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First the supplies:
LITTER PAN -
At least one.Roughly 19 by 15 by 4 inches.Whatever, the style, a pan should be steadfast, durable and washable. LITTER SCOOP - At least one.The sturdier the better.Do not be caught without a spare. FOOD AND WATER DISHES - Glass should be sturdy enough, so they it won't break, crack, or chip, if a cat knocks it over.Vinyl place mats underneath food and water dishes will protect the surface, where a cat eats. SCRATCHING POST - The scratching surface should be made from a strong, stalwart material like sisal or hemp. TOYS - Cats especially like plastic balls with bells inside, but the ball should be sturdy enough, so that the cat can not remove the bell and swallow it . A few of a cat's other favorite things include small stuffed toys , preferably in the shape of mice. BEDS - Even when cats are given elaborate beds, they may want to sleep somewhere else - on a window sill, or comfortable chair, or their owners' pillows. Many people wait until a cat has chosen the spot, where it wants to sleep before buying a bed and putting it there. |
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Taking care of your cat requires only a bit of common sense, a small amount of time and a cheerful bundle of love. Some problems require a vet's professional attention, but many can be handled right in the home.
TO CLEAN TEETH - A cat's teeth should be cleaned weekly to prevent tartar buildup. Tartar not only gives cats bad breath, but leads to gum problems and eventual loss of teeth. Giving animals dry food to chew on will cut tartar buildup. To clean the teeth, use a toothbrush or moist, rough cloth wrapped around your finger ; scrub the front of the teeth plus the gums. FLEAS - Fleas can carry disease and they always make cats uncomfortable; many vets recommend a flea collar, fastened loosely around the cat's neck. Avoid wetting the collar and it should be effective for three to four months. If the cat is infested with fleas , bathe it with a medicated cat shampoo especially made to combat the problem. Afterwards, air and vacuum the cat's bed and blankets to prevent re-infestation. VACCINATIONS - To insure the best possible start toward a healthy life , kittens must be vaccinated against panleukopenia or cat fever. If the cat is allowed outdoors ,or is exposed to other rabies-receptive animals , it should be given a rabies vaccination by the time it is three to four months old. COMMON ILLNESSES - Cats are also subject to respiratory diseases. Sneezing, wheezing and discharges from the eyes and nose may be nothing more, than a cold that needs no special care, but to keep the cat indoors until the symptoms subside.Fever in addition to the above symptoms may be an indication, that the cat has edema of the lungs, bronchitis or asthma , which calls for professional attention. DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS - Digestive upsets can frequently be treated at home . Vomiting - is not always a sign of illness.If a cat has vomited , do not feed it for 12 hours. If vomiting persists, is bloody , or if the cat has fever and seems in discomfort, do not hesitate to have the cat examined by a vet. Diarrhea - unless persistent, bloody and accompanied by fever - is usually not too serious.Treat it, as you would vomiting. Constipation - is usually the result of faulty diet. Give the cat dry food with more bulk, instead of soft, canned foods. |
HEALTH AIDS