Cat Care

 

Cats are clean and make good companions for many people, however they can damage carpets and furniture with their claws and may not always want to be stroked and handled.

What do cats need?

Companionship - to be with other cats or people at least for some of the day.

A balanced diet

A constant supply of fresh, clean water.

A safe place to play and exercise every day

Somewhere warm to sleep.

To be brushed regularly. Long-haired cats will need to be brushed every day.

A scratching post.

Help to clean their teeth.

Trained to use a litter tray.

Common signs that your cat my be sick

lethargicdisorientatedweakloosing weightseizureslack of appetitevomitingdiarrheaproblems urinatingbloody urinedifficulty or inability to walk, bleedingpale mucous membranesdifficulty breathing and persistent cough.

If you notice any of the mentioned symptoms or other signs that concern you, take your cat to the veterinarian to be examined.

Hairballs

Hairballs are a very common cat health problem. Cats groom themselves constantly, and so swallow the loose hair that comes off their tongues. This hair can gather into a ball and lodge in the cat's digestive tract instead of passing on through the body. If your cat starts coughing and hacking, they probably have a hairball. The majority of cats do not have a problem dislodging hairballs, however, they can occasionally pass into a cat's intestines and cause a blockage. This can be a life-threatening problem. There are a number of signs to look out for. If your cat is constipated, off their food, or is lethargic with a dull coat, then they could have a serious blockage. A vet exam is definitely in order.

To prevent hairballs groom your cat frequently to remove the loose hair, you could also feed your cat food that helps control hairballs.

Worms

Worms can be a recurring problem, there are a few different types of worms but roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms most commonly infect cats. If your cat doesn't seem to be able to gain wait, has fleas, or has white specks in their stools then take them to the veterinarian for worm testing.

Worms are easily cured with a few doses of medication, but if left untreated, they can be fatal.

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are common health problem in cats. This infection is more common in unneutered male cats, although female cats can also have this problem. The usual signs of an infection would be if your cat stops using the litter box, if your cat's urine smells strong. These infections need to be treated by a veterinarian.