Health

HEALTH CARE

Although cats are generally more resistant to illness than many other pets, they are constantly exposed to many health hazards, both from disease and from physical hazards in their environment.

As a cat owner, you can help to ensure a long and healthy life for your pet by keeping her on a regular schedule of preventative medical care and by keeping a sharp eye out for dangers that she may encounter.

EYES AND EARS

From time to time, your cat’s eyes may have tears, or you may notice some dried discharge in the corner of her eyes. This is not usually cause for alarm; the tears or discharge may be wiped away with a tissue dampened with warm water. If the tearing or discharge seem excessive, yellowish or mucus-like, you should check with your veterinarian.

You should check your cat’s ears regularly. Clean dirty ears carefully with cotton wool dipped in water. If you notice that your kitten is constantly shaking her head or scratching her ears, the problem may be ear mites. If diagnosed promptly, ear mites can usually be eliminated with ear drops. Ask your veterinarian.

TEETH

Teeth should be examined regularly for tartar and inflamed gums. Feeding a dry food can prevent some dental problems. If you kitten has bad breath, salivates excessively or has difficulty eating, she may have a dental problem. Again, consult your veterinarian.

SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS

If you spend time with your kitten every day, you will quickly get to know her normal personality, behaviour and feeding routine. Changes in these usually indicate that something may be wrong with your kitten.

Any of the following may be symptoms of illness:
Excessive thirst
Sudden weight loss or gain
Changes in colour or condition of skin
Diarrhoea
Difficulty in breathing
Difficulty in urination or blood in urine
Dull or patchy coat
Fever
Lack or loss of appetite
Sluggishness or odd behaviour
Red or watery eyes, nasal discharge
Vomiting
TIPS FOR GIVING MEDICATION TO YOUR KITTEN

Most pet owners will probably have to administer medication to their pet sooner or later. You should always ask your veterinarian to demonstrate the proper method for administering medication, but here are a few tips:

PILLS AND LIQUIDS
If you need to give your kitten pills or capsules, place her on your lap and lift her head up. Press on the corners of the mouth to pry it open and push the medication as far back on the tongue as possible. Hold your kitten’s mouth shut and stroke her throat with your free hand to make her swallow.

Liquid medications may be administered with a plastic syringe. Tilt her head up, insert the syringe tip into the space between your kitten’s cheek and her back molars and slowly but deliberately squirt the liquid into her mouth.
EYE MEDICATIONS
To apply eye medications hold the cat’s head firmly, using the thumb and forefinger to open the eyelid. With the other hand, apply the ointment or eyedrops to the centre of the eye, taking care not to touch the eye with the tube or dropper.
EAR
MEDICATIONS
Ear medications should be applied by holding the kitten firmly and turning the head to one side. Once the medicine is in the ear, massage gently to help spread it into the ear canal.