General Care Tips

Generally, cats are fairly independent creatures and clean themselves daily. However, it is important that they have a regular daily grooming routine. At the same time, take the opportunity to check for signs of any infections, e.g. skin/gum diseases, abnormal lumps, bumps and/or cuts.

The following checklist should help to keep your cat in good health:-

• Feed your cat a sensible well-balanced diet. Most proprietory cat foods now have an ingredients and typical analysis of neutritional values printed on them.

• Make sure that your cat is free of intestinal worms. Always ask advice from your vet about the type of wormer to use - some may be harmful to your cat.

• Ensure that your cat is vaccinated against cat 'flu, enteritis and other infectious diseases as these could cause an untimely demise. After vaccination, do remember to follow up after a year on the boosters or else you will be back to 'square one' - better to be safe than sorry!

• Collect together a simple basic first aid kit; antiseptic, cottonwool and buds, lint, a metal flea comb, larger plastic comb, soft hair brush and a suitable flea control as advised by your vet. (Be aware if using a flea collar to check regularly under it as some cats are, unfortunately, affected by skin irritations that is often accompanied by hair loss around the neck. Such reactions are thought to be caused by certain chemical ingredients applied on some types of collars.)

• Always provide fresh, clean water at all times. However, if giving ordinary milk as a drink, use very sparingly and always dilute it with water. You can, of course, buy a specially formulated milk product that is suitable for cats.

• Ensure that all soiled litter is removed from the litter box and that this is cleaned regularly.

• Check coat for lice, fleas and ticks. Look in the ears for ear mites. If infected by any of these parasites, seek your vet's advice on a suitable remedy for getting rid of the infestation.

• Check mouth for any inflammation of the gums and inspect teeth. If necessary, clean gently with a cotton bud or very soft toothbrush. When doing this, watch out for those warning signs - cat's don't like their mouths being tampered with. Your pet can soon change into a spitting, hissing, clawing thing!

• Claws also need to be checked, and if required, trimmed a little at the tips only with a pair, as you could accidentally clip a vein!

• If your cat goes outside, make sure it is wearing a collar and name tag with YOUR name/address/'phone number on just in case it wanders off. Never put your cat's name on it....a would-be thief might just entice it away!

• Supply a scratching post indoors where your cat can sharpen claws without causing any furnishing problems!

Barbara's Cat Rescue Service

Cats Needing a New Home

Short History of the Cat

A Big Thank You