Cat Care is your go-to resource for keeping your cat healthy, comfortable, and content. From grooming and nutrition to health, training, and travel, you’ll find practical tips to help with everyday care. Whether you’re raising a kitten or supporting a senior, this section covers the essentials to help your cat thrive.
Inherited disorders are genetic problems that are passed on from one generation to the next. There are certain disorders associated with particular breeds; a few of the most important are described here. Why Do Genetic Problems Occur? Inherited disorders result from faults in a cat’s genes—sections of DNA inside cells that hold the “instructions” for … Read more
Let me tell you something I wish I had known years ago: cats are masters of disguise. Especially when it comes to illness. My old tabby, Jasper, showed almost no signs of being sick—until one day he collapsed after chasing a fly across the room. Turns out, he had been living with heart disease for … Read more
A well-fed and well-nourished cat is a happy cat. Although the occasional mouse caught outside may supplement your cat’s diet, he will rely on you almost exclusively for his food. And that reliance places great responsibility on you. Providing your cat with a healthy, balanced diet will help him to grow and develop as he … Read more
Certainly one of the most devastating diseases affecting cat populations around the world is feline leukemia. The feline leukemia virus belongs to a group of infectious agents known as retroviruses, and it shares some characteristics with the human AIDS virus. It can occur by itself, or in combination with the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), a … Read more
Until the late 1980s, the feline leukemia virus was the only agent linked to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in cats—that is, it was until the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) (also known as “feline AIDS”) was identified. This organism is unlike the feline leukemia virus in that it belongs to the same subfamily of retroviruses as the … Read more
There is no doubt that the most important time in a new puppy or kitten’s life is between the ages of 3 and 12 weeks. During this short timespan, the adolescent will learn who it is, who you are, and who and what all of those other living, moving beings surrounding it are as well. … Read more
Proper training is definitely the key to a happy owner-pet relationship. It establishes your dominance in the relationship between you and your cat right from the start, and it can help prevent many behavioral challenges from rearing their ugly heads later on. Solid training can also keep your cat out of troublesome situations that could … Read more
Imagine walking through your front door to the sight of a perfectly content cat rather than a disgruntled, hungry feline with dagger eyes piercing straight into your soul. With an automatic feeder, not only do you ease that guilt of delayed meals, but you also create a harmonious environment where both you and your feline … Read more
When a new cat arrives in your home, you will want him to feel comfortable as soon as possible. Naturally, everyone involved is going to be excited, especially any children in the house, but with a little advance planning you can keep the occasion calm and stress-free. Most cats soon adapt to new surroundings and … Read more
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. … Read more