. Doing so would be fine, as long as you don’t overdo it. One thing you would not want to do, however, is give the cat a steady diet of table scraps. They might eat it, but it isn’t good for them.

How many treats should you give your cat during the day? This is also a question that has different answers, depending on your circumstances. If you give your cat full meals and then a lot of treats, they might gain too much weight. On the other hand, you can modify how much you are feeding them according to how many treats you are giving them.

In the end, the decision to give a cat treats is a personal one. As long as you keep things balanced, however, things should be just fine.

When It Is Time to Visit the Vet?

When you have a cat in your family, it is your responsibility to make sure they are cared for in many different ways. This would include more than simply feeding them and scratching them behind the ears from time to time. You would also need to look after the health of your cat in different ways as well. It is our responsibility to do so as a cat owner because they are not able to care for themselves in this way.

One of the many different ways that we may need to care for the health of our cat is by taking them to the veterinarian. Just as it is best if we visit the doctors when we are both healthy and if we are sick, having wellness visits to the vet are also something to consider. There are also specific times when we should make an appointment.

Before you take your cat to the vet’s office, you first need to choose the vet that is right for the job. Most of us make that decision based on family history or perhaps the distance from our home to their office. There are a number of other things to keep in mind, however, that will make a difference in your choice. This would include their ability to handle your cat in a competent and caring way, along with their availability to care for the cat in the event of an emergency.

The first visit to the veterinarian should take place when the cat is still very young. Typically, they are around 6 or 8 weeks of age when they make the first visit. This visit will be for the primary purpose of seeing if the cat is healthy. The vet will check their eyes, ears, teeth, lungs and heart. In addition, there may be some shots that are needed during this visit or they may recommend a time when you should come back for the shots.

Typically, a visit to the vet’s office on an annual basis for a wellness visit will be enough if you cat is basically healthy. During those visits, the doctor will check the cat to see if any problems are taking place and to check on their growth if they are young.

When health problems occur, it is also important to check on the cat with a call to the veterinarian’s office. There may be times when emergency care is needed or perhaps they might make an appointment for you to come in with your cat for a visit. This is not only important for the cat, it also helps to give you peace of mind as well.

Although there are many different ways to care for the cat, don’t neglect their health. Have a vet on call and make the call when necessary.

Grooming Your Cat the Right Way

Most of us who have a cat in our family are quite happy with the fact that they often take care of the bulk of the grooming process. In fact, there may be times when it seems as if they are grooming themselves constantly. Although that may be the case, there are also times when they may need a helping hand. Understanding how to groom a cat can go a long way in helping them to be healthy and beautiful.

Before we discuss some of the specifics of grooming, it is a good idea to understand the need to handle things properly. Your cat might not like to be groomed and if that is the case, a gentle hand and soft voice can go a long way in helping both of you get through it successfully. It may take some time but most cats, even those who are initially resistant, grow to love the grooming process.

Brushing – It is a good idea to spend some time brushing the cat on a regular basis. Doing so is a healthy choice for the cat’s coat and it will remove dirt, spread out the skin oil and keep tangles from forming. It will also help to reduce shedding, which is a problem for many cats.

Short haired cats typically only need brushed once per week. A longer haired cat may benefit from a daily brushing.

Bathing – This is a problem for many cats, as they might not appreciate the water, but it is important to do. Start by brushing the cat and use a towel or rubber mat in the tub to keep them from slipping. Fill the tub with a few inches of lukewarm water and spray them down to wet their hair. Do not spray directly in their nose or eyes. Massage in the shampoo. rinse thoroughly and dry them gently with a big towel.

Nail Clipping – Your cat is likely to be resistant to this part of the grooming process but it is important to do. It is best if you start gently rubbing your cat’s feet to get them used to the feeling of having their paws touched. When it is time to clip, use quality clippers and only clip off the white tip.

If the cat is especially resistant to any part of the process, don’t give up hope. They will do much better if they are cared for in this way on a regular basis. It may take some time and effort on your part but it can go a long way in helping them to get used to the grooming.

Taking care of your cat often means that you will have to step outside of your comfort zone. This may just be one of those areas but the end result will be well worth it.