Even a cat that compulsively cleans itself can benefit from a little grooming from her owner. Cats rarely need a bath, but frequent brushing removes a lot of loose hair which would otherwise end up either shed around your home or swallowed by the cat, creating constipating hairballs. Grooming your cat on a regular basis also helps you monitor her health and make her easier to handle.
Long-haired cats should be brushed and combed daily; short-haired cats only need grooming about once per week. While brushing your cat's coat, keep an eye out for lumps and skin irritations. Brush along your cats back, from head to tail with firm pressure. Repeat this several times, and then switch to one side. You should brush each area 4 or 5 times Always remember to brush in the direction of the hair growth.
If you find places where hair is missing, watch your cat for the next week to determine if she is over-grooming these spots, or if the hair loss could be a skin condition that requires a vet's attention. Be sure to watch for fleas and remove them immediately using a flea comb. If you notice rice-like particles around her anus (or in her bed), she probably has worms and needs medication from a veterinarian.
The grooming session is a good time to check your cat's ears, eyes, teeth and claws. If your cat is a young kitten, be sure to frequently manipulate these areas to get her used to handling. By the time she is an adult, looking inside her ears for mites will be a non-traumatic event. If your cat is an adult, proceed at her pace. If she will let you touch her ear, but not fold it back to look inside, that's fine. Each time you groom her, try going a little farther with your examination, praising her with words, strokes, and treats for letting you handle her. If she struggles, it is best to let her go, and try again another day.
You can use a cotton ball slightly dampened with warm water to clean the inside surface of your cat's ears. Never put a cotton ball or swab into her ear canal. If she reacts and jerks, you could injure her. Dark, coffee ground-like flecks inside her ears indicates possible ear mites. If you also notice her shaking her head or scratching at her ears a lot, or notice a strong odor in her ears, have your vet take a look.
A healthy cat's eyes are bright, clear and free of discharge.
Lift her upper lip to check her gums, which should be pink, and take a look at her teeth. If you choose to brush your cat's teeth, be sure to use toothpaste made for cats, as human-type toothpaste can be toxic to your pet. Pet supply stores carry a variety of cat toothpastes, as well as toothbrushes designed to be gentle and easy to use.
When you start to clean your cat's teeth don't even use a toothbrush. Stroke the outside of her cheeks with your finger. When she becomes comfortable with that, add a little toothpaste to your finger and let her taste it. C.E.T. poultry flavored toothpaste can be used to start as cats like the taste. When the cat is comfortable you are ready to introduce the toothbrush. With a small amount of toothpaste on the brush, brush two teeth and the adjoining gum line with a slow circular motion. This will get your cat accustomed to the feel of the brush. You will then be able to gradually increase the number of teeth brushed.
Pet Medication Supplies http://www.pet-medication-supplies.net can help you get the best possible supplies for your pet. Advantix, Arthramine, Cosequin, Frontline, Heartgard - find the best deals in http://www.pet-medication-supplies.net. Upto 50% discount everyday on brand names.
shuttle from O'Hare Orland Park .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareMum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea... Read More
A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented... Read More
Can you comprehend a time when dog food, cat food,... Read More
Have you ever thought about what you need to do... Read More
Training your dog to obey commands is an important part... Read More
I would like to address some of the statements I... Read More
This may come as a surprise...but if the tables were... Read More
There are lots of ways a horse can go lame.... Read More
Humming birds are wonderful birds that are smart, playful, and... Read More
Settling a puppy into a new home successful is often... Read More
Every month I am approached by dog owners of my... Read More
If you are thinking of adding a dog to your... Read More
It happens all too often. A family or cat friend... Read More
This is an 11 step guide to setting up a... Read More
One we must regrettably share with our children for they... Read More
Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More
Are you ready for a Boxer?The answer is "no" if... Read More
You've probably had a day or two when you felt... Read More
For most cat owners, training their cat to use the... Read More
Dogs are a fantastic edition to any family but like... Read More
Much has been written about the Discus, or Symphysodon aequifasciatus,... Read More
What if you want a Boxer, but cannot stomach the... Read More
To the uninitiated horse owner, there are timely facts about... Read More
Preparing yourself and your household before, during, and after your... Read More
Because it is imperative that discus fish have optimal water... Read More
Lincoln Town Car rentals Addison ..The proper selection of a training collar can have a... Read More
Our pets give us so much. They entertain us, listen... Read More
The first thing to do when searching for a lost... Read More
If you are seriously considering keeping fish as pets or... Read More
Choosing a dog is a fun adventure. The search for... Read More
Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of... Read More
Teaching your dog to heel is one of the most... Read More
Aren't they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing... Read More
An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer... Read More
Oscar is kind of a funny name and it fit... Read More
Find a vet, if possible, who specializes in small animals... Read More
When you get a new puppy it is imperative that... Read More
If you have a passion to learn all you can... Read More
I really do not hope your are eating something, but... Read More
Without agility, the most muscular person in the world couldn't... Read More
A poorly trained dog can embarrass its owner and offend... Read More
Cats are becoming increasingly popular as pets these days, and... Read More
Okay, so it's not the cleanest or most appealing of... Read More
The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With... Read More
It was November and I had spent 3 months searching... Read More
The benefits of feeding live food to fish in a... Read More
Continued from part two.Epilepsy/seizure disorderWhen your Boxer is between 2... Read More
A major part of a horse's diet is hay or... Read More
Many people ask the question: "Should we get a purebreed... Read More
Wether it be on a vacation to your favorite resort,... Read More
Pet |