http://www.bsh.eclipse.co.uk/catcare.htm
Although cats work hard to keep themselves clean, you should supplement your cat’s hygiene with regular grooming sessions to keep her coat free from parasites, dandruff, loose hair and tangles.
BATHING
If you plan to bath your kitten, it’s important to accustom her to the routine at an early age. A first bath can be a disconcerting experience, so you may want to find someone to help hold your kitten during the ordeal.
Put a rubber mat or towel in the bottom of a basin or large bowl and fill it with a shallow amount of warm water. While holding the kitten firmly, wet her body starting with the head. Shampoo your kitten with a cat or pet shampoo, being careful not to get lather in her eyes or ears. Rinse her gently with warm water and dry her with a towel. She should be kept out of draughts until her coat is thoroughly dried.
BRUSHING AND COMBING
Cats should be groomed on a newspaper or other disposable surface to collect any loose hair or debris. As you groom, you should check carefully for ticks and fleas. If you have not had previous experience in combating these parasites you should consult your veterinarian or breeder promptly. They can suggest an effective course of action.
FURBALLS
Cats who groom themselves often, especially long haired cats, are likely to develop furballs. These are loose hairs that gradually accumulate in the stomach.
Usually furballs are regurgitated or eliminated through the intestines. If they are not, however, your cat may become unable to nourish herself properly. She will make frequent trips to her feeding dish but consume only a few mouthfuls at a time. Gradually, she will begin to lose weight.
Although some advanced cases may call for more drastic attention, your veterinarian will probably prescribe medication which may be administered at home.
Tuesday 6 January 2009
Accidents
http://www.bsh.eclipse.co.uk/catcare.htm BASIC FIRST AID
Despite your best efforts to keep your kitten from harm, accidents will happen, and it’s best to be prepared when they do. It’s important to remain calm, act swiftly and get your kitten to your veterinarian as quickly as possible.
ACCIDENTS
A cat who has been hit by a car or has fallen from a great height should be taken to a veterinarian as quickly as possible. Pick her up as gently as possible, avoiding any excess movement of her body. If the cat is lying calmly on her side scoop her up with one hand under the chest and the other under the hips. Be careful not to twist the body. Put the cat on a clean towel or newspaper in a cat carrier or cardboard box. Put a soft blanket or towel over the cat to keep her warm and protect her from shock.
In the case of minor external bleeding, cover the wound with gauze or a clean handkerchief and apply direct pressure with your fingers.
POISONING (see our page on poisons)
Unless you have seen your cat consume the poison, poisoning may be very difficult to diagnose. In almost every case, you are better off trying to get your cat to a veterinarian as quickly as possible. If you can identify the poison, you should try to bring a sample of it (or it’s container) with you to the surgery.
Some poisons cause shock. For this reason, you should try to keep the cat warm by wrapping it in a towel or blanket while you seek veterinary help. A cat in pain is apt to be violent and wrapping her in a towel will also help to restrain her.
DROWNING
A drowned cat may sometimes be revived by mouth-to-nose resuscitation. To perform, close the cat’s mouth and gently but repeatedly blow puffs of air into both nostrils by covering them with pursed lips. Allow air to escape by removing your mouth between puffs. You should notice the cat’s chest rising slightly as you blow.
BURNS
The most important part of first aid for burns is to prevent shock and to get the cat to a veterinarian promptly. Heat burns may be treated by promptly dousing the injured area with cold water and applying a cold compress. Electrical burns - common with young cats who like to chew through electrical wires - can result in shock and cardiac arrest. In extreme cases, artificial respiration and cardiac massage may be necessary. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Despite your best efforts to keep your kitten from harm, accidents will happen, and it’s best to be prepared when they do. It’s important to remain calm, act swiftly and get your kitten to your veterinarian as quickly as possible.
ACCIDENTS
A cat who has been hit by a car or has fallen from a great height should be taken to a veterinarian as quickly as possible. Pick her up as gently as possible, avoiding any excess movement of her body. If the cat is lying calmly on her side scoop her up with one hand under the chest and the other under the hips. Be careful not to twist the body. Put the cat on a clean towel or newspaper in a cat carrier or cardboard box. Put a soft blanket or towel over the cat to keep her warm and protect her from shock.
In the case of minor external bleeding, cover the wound with gauze or a clean handkerchief and apply direct pressure with your fingers.
POISONING (see our page on poisons)
Unless you have seen your cat consume the poison, poisoning may be very difficult to diagnose. In almost every case, you are better off trying to get your cat to a veterinarian as quickly as possible. If you can identify the poison, you should try to bring a sample of it (or it’s container) with you to the surgery.
Some poisons cause shock. For this reason, you should try to keep the cat warm by wrapping it in a towel or blanket while you seek veterinary help. A cat in pain is apt to be violent and wrapping her in a towel will also help to restrain her.
DROWNING
A drowned cat may sometimes be revived by mouth-to-nose resuscitation. To perform, close the cat’s mouth and gently but repeatedly blow puffs of air into both nostrils by covering them with pursed lips. Allow air to escape by removing your mouth between puffs. You should notice the cat’s chest rising slightly as you blow.
BURNS
The most important part of first aid for burns is to prevent shock and to get the cat to a veterinarian promptly. Heat burns may be treated by promptly dousing the injured area with cold water and applying a cold compress. Electrical burns - common with young cats who like to chew through electrical wires - can result in shock and cardiac arrest. In extreme cases, artificial respiration and cardiac massage may be necessary. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
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.
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.
Monday 5 January 2009
Feeding
http://www.bsh.eclipse.co.uk/catcare.htm My Information comes from this website.FEEDING YOUR KITTEN
A kitten’s nutritional requirements are more demanding than those of an adult cat. A high quality meat protein food will provide the proteins and other nutrients that are essential during this important growth stage.
Feed your kitten half her recommended daily portion in the morning and half in the evening. Remember that the amount may vary according to age, temperament and activity level of your kitten.
FEEDING TIPS:
When feeding your kitten, you should keep these factors in mind:
Respect your kitten’s privacy. Don’t disturb her while she’s eating.
Food and water bowls should be placed in a quiet, out-of-the-way place
Be sure your kitten has fresh water at all times, especially during warmer weather. Frequent drinking will help your kitten keep her system healthy and may help to reduce the risk of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease.
Place your kitten’s water dish at least six feet away from her food. That way she won’t learn to associate water only with eating.
Use a bowl that your kitten cannot tip over easily. Clean her food dishes at each meal and water dishes daily.
As a general rule, follow the feeding instructions that come with your pet food.
Be flexible. Feeding instructions are only guidelines. Cats generally regulate their eating habits according to their needs. The amount of food your kitten needs will vary with age, weight, breed, temperament, environment and activity level.
If you use a dry food you can leave a recommended daily quantity in your kitten’s dish and let her choose her own meal times. Cats seldom over-eat unless they are routinely tempted with large amounts of food.
Although some owners choose to supplement commercial cat foods with milk, this should never be necessary if the commercial food is nutritionally balanced and complete. Moreover, most cats cannot properly digest the lactose in milk and may develop flatulence or diarrhoea.
Basics
Basic things you will need;
BEDS AND BEDDING
CATS BASKETS/CARRIERS
FOOD AND WATER BOWLS
LITTER TRAY
BRUSHES AND COMBS
BRUSHES AND COMBS
SCRATCHING POSTS
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