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Being a person who
loves to ask questions and love to learn, I decided to add a
extra page, for most cat people.
Here I will be
adding weekly/monthly tips or ideas in dealing with your
kitty cat. All tips will be displayed on my front page and
once it's replaced with a new tip I will place the old ones
here.
Happy reading and
learning!
TIP ONE
In
Case of Emergency, An injured cat can be hard to approach.
Remember
the following tip if you ever need to get your cat to
emergency services quickly.
To approach
an injured cat, crouch down and move slowly. A defenseless
cat may perceive you as a threat, so speak calmly and avoid
direct eye contact. Slowly cover the cat's head and body
with a blanket or towel to soothe the cat and protect
yourself. Carefully bundle the cat in the blanket and into a
carrier or box for transportation to the nearest emergency
clinic
TIP TWO
Cat Free Countertops:
If
you
are trying to keep your cat from surfing your kitchen counters, try this simple,
no-cost solution.
Fill shallow metal baking trays or cookie sheets with a very thin layer of water
and position them along the outer edges of your counters. A couple of damp-paw
landings should discourage any future countertop visits, and you can eventually
retire the trays. Avoid using glass bake ware in case the trays fall. To satisfy
your cat's desire for aerial surveillance, try a strategically placed window
perch or cat tower.
TIP THREE
Inside Out:
True
or false: Indoor cats are safe from outdoor diseases.
False. Although indoor kitties avoid many of the more common outdoor
threats, they are not completely safe from the dangers of the outside world.
Many feline diseases are airborne or can be carried indoors via clothing, shoes,
or human contact with an infected cat. Even brief outdoor excursions or exposure
to infected animals can introduce viruses or worms. Be sure to keep your cat
up-to-date on recommended vaccinations and have unusual symptoms diagnosed
promptly
TIP FOUR
Toy Trouble
Whether your
cat prefers expensive store-bought toys or items found
around the house, take care to keep your cavorting cat safe.
To prevent choking, avoid toys with parts that can become
detached during play. Bring out the pounce in your pet with
safe choices such as a ping-pong ball or a catnip mouse.
Playtime with string or yarn should be carefully supervised
to prevent your cat from accidentally swallowing it.
Finally, secure free-standing kitty condos and cat towers to
the floor or wall to keep them from toppling over
TIP FIVE
Signs of Kitty Separation:
A more engaging home environment
can help your cat cope with separation anxiety and minimize destructive
behaviors.
Provide distractions to help your cat pass the hours until your return. For your
kitty's entertainment, try a strategically placed window seat or window-mounted
bird feeder. Catnip or treat-enhanced toys will offer further diversion. And,
for some cats, the noise of a radio or TV is comforting.
TIP SIX
Long Lived Kitty:
How long can a cat live? Some
record-holding cats have lived well into their 30s.
Not all cats will have such fortunate genes, but you can add many years of good
health to your kitty's life with a feline fitness program. Your cat's fitness
program should include regular visits with a veterinarian for checkups and
vaccinations; a calorie-controlled diet with no more than 10% of daily calories
from snacks; and at least 15 minutes per day of interactive playtime.
TIP SEVEN
Smarty Cat
:
Is your cat's behavior driven by
instinct or by intelligent thought?
Cats rank among the smartest of domesticated animals, possessing a mind and the
ability to think, according to a majority of people surveyed. As a cat owner,
you're probably not surprised, having encountered behavior you're sure was the
result of your cat's careful consideration. To keep your pet mentally
stimulated, provide a variety of interactive toys, such as a treat tucked inside
a paper bag or a laser mouse ready for the chase.
TIP EIGHT
Coping With Loss:
The death of a beloved pet can
bring a deep sense of loss.
If you or someone you know is grieving the loss of a pet, a sympathetic shoulder
from family or friends or encouragement from a support group can help sustain a
pet owner through the loss and provide comfort and understanding. Creating a
symbolic memorial, such as planting flowers or a tree, putting together a
scrapbook, or donating money to an animal shelter, also may help with the
grieving process.
TIP NINE
The Eyes
Have It:
Cats are fastidious about
grooming, but when it comes to caring for their eyes, they need your help.
Examine your cat's eyes regularly. An accumulation of tears in the fur under the
lower lid can lead to a sticky buildup. To clean, gently wipe around each eye
using a water-moistened cotton ball and blot dry with a tissue, being careful
not to touch the eyeball. Keep watch for cloudy or profuse discharge; either may
be a sign of a more serious condition that requires the attention of your
veterinarian.
TIP TEN
Feline
Friends:
If you
think your cat will warmly welcome a new feline family member, you may be in for
a surprise.
For the first few days, consider confining your new cat to a single room. Allow
your cats to sniff at each other under a closed door. When you think both cats
are ready, have them meet face-to-face under your watchful eye. Allow the cats
to stake out their territory and determine what areas they are willing to share.
And stay out of minor tussles--they're part of the getting-to-know-you process.
TIP ELEVEN
Spring is
in the Air:
As the days grow longer, many
female cats will enter into one of several reproductive cycles and male cats
will look for opportunities to mate.
To protect your cat's health and well-being, and to prevent an unplanned litter
of kittens, be sure to have your pet spayed or neutered before 6 months of age.
Cats who are not spayed or neutered and are allowed to roam outside are more
likely to be involved in fights or become lost as they wander in search of a
mate. In addition, they are at greater risk for reproductive problems, including
infection and cancer. Finally, cats that are not spayed or neutered are more
likely to exhibit undesirable behavior, such as yowling and spraying.
TIP TWELVE
Hip Cat:
Cats, like humans, can develop
painful hip problems.
In general, hip problems affect a very small percentage of cats-2% overall. The
number climbs in purebred cats, however, with up to 30% being afflicted. Because
cats spend much of their time lounging around, it may be difficult to identify a
problem. If your pet limps, is unwilling or unable to walk, jump, or climb, or
exhibits pain, your pet should be evaluated by a veterinarian. In many cases,
the pain can be alleviated with prescription medication or surgery
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