Important Cat Care Information

You just bought a new kitten. You went out and got all a little cat needs. Now you re worried about what’s important when it comes to cat care. For starters, shedding and declawing.  These are just the beginning.  You shouldn’t worry, it gets easier.

Always remember you have to show you cat that you love them. Information about your cat that you don’t know yet will come to you soon enough. And here’s some information and knowledge to get you started. Sooner or later, almost everyone who shares a home with a cat discovers "natural health" or hears about holistic veterinary procedures such as acupuncture, massage therapy or homeopathic remedies.

Long haired cats tend to shed more than a short haired one, at least its more noticeable. Most expect their pet only to shed when the seasons change. This is only a myth. Indoor cats tend to shed year round; this is caused by the constant change in temperature and light. This is not as big a problem as it sounds.

Cats tend to take care of the majority of their shedding on their own. Remember, cats are extremely clean animals. With this in mine, you will discover that they are constantly cleaning themselves with their rough sandpaper like tongues. This same procedure that helps control shedding causes health problems like hairballs. Hairballs cause a real threat to your pets’ digestive system. They tend to block the food that’s already been digested and traveling through their intestines.

How to tell when your cat is dealing with hairballs? Cats are prone to coughing up hairballs.  You will soon discover them on your floor or furniture.  They are cigar looking items.  Cats sometimes pass them through along with feces. If you notice that your cats waste has hair in it, chances are they have hairballs. A dry cough is another common symptom. This will be very noticeable right after your cat is finished eating. An unexpected loss of appetite is a good indication that your pet has a hairball problem.

So how do you keep your cat from getting hairballs? Take the matter into your own hands and buy a brush. Cats love being groomed. Grooming your cat can build a great bond between you and your new pet.

There are also plenty of remedies out on the market today.   These remedies range from granules to gels, they are designed to assist you pet in dealing with hairballs.  All you have to do is sprinkle the granules onto his food.  He won’t even know that they are there.  

Are you thinking about declawing you new cat?

Declawing your cat is a way to prevent them from damaging and ruining your furniture, this procedure is very controversial. Not long ago, this procedure was as common as spaying or neutering, it was often performed at the same time.

People have become more educated and realize what surgery is required when it comes to declawing. It takes more than just pulling the claws out of your little kitten. Amputation of the paws is required to remove the claws. This is equal to having your knuckles amputated right below your finger nails, that would hurt now, wouldn’t it?

Since claws are intricately intertwined in the first knuckle, the veterinarian has to remove the first section of your pet’s paws.  Your pet has to undergo anesthesia. The veterinarian will administer pain medication to your pet to help curb the pain.

Your cat’s paws are carefully bandaged right after the surgery. I will probably be required that you pet spend the night in the hospital. Which means you wont be able to bring her home until the next day. .

Your cat will be very uncomfortable following this surgery; you should be prepared for this.  Since your feline is a great actor, she probably won’t show how much pains she is actually in. Your cat will probably heal quite quickly. For about a week or so after surgery, you will notice that your cat will walk around the house quite gingerly, and then she will be back to her old self.   You should replace her litter with paper shreds; this will help prevent infection from the granules getting inside of her tender paws.

Your cats paw and the portion that is removed is vital to your cat in another way.  Removing the claws and parts of your pet’s paws might have an effect on their natural balance. A cat walks on their toes. Animals that do this are called digitigrades.  But cat’s toes are used for so much more.  A cats balance and form are based on the length of their toes. Everything in a cat’s body is based on the fact they walk on their toes. The cats weight is evenly spread across all her toes.

Cat’s claws are essential not only to balance but exercise also. Her toes and claws are aspects in your pet stretching.  You will see this when your cat scratches at a post or even your furniture.   You might think that a cat is sharpening her claws, but actually she is stretching her entire body.  You see that declawing a cat can be detrimental to your pet in many ways.

You don’t usually talk about hairballs and declawing every day do you? But these two items are very important when it comes to cat care.  Every cat owner should be aware of these issues.  Loving your cat and knowing how to properly care for you cat will ensure that you and  Fluffy has a long and rewarding life.