Weight Reduction

If your pet is overweight, simply cutting back on the amount you feed will not do the trick. In fact, doing so could conceivably lead to a mild state of malnutrition and cause your cat to be constantly hungry (and begging!). Cats that are malnourished can develop serious liver disease as a result. Instead of …

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A Cat’s First Days in Your Home

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 …

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The Aging Cat

Most well-cared-for pet cats can live to age 14 or 15, with some occasionally reaching 20. Life expectancy is increasing due to advances in disease prevention, a better understanding of diet, improved drugs and treatments, and more cats being kept indoors away from traffic hazards. Senior Years By about age 10, your cat may begin …

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How to Bathe a Cat

Cats should be bathed when one or more of the following situations develop: Accumulation of excessive dirt, grease, or other foreign substances on the skin and coat   Build-up of waxy sebum (seborrhea), which often leads to body odor Accumulation of skin scale (dandruff) s Skin infections Cats with normal, healthy skin and hair coats …

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Socializing and Desensitizing Your Pet

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. …

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Traveling With a Cat by Car

When traveling with your pet by automobile, always keep the safety and comfort of both driver and passenger in mind. As a result, always use a travel carrier when transporting your four-legged friend by car. Not only will your pet feel more secure in a carrier, helping to reduce stress associated with the ride, but …

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Introducing Your Cat to Its New Home

You will want to do everything in your power to make your new pet feel comfortable and secure in its new home. Establish an area in the house that your pet can call its own, and completely petproof it. When you first get your pet home, introduce it to its special room immediately. Allow it …

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Neutering Cats

Ovariohysterectomy (OHE) involves the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus from an intact female dog or cat. The common term assigned to this procedure is “spaying.” OHE is a preferred method of birth control in pets, since it is easy to do and ensures 100 percent sterility. Most veterinarians require a cat to be …

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Nail Trimming

As part of a routine grooming program, you should perform a nail trim on your cat, every 2 to 3 weeks. The procedure itself is easy, assuming you have the right equipment and that your pet agrees to cooperate. If your pet refuses to hold still for its manicure, let a veterinary assistant perform the …

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Special Considerations for Cats

Your cat’s litterbox should also be placed in an area in the house where interruptions are not likely to occur. For very small kittens, an aluminum pan or shallow tray may be used; for larger kittens and adult cats, your standard plastic varieties available from a pet shop work just fine. Avoid using boxes or …

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