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Posts Tagged ‘Care’

Take Care Of Your Cat; Take Care Of Yourself

Great cat care is an important part of keeping your feline companion happy and healthy. However, there are benefits to cat care that go far beyond ensuring that your cat stays in peak shape and enjoys a high quality of life. Caring for your cat can actually be great for your own physical and mental state of being. Cat care can even help you maintain a healthy emotional life. When you achieve better cat care, you are achieving a better lifestyle for yourself.

Scientific experts have shown that caring for and enjoying a pet is great for your body. Spending time with a tame, happy animal is relaxing, and studies show that people who regularly spend time with pets have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels than their pet-less friends and neighbors. These factors can not only improve your quality of life, they can actually extend your life expectancy and help you stay in better physical shape for a greater number of years than the average person. The really great news is that both the process and the result of cat care are equally beneficial to your health, so whether you are maintaining your cat or enjoying a friendly tug of war using a ball of yarn, you are helping yourself stay happy and healthy.

If you are looking for a way to make exercise a seamless part of your day, cat care may be the answer. A top notch cat care regimen includes a wide range of activities from trimming nails to cleaning the litter box to more advanced and challenging tasks like training your cat. Almost every single aspect of cat care, from wrestling your kitten into the sink for a bath to petting your cat gently while you are watching television, is great for your health simply because it keeps you moving. Whenever the process of cat care gets you to move even a single muscle that would otherwise be lazily slumped on the couch, cat care is helping your body and your mind. When you chase your cat around the room for a playful game, you are also chasing a healthier heart, stronger bones, and a more robust circulatory system. Cat care helps you life a more active lifestyle.

Cat care is also great for your emotional health. When you rub your cat behind the ears as it purrs softly, you are sure to feel as happy as your cat does. These regular sessions of happy, comforting relaxation are an important part of cat care, and can contribute to a more positive psychological outlook throughout the day. When you spend time sharing love and peace with your cat by providing cat care, your brain releases hormones that make you feel great, and help you manage stress and keep a positive outlook on life. Cat care is a great way to keep yourself feeling positive and happy.

Find out more about how to care for your cat. Click here now!

Be the first to comment - What do you think?  Posted by Chat About Cats - March 10, 2010 at 5:40 pm

Categories: Kitten Care   Tags: , ,

The Joy Of Cat Care

The more excellent your cat care regimen is for your cat, the more joy you will get out of pet ownership. When you engage in cat care activities like feeding, petting, or playing with your cat, you are showing your feline friend how much you love them. Seeing your cat at his or her healthiest is its own reward, but there are benefits to cat care beyond just keeping your kitten in top shape. Cat care can improve your quality of life and make every day sweeter.

Succeeding at offering your pet the best possible cat care helps you maintain a positive attitude about your abilities, and can boost your confidence in other arenas. Mastering cat care can be a great first step towards overcoming challenges and difficulties in other areas of your life. Psychological experts agree that caring for a pet is a great way to improve your self esteem. When you see how much your cat care regimen matters to your pet, you will be able to appreciate how much of an impact your actions can have. This helps you feel confident and upbeat about your chances of success at work or school, and in the social sphere.

Cat care can be great for your social life. In addition to the confidence boost that taking excellent care of your feline companion can offer, cat care teaches you to expect and feel comfortable with positive interaction. When you bond with your cat, you are practicing the basic social skills that will help you win friends. Caring for your cat may even help make you more comfortable expressing love and affection, and it will certainly let you feel more confident about your feelings being reciprocated. When you pay careful attention to cat care, you are strengthening your ability to be responsible and trustworthy, qualities that will help you keep friends. Experts recommend pet ownership as a great way to help children learn good social skills, and adults may be able to see substantial social benefits as well.

Many people think that caring for their cat and enjoying their cat are two separate activities. However, the truth is that cat care is largely about showing your cat love and affection. That’s why it is called cat care: because it is how you show that you care about your cat. Cat care can be a satisfying part of your day every day because it lets you see that you’ve had an effect. When you groom your cat or clean its litter box, you will see a visible difference result immediately from your actions. When you spend a few minutes curled up with your cat on the couch, you will be able to notice a distinct attitude change in both your cat and yourself as you both bask in the calm glow of shared affection. Cat care can make your life richer and fuller on a daily basis.

Find out more about how to care for your cat. Click here now!

Be the first to comment - What do you think?  Posted by Chat About Cats - March 9, 2010 at 5:41 pm

Categories: Kitten Care   Tags:

Elderly Cat Care

Our cats become a part of the family over time. But unlike humans, who are considered elderly at 60 or 65, cats are considered “senior citizens” at the ripe old age of 10. It is important to understand the proper care of cats at all stages of life. A kitten cannot be fed, groomed, medicated, and treated the same way as an elderly cat. Here is a guide to proper Elderly Cat Care.

Feeding Time

Most pet supply stores sell specially formulated cat foods that are designed to provide proper health and nutrition to elderly cats. Some formulas assist with proper digestion, since this can often be a problem with older cats. Senior cats cannot assimilate their food in their digestive tracts in the same way that they did when they were youngsters.

Older cats can also have problems with their teeth that cause them to eat less. This is why it is important to maintain good dental hygiene in cats at a young age by either brushing, taking them to the veterinarian for a cleaning, or feeding them snacks that clean their teeth. If your elderly cat eats less, it may be due to a toothache, thus it is sometimes ideal to feed them softer foods, mostly wet, canned foods, so that chewing their dinner won’t be as much of an obstacle.

Many cat owners find that their cat’s coat becomes dull with age. This is due to poor nutrition. Feed your older cat a diet rich in essential fatty acids to fix this problem. When organisms, including cats, get older, they have an increased production of free radicals in the body. Free radicals contribute to the degeneration of cells in the body. Help build up the immune system of your beloved cat by increasing his or her intake of vitamin C and E.

Finally, you want your cat to remain active in old age. The more energetic activities your cat participates in the better health it will remain in. If you allow your cat to become obese it will lay around the house and have reduced quality of life, as well as a decrease in general health. Watch your pet’s eating habits and assure that it is not overeating, or eating as a recreation as some cats do.

Grooming Elderly Cats

Another element of proper Elderly Cat Care is grooming. When cats age, they sometimes stop grooming themselves with the same frequency as they did when they were younger. This can create a matted fur coat that is dirty and smells bad. Bad hygiene will eventually lead to bad health. Because of this, it is important that you groom your eldery cat yourself. Purchase a good cat brush that doesn’t just brush the outer coat, but one with bristles that reach down to the skin to pull up old hair.

It sometimes helps to give your cat a bath, even though most cats hate them with a passion. The best way to wash a cat is to place them in the tub and gradually introduce water. You certainly don’t want to throw them into the tub with hot water running inside! You may get a deep claw mark in the arm that will never heal and remind you to never do that again. If you apply water gradually to the cat’s coat until they are completely wet and then work in some shampoo quickly, you should be able to accomplish that goal.

Vet Visits and Medication

When your cat grows into old age, it may have health complications that require regular medication. You should schedule a regular vet appointment for your elderly cat to assure that you are keeping up with all details of its health regimen. In older age, cats may seem fine but still have complications. Ask your veterinarian to give your cat a blood and urine test to find out if there is anything to be concerned about to head off any future problems. Going back to dental care, most older cats develop gum disease which can lead to health problems down the line. Gum disease can be treated by your veterinarian.

Just as with a human who has to take daily medication, if your cat has been prescribed to take medications on a daily basis it is helpful to keep everything in one place as a reminder. You do not want to miss a day of any crucial medication as the system of your older cat is much more delicate than those of younger cats.

Pet Insurance

Insurance companies are coming to recognize the love that people have for their pets. Thus, there are many new pet insurance products popping up on the market. It is best to enroll your pet into an insurance program at a younger age to assure a more reasonable premium, but you may still be able to enroll your elderly cat into an insurance program where his or medical bills will be partly covered in the case of a medical emergency. Some pet insurance companies will charge anywhere from $20-$50 per month per cat, depending on their particular situation.

The costs of pet surgeries and treatments can be way out of the budget of most households, so having a pet insurance plan to back you up can be a great asset. It will also give you peace of mind about your cat as it ages.

Activities of the Elderly Cat

The activity level of elderly cats vary. Some cats become inactive and spend most of their day sleeping or sitting. But other cats can be just as active in old age as they were in their younger days. These cats may still like to play with you, run, and chase the other cats around the house, but you just need to be understanding that they may not be able to participate in these games for as long as they used to. For example, a game cats love to play is “chase their owner.” Instead of letting them chase you up and down the stairs as you did when they were young, maybe you could keep the activity to one level of the house. That way you will not overexert your cat and help prolong his time spent active.

Most cat experts agree tht a cat is generally healthy and happy when they are “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.” Another indication of a healthy cat is a lustrous, shiny coat, and a tail that sticks straight up in the air when the cat is walking. Proper elderly cat care is dire if you love your senior cat and want to keep it in good physical health.

David Beart is owner of the Professors House, a site dedicated to family, relationships, cat information, and household issues.

Be the first to comment - What do you think?  Posted by Chat About Cats - March 5, 2010 at 5:42 pm

Categories: Kitten Care   Tags: ,

The Importance Of Cat Care

Having a pet can be a wonderful experience as our furry friends integrate themselves into our daily lives and become cherished members of our families. We all certainly have our allegiances when it comes to our pet of choice. Just as dog owners will brag of the canine’s family-friendly quality and loving demeanor, cat owners will boast of the cat’s intelligent nature and subtle personality. Of course, part of having a pet – of any variety – is the responsibility for their daily care. And cat care, as any cat owner will tell you, is paramount to ensuring your feline’s good health and longevity.

First and foremost, when it comes to cat care – just as you would do for a baby – you must take steps to make your home a safe place for a curious kitty. When doing this, it is helpful to get down on the floor so that you can get a perspective for what may look interesting to your tiny new family member. Remove any small things from the floor that could be a choking hazard, and look for small, dangerous places where your kitten could inadvertently get stuck. Also, be mindful of lit candles and open windows!

Of course, cat care also means proper medical supervision. If you don’t already have a reputable veterinarian with whom you feel comfortable, it is important that you seek one out. Do some research among the animal lovers in your community; you will often find that there is a consensus among them regarding the best choice in area veterinarians. It is essential that you set up an initial appointment for your cat to make sure that all of your cat’s protective shots are in order. The same veterinarian will be significant going forward for regular check-ups, teeth cleaning, and any other medical intervention that you may need.

Ask your veterinarian about the food most appropriate for cat care. As you will find, there are a variety of cat foods on the market today, all advertising their own all-important nutrients; it can be difficult to navigate. Your cat’s nutrition needs will change as it ages so it is important that you keep pace. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you what is nutritionally most important for your kitten – as well as your older cat.

Finally, when it comes to cat care, it is important that your cat feel comfortable and that is has a place of its own. A litter box placed in a removed area of your home will offer your cat a place to go to the bathroom. Talk with your veterinarian about how best to introduce the litter box to your cat.

Ultimately, the most important cat care is the love and protection that you offer, allowing your cat to grow healthy and strong.

For easy to understand, in depth information about cats causes visit our ezGuide 2 Cats.

Be the first to comment - What do you think?  Posted by Chat About Cats - March 4, 2010 at 5:41 pm

Categories: Kitten Care   Tags: ,

Great Pet Care on a Budget – Part I, In the Beginning

Jack’s Pet Care Series

 Great Pet Care on a Budget – Part I, In the Beginning

 It usually starts like this…Someone takes home a new dog or cat and they are very excited and proud of their new pet. It was sooo cute in the pet shop just staring at you with those sad eyes, how could you say “no”?

 The truth is that pet care can be very expensive if you are not prepared. A cute little puppy that eats ½ cup of dry dog food per day can grow up to be a 100 pound eating machine in just a few months. The kitten likes to sharpen his claws on your new leather couch, but he doesn’t mean any harm (smile). The pet owner gets frustrated and or broke and suddenly the cute little pet ends up in a shelter somewhere for the whole cycle to start over again…maybe.

 It is a very sad situation for animals to be returned to pet shelters for any reason. The pet might find a good home but there is also a fair chance that it will be euthanized. It is a very uncertain situation and hopefully one that can be avoided.

 Quality pet care does not have to cost a fortune. With a little planning and research you can have the pet you want and not end up in the poor house while giving your new pet a much needed home.

In this series we are going to discuss how to create such a plan and offer some helpful tips on the following topics:

Choosing the right pet Estimating the cost of pet ownership and pet care Where to find your new pet How to provide great pet care on a budget

 We hope you enjoyed this article from Jack’s Pet Care Series.

 

Be the first to comment - What do you think?  Posted by Chat About Cats - March 3, 2010 at 5:40 pm

Categories: Kitten Care   Tags: , , , ,

Some Important Things to Take Care for Your Pets Health and Safety

Taking care of a pet is quite easy as well as should be well taken care. Pet care is in fact a simple job, and includes the very important functions of grooming and striving to maintain good pet health care. General pet supplies could be considered a definition of useful tools for grooming and keeping your pet in good health.

Let us consider some useful terms which should be taken care for the well being of your pet:

Choosing A Pet:

The process of choosing a pet is very important. Choosing a pet depends on one’s preferences, but there are still some important things that should be kept in mind. One should always choose an animal of good breed. Secondly, the pet should be healthy especially if it is still in the initial stage of its life. A healthy young pet shows good fast growth.

Pet Supplies:

You should make a complete list of pet supplies and include the following: pet food and food bowls, pet id tags and collar, pet medications, supplements and tonics, etc. Some other items to consider are animal carriers, pet houses and furniture, pet beds, clothes, and pet jewelry.

Online Pet Supplies:

Online pet supplies are supplies that can be purchased from pet stores over the Internet. There are numerous pet grooming product manufacturers and pet-grooming stores selling their products online through their individual official websites.

Pet Grooming Supplies:

Pet grooming supplies include items such as grooming clippers, pet hair care products, soaps, shampoo and perfumes.

Pet Health:

Pet health is a very important responsibility of pet ownership. For puppies and kittens, or any other four-legged pets, important treatments would include giving a hygiene bath, cleaning, combing, brushing, checking ears, paws, teeth and underside of the tongue, nail trimming, removing fleas and insects, and fixing regular meetings with a professional veterinary. A good pet owner should follow a regular schedule of grooming sessions.

Pet Care:

Pet care can require a lot of patience. Like children, pets often require special attention. A puppy, kitten or any other pet in its infancy needs to be handled with extreme care. In particular they must be groomed properly, fed carefully, and bedded properly.

Pet Insurance :

When you are treating your pet as your family member why not covering your pet with an insurance policy. Yes! That’s absolutely possible and you will find many insurance companies providing policies for your beloved pet. Pet insurance is now a days very common and used largely by many pet lovers. Though how much you take care of you pet but you never know when an emergency situation arrives.

There is a very famous saying from George Eliot “Pets are such agreeable friends, they ask no questions and they pass no criticisms” about pet animals. Pets have always been friendly to humans and often show their love and affection by licking, hickeys, even love-bites.

Be the first to comment - What do you think?  Posted by Chat About Cats - March 2, 2010 at 5:40 pm

Categories: Kitten Care   Tags: , , , , , , ,

General Cat Care

Cats make wonderful companions, however they can be somewhat of a mystery. Knowing and understanding your feline companions is the way to keep them happy. Even though cats have the reputation for being independent and aloof, they actually thrive on affection.

 If you are getting a cat or kitten for the first time you might want to make sure that no one in your family is allergic to cats. You should take your family to a rescue centre or have them play with a friend’s cat to see if they show any signs of an allergic reaction. Some symptoms to look for are; eye irritations, sneezing, and watery eyes. This way you will know beforehand instead of after you bring home the new cat or kitten and have become attached to them.

 When it comes to the nutritional requirements of cats they are clearly different from dogs. Cats are strict carnivores and have to eat meat to remain healthy. Cats need protein in their daily diet to provide amino acids which turn into protein. Proteins are required for tissue growth and repair and to help with metabolism.

Fat and oils contain fatty acids which perform several functions and are a form of energy. If your cat’s diet is lacking fatty acids it could result in a dry coat and dandruff.

 Vitamins and minerals are also important to a cat’s diet. There are 4 vitamins and 2 minerals that your cat needs to live a long healthy life. Vitamin A helps stimulate growth in kittens and renewal in adult cats, Vitamin B is important for growth, the nervous system and for the heart. Vitamin D helps in bone development and Vitamin E is for shiny coats. Water is the most important element in a cat’s diet. It transports nutrients, vital to temperature regulation, and essential for digestion. Most active cats will drink around 85ml of water daily.

 To make sure your cat stays in good health you need to pay attention to them and notice any changes in their behaviour. At least once a week you should do a “check-up” on your cat. This can be done just by holding and petting your cat while you look for signs of fleas, skin problems, ear mites or for overly long claws. Some signs to watch for are; if their coats start looking rough instead of sleek and shiny and they stop grooming themselves properly. If you notice any of these signs you should take your pet into the vet for a check-up.

 Depending on the breed of cat you have will determine how much grooming you will have to do. If you have a long-haired cat, such a Persian they need daily brushing and combing. If you have a short hair they can be groomed occasionally. Most cats will try to keep themselves groomed.

 Another thing to remember is to have an out of the way place for their litter box. It is important to make sure you clean it often, especially if you have a multi-cat home. Cats are easy animals to care for. They like to play so make sure you have plenty of things for them to chase and bat around. If you have an inside cat make sure you also provide them with a scratching post of some sort. This way they won’t be using the furniture for that purpose. Cats make great companions and if kept healthy and happy they will give you enjoyment and comfort for a long time.

 To protect your feline companions you might want to consider buying pet insurance for your cats. Not only will this give you peace of mind; it will help you to afford expensive medical costs if your pet becomes ill or has an accident. Cat insurance can help ease the strain on your budget if you were faced with high veterinary bills.

Please call us at Animal Friends Insurance on 0844 55 70 300 to purchase a pet plan to cover your companion against the high cost of veterinary treatment. You can also get an instant quote and buy online from AFI – an ethical insurer.

Be the first to comment - What do you think?  Posted by Chat About Cats - March 1, 2010 at 5:41 pm

Categories: Kitten Care   Tags: ,

Discover How To Care For Your Cat, So They Are Happy

All in all, it is an odd relationship that man has established with cat. Toward no other domestic animal does he show such split feelings of admiration and resentment, which is some kind of a comment on man, for the cat, is constant. She has always been cat.

The cat is different from the dog. She serves no one, knowingly or willingly. Her one accomplishment the hunting of mice, rats and other rodents is self taught. The man does not live who can claim to have trained a cat to perform a task for human benefit. For their own convenience, cats have learned various small maneuvers, like opening doors, but they do not and will not herd sheep, carry messages or run back to the ranch seeking help for jammed up cowboys. There are no police cats, no watch cats, and no sled cats.

The cat does not even come when she is called, unless it suits her.

In 1953 the American Can Company, which produces containers for commercial pet foods and was therefore interested, discovered in a survey that there were 26,700,000 domestic cats in the United States.

By domestic cats is meant cats who, however casual their membership, belong to human families. Most of them 13.2 million were found to be farm cats. Seven million were city cats, and 6.5 million lived somewhere in between.

The South had the most cats, 9.7 million, the Far West the fewest, 3.2 million. The East had the most urban cats, 2.4 million, the Midwest the most farm cats, 5.8 million; no surprises there.

Overall, 29 per cent of the nations families had one or more cats. Farm families had the most cats; nearly half of them owned three or more. The nationwide average was 2.21 cats per cat owning family. Low income families were found to be far more likely to have cats than were the high income families.

Cats are not the least bit uncertain about their ability to take care of themselves. This, however, does not discourage the people with whom they live. By close observation of cats habits and preferences, they learn to do for cat many of the things cat ordinarily would do for herself. This is known as cat care.

Your first duty is to provide your cat with a bed. Her preferences are in accord with universal standards. It should be warm and dry, of comfortable size, bug free and protected from drafts.

The only other article of furniture an indoor cat needs is a pan. There are cats that, by some stroke of fate, have learned to use the human toilet, but yours probably is not one of them. Buy a pan. Enameled metal is best and easiest to keep clean. It should be large enough for the cat to maneuver in comfortably, but the sides should be low. It should be kept in one location, and it may be filled with sand, shredded newspaper or sawdust.

A house trained mother cat will teach her kittens to use the pan, but if you should by chance acquire one that never got the word, it is easy enough to set the kitten straight. First, show it the pan. Second, after each meal traipse the kitten over to the pan and keep it there without using undue force, of course until it performs.

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Be the first to comment - What do you think?  Posted by Chat About Cats - February 28, 2010 at 5:41 pm

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Better Cat Care Defined

Your cat will always rely on you for food, water, safe shelter and regular veterinary cat care even though they appear independent. By doing this consistently you place yourself in a much better place to develop a mutual and rewarding relationship. The guidelines in this article should allow you to consistently perform optimum cat care.


Make it a point to get a cat ID tag and collar that has your address,name and telephone number information. By ensuring that your cat is wearing one you ensure there safe return home in the event they find themselves lost and outside in strange surroundings. Some of the ID tags have a radio responder built into them and by making sure your cat is wearing one you make it possible for another person can read it and bring your cat back to you.


Keep your cat inside if at all possible. This action will ensure that the community, your cat and you are doing what’s best for all involved. Plus if you have gone through all the trouble to find and train your kitty why risk losing them?


Make it a point to get your cat neutered or spayed. This will assist in reducing the problem of cat overpopulation and will keep them healthier.


It is up to you to train your cat from doing things you don’t like like jumping on counter tops and scratching furniture. They can be trained like any other pet if you also keep in mind a bit of understanding, effort and patience when doing so. If you set up a simple system of rewarding and praising them when they perform as you want will go a long way toward them acting and behaving the way you would like.


To keep your cat’s coat healthy, soft and shiny make a it a point to groom them often. To keep your cat’s hair from matting it should be brushed. This will also decrease the creation of hairballs by your cat. Hairballs are produced when cats groom themselves and in the process they ingest hair. Too much of that at once can cause problems for your cat.


Conclusion


In closing just remember to be patient and loyal with your cat. Also remember that the majority of behavior problems can be resolved and make sure you have reasonable expectations of your cat’s behavior. Contact the local animal shelter or veterinarian if you are having major issues with your cat’s behavior.

Be the first to comment - What do you think?  Posted by Chat About Cats - February 27, 2010 at 8:17 pm

Categories: Cat Grooming   Tags: , ,

Important Cat Care News

You’ve brought your kitten home. You’ve got her set up with all her needs. Now, you’re faced with some of the more puzzling aspects of cat care. You’re wondering about declawing. And that’s just for starters. Not to worry.

First and foremost, realize that the first step to successful cat ownership is to love your cat. Filling in the blanks on the information you don’t know yet will come. And here’s some information and knowledge to get you started. Of course homeopathic care for cat is something that is all over the news right now, but there’s actually a lot more to know then that.

Yes, cats shed. And the shedding of a long-haired cat is more noticeable than that of a short haired feline. Expect your cat only to shed at the change of the seasons. That’s not so. Because of his exposure to a constant temperature and continual artificial light, your indoor cat sheds year round. But it’s not nearly as bad as it sounds.

Here’s a good piece of important cat care information, cats take care of a lot of their shedding on their own. They are fastidiously clean animals. You’ll discover they are constantly cleaning themselves with their rough, sandpaper-like tongues. The very mechanism, though, that helps them to control shedding also contributes to one of their health problems, hairballs. Hairballs are a very real threat to your cat’s digestion. They can block the food that’s already been digested from traveling through his intestines.

So how can you tell when your cat is experiencing hairballs? You’ll be able to recognize them if he coughs them up – as cats are prone to do. If you find cigar-shaped masses of some indistinguishable matter on the floor or on your furniture, you’ve discovered a hairball.

Sometimes, though, a cat will expel them along with his feces in the litter box. If you find that your cat’s bowel movements have hair on them, that means he’s got hairballs. Another symptom your feline may exhibit is dry coughing or a hacking. This will especially occur after he’s eaten. In fact, if your cat has a sudden, unexpected loss of appetite, you may suspect a hairball is at the root cause.

So how do you prevent hairballs? Take matters in your own hands, literally! Brush! Brush! Brush! Groom you kitty often. Most cats find it most enjoyable and it builds a marvelous bond between you and your feline.

If you discover that your kitten may need more aid than this, there are many effective hairball remedies on the market today. They come in a variety of forms, from granules you sprinkle inconspicuously on his food to gels.

Thinking about declawing?

If you haven’t heard, declawing your cat so he doesn’t ruin your furniture or accidentally seriously scratch an individual is controversial. A generation ago, this operation was routine, many times performed at the same time the kitten got spayed or neutered.

The public today, though, is more widely educated on exactly what surgery for declawing entails. It’s not just a matter of pulling the claws out of the kitty. To remove a cat’s claws, a veterinarian must actually amputate the cat’s paws at the first joint. This would be the equivalent you getting your knuckles amputated right below your finger nails. Ouch!

In order to perform the surgery, your veterinarian will anesthetized your cat as well as give him pain medication. He will literally cut the first section of your cat’s paw off, since the claws are intricately intertwined in the first “knuckle.”

Following the surgery, your cat’s paws are carefully bandaged. Your cat will undoubtedly spend the night at the animal hospital. The following day you’ll be able to bring her home.

Be prepared! Your cat – understandably – will be distinctly uncomfortable for several days following the surgery. (Actually, she’ll probably be in great pain. But felines are wonderful actors. Cats hate to show that they’re in any type of pain.)

Considering, though, the extent of the surgery, your cat heals quite quickly. You’ll notice that your pet walks around the house rather gingerly. That’ll last for about a week. After that she’ll back to her old self.

To help prevent infection, you should replace her litter with some shredded paper. This avoids getting granules of litter in his already very tender paws.

Declawing your cat does more than just eliminate the problem of scratching. Her claws -and that portion of the toes that are removed, are valuable to her in another vital way. Removing her claws may throw her entire system of natural balance off.

A cat, you see, is classified as a “digitigrade.” It’s a strange label, but essentially it means that she walks on her toes. But, a cats toes are used for so much more! Her entire balance and form are based on the length of her digits. Nature, it seems, designed the cat’s body – including her back, shoulders, paws, leg joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons and even her nerves! – based on walking on her toes. Because of this, her weight is distributed across its toes as it walks, runs and climbs.

That means a cat’s claws are absolutely essential for her balance as well as for her ability to exercise effectively. Not only that, her toes – and especially her claws are vital aspects of her stretching. Notice when your cat scratches at a post (or, yes, your furniture!). We all assume she’s just sharpening her claws. Not so! She is really stretching her entire body. When you declaw your kitten, it throws her entire body alignment off.

Hairballs and declawing. Not usually subjects that come up in everyday conversations, now are they? But these are only two of the important bits of information that every cat owner needs to know in order to give Fluffy the best of care. That, and your love, will help your kitten live a long and healthy life.

Be the first to comment - What do you think?  Posted by Chat About Cats - at 5:41 pm

Categories: Kitten Care   Tags: , ,

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