Barn Cats

Barn Cats

In rural areas, feral cats are sometimes welcomed by farmers and other landowners as low-maintenance providers of rodent control in stables, barns, and feed stores. Some cat adoption centers have exploited this by offering farmers feral cats that they have collected and taken into care. Properly managed, such programs can be a satisfactory solution to …

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The Itchy Cat

The Itchy Cat

Many disease conditions can produce itching in cats. However, only a few disorders result in severe and/or prolonged itching. The primary symptoms of the “itchy pet” are scratching, licking, and/or biting of the skin. Early signs that might be noticed include wet hairs, reddened skin, and hair loss in the areas of biting and scratching. …

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Maintaining a Healthy Skin and Coat

Maintaining a Healthy Skin and Coat

Routine grooming is essential for maintaining healthy hair and skin in cats. Be sure to allot some time each day to this task. Brushing Whether your cat has short or long hair, brushing the coat thoroughly on a daily basis will aid in its appearance as well as promote healthy skin. It does this by: …

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Going Outdoors

Going Outdoors

Cats are independent and prefer to live on their own terms. But as an owner it is your responsibility to decide whether your cat can be allowed to roam outdoors. There are hazards on the far side of the catflap, such as traffic and other animals, that you can do little to protect your cat …

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Living Indoors

Living Indoors

If you decide that the indoor life will best provide your cat with long-term security and happiness, you must take stock of your home surroundings and lifestyle. While you cannot make a house completely cat-proof, you will need to take certain precautions. You must also be prepared to organize your cat’s exercise and entertainment. Indoor …

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Vaccinating Your Cat

Vaccinating Your Cat

Five core vaccines should be administered to all cats. These include vaccines against panleukopenia (parvovirus), herpesvirus (viral rhinotracheitis), calicivirus, feline leukemia (FeLV), and rabies. Other vaccines, including those for the feline immunodeficiency virus (feline AIDS), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), ringworm, Chlamydophila, and Bordetella are optional, and should be administered only on veterinary recommendation. The school …

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Traveling Your Cat by Air

Traveling Your Cat by Air

If you are planning to transport your pet by plane, consult a veterinarian before your trip to determine whether your pet has any medical conditions that may prohibit such travel. For example, should significant temperature and/or pressure fluctuations occur during flight, they could be harmful to a pet suffering from an underlying heart condition. Since …

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Cat’s Vaccinations and Stress

Cat%27s Vaccinations and Stress

Immunization can help protect the cat against some infectious diseases. Vaccinations trigger the production of antibodies against certain microorganisms, making a cat immune to many diseases without causing the symptoms of the disease. For example, cats can be vaccinated against feline infectious enteritis, feline herpes virus, and feline calcivirus. Stress Cats are easily stressed. A …

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A Healthy Cat

A Healthy Cat

From the very first day, get to know your cat’s usual physical condition and normal behavior so that you recognize good health and can quickly detect any signs of illness. By monitoring your cat for changes in activity or behavior, you can spot illness or injury at an early stage. Similarly, a vet can assess …

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Socializing Your Cat

Socializing Your Cat

By nature, cats are solitary creatures, although some cats are able to live quite happily in groups. Bringing a new cat into your home may change his whole outlook on the people and other animals around him. If you make introductions carefully and sensitively, your cat will grow into a confident, friendly animal that can …

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