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Most cat owners are familiar with the basics of routine care for their cats – feeding them, changing their litter box, and providing them with fresh water. However, there are other aspects of care that are just as important, but often go overlooked. In this blog post, we will discuss the routine care your cat needs in order to stay healthy and happy!
- Grooming
- Fresh Water And Food
- Clean Litterbox
- Scratching
- Regular Vet Check-Ups
- Vaccinations
- Dental care
- Parasite control
Anyone who has ever loved a cat knows that they are special creatures. Caring for them is not always easy, but it is definitely worth it. Cats need routine care to stay healthy and happy. In this article, we will introduce you to the basics of cat care.
1. Grooming
To keep your cat healthy and looking their best, regular grooming is important. While some cats are quite good at keeping themselves clean, others need a little help from their owners. Here are some tips on how to groom your cat properly:
- Brush your cat’s fur regularly. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may be stuck in their fur, as well as help to reduce shedding. It’s a good idea to brush your cat’s fur once or twice a week, using a soft-bristled brush. Please note that depending on the climate your cat might need more brushing since cats are shedding more when the temperatures get high. During the hot summer months, you might want to brush your cat even daily.
- Give your cat a bath. How often you need to do this will depend on your individual cat, but most cats don’t really require a bath. Bath them only when really necessary and you see that they can’t handle their hygiene. Be sure to use a mild shampoo made specifically for cats, as regular human shampoo can be too harsh and strip the natural oils from their fur.
- Keep their nails trimmed. Overgrown nails can be uncomfortable for your cat, and can also lead to damage to your furniture or flooring. You can either trim your cat’s nails yourself using a nail clipper designed for cats or take them to a professional groomer to have this done.
- Clean their ears regularly. Earwax buildup can lead to infections, so it’s important to keep your cat’s ears clean and free of wax. This can be done with a feline ear cleansing solution from your veterinarian or pet store.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your cat is healthy and looking their best.
You can read our article about what to do if your Cat is losing too much fur, what causes it and what treatment options you have.
2. Fresh Water And Food
Water
So, how much water does your cat need?
Your cat needs around 3/8 to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight every day. So, if your cat weighs 10 pounds, they need between 3.8 and 10 ounces of water each day.
Cats typically get most of their hydration from the moisture in their food, so if you’re feeding your cat a dry food diet, they may need to drink more water than a cat eating a wet food diet.
Make sure your cat has access to clean, fresh water at all times and watch for signs of dehydration.
Most cats are naturally good at regulating their water intake and will usually drink enough to stay hydrated. However, some medical conditions, such as kidney disease, can cause dehydration, so it’s important to be aware of the signs.
Dehydration can cause a number of problems for your cat, including:
- Lethargy and weakness
- Dry mouth and gums
- Sunken eyes
- Decreased skin elasticity (the skin on the back of the neck should snap back when lightly pinched)
If you think your cat may be dehydrated, take them to the vet immediately. In the meantime, encourage them to drink by offering fresh water or adding a little chicken broth to their food. You can also purchase oral rehydration solutions from your vet or pet store to help keep them hydrated.
Prevent dehydration by always having fresh, clean water available for your cat and making sure they have access to it at all times. If you’re going to be away from home for more than a few hours, leave out enough water for them to drink and consider getting an automatic water dispenser. Regular check-ups with your vet will also help ensure that any potential health problems are caught early.
Feeding Your Cat
Your cat’s diet is an important part of their overall health and wellbeing. It’s important to choose a food that is complete and balanced and to feed the right amount based on your cat’s age, activity level, and any health conditions they may have.
If you’re not sure what to feed your cat, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you choose food that is right for your cat’s individual needs.
Once you’ve selected a food, it’s important to stick with it. Sudden changes in diet can cause digestive upset in cats. If you need to make a change, do it gradually, over the course of a week or two.
When it comes to feeding your cat, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Feed at least two meals per day. Some cats prefer to eat small meals more often, while others do well with one or two larger meals. It’s important to find what works for your cat.
- Avoid table scraps. While it may be tempting to share your food with your cat, it’s best to avoid giving them table scraps. Most human foods are not nutritionally complete for cats and can cause digestive upset.
- Don’t free-feed. Free-feeding (leaving food out all the time) is not recommended for cats. It can lead to obesity and other health problems. Also here pay attention to your cat’s behavior. You can leave dry food for your cat and when you see that your cat is taking one or two bites from time to time and your cat’s weight is healthy, then of cause you can leave a bowl with dry food. Just pay attention to your cats self-regulation.
Avoid feeding raw meat. There is potential for bacteria in raw meat that can make your cat sick. Cooked, lean meats are a better option.
Following these tips will help you ensure that your cat is getting the nutrition they need to stay healthy and happy.
3. Clean Litterbox
Also known as a sandbox, is a special type of box that is designed to help keep your cat’s waste products contained. The litterbox provides a place for your cat to go to the bathroom, and it also helps to keep your home clean and free of cat urine odor. There are many different types of litterboxes on the market, so it is important to choose one that will work best for you and your cat.
When choosing a litterbox for your cat, there are a few things you should take into consideration. First, you need to decide what size litterbox you need. Second, you need to decide what type of litter you want to use. There are many different types of litter available, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
You should also consider where you will be placing the litterbox in your home. It is important to choose a location that is easily accessible for your cat, but that is also out of the way of high-traffic areas in your home.
Once you have chosen the perfect litterbox for your cat, it is important to keep it clean. Cats are very clean animals, and they will not use a dirty litterbox. Be sure to scoop out the waste daily and change the litter completely every week or two. By keeping the litterbox clean, you can help to keep your home smelling fresh and free of cat urine odor.
4. Scratching
Most cats like to scratch. It helps them keep their claws sharp and can be a great way for them to stretch their muscles. However, some cats scratch more than others, and this can be a problem for their owners.
If your cat is scratching furniture or carpets, there are a few things you can do to try and stop them.
Make sure they have plenty of other things to scratch, such as scratching posts, mats or scratching trees. You can also try using a spray or powder that deters cats from scratching.
Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, so it’s important to try and redirect their scratching rather than trying to stop it altogether. With a little patience and effort, you should be able to keep your cat from doing too much damage.
There are a few things to consider when placing scratching posts for your cat.
First, consider your cat’s favorite scratching spots. Is there a particular spot that your cat loves to scratch? If so, place the scratching post nearby to encourage your cat to use it instead.
Secondly, think about your cat’s preferred scratching position. Does your cat like to scratch vertically or horizontally? Place the scratching post accordingly.
Finally, make sure the scratching post is sturdy and stable. Your cat should feel confident and secure when using it. With these things in mind, you should be able to find the perfect spot for your cat’s new scratching post!
How many scratching posts does your cat need?
There is no definitive answer to this question as every cat is different and will use a scratching post differently. Some cats may prefer to have multiple scratching posts while others may be content with just one. Ultimately, it is important to provide your cat with enough scratching posts so that they can scratch to their heart’s content!
5. Regular Vet Check-Ups
A regular vet check-up is important for your cat’s health for several reasons. First, it allows the vet to catch any potential health problems early and start treatment right away. Second, it gives you a chance to ask the vet any questions you may have about your cat’s health or behavior. Finally, it helps build a relationship between you and your vet, which can be helpful if your cat ever does need medical care.
A vet check-up for a cat usually includes a physical examination, vaccinations, and a discussion of any health concerns the pet owner may have. The veterinarian will also assess the cat’s weight, diet, and overall lifestyle. A full blood panel may be done to check for potential underlying health problems. If the cat is over the age of 7, a senior wellness exam is recommended to screen for age-related diseases.
How often you should visit a vet depends on a number of factors, including your cat’s age, health, and lifestyle. Generally speaking, healthy adult cats should visit the vet at least once a year for a wellness exam and routine vaccinations.
Kittens and senior cats may need to see the vet more frequently. Cats with chronic health conditions or who live outdoors may also require more frequent vet visits. Ultimately, it’s important to work with your veterinarian to determine an appropriate schedule of care for your cat.
The average cost of a vet check-up for a cat is $50. However, the cost can vary depending on the services needed and the location of the vet.
Never postpone your cat’s check-up thinking that your cat seems healthy so you can save that money. Most health issues are not visible to us owners that’s why it is important to do a check-up. Also, it will not save you money! Most health issues are easy to treat if treated in the early stage, which also means less expensive. The longer you wait for treatment, the more expensive it will get.
6. Vaccinations
Vaccinations for cats are an important part of responsible pet ownership. Cats are susceptible to a number of diseases, some of which can be fatal. Vaccinating your cat helps protect them from these diseases and helps keep them healthy.
There are a number of different vaccines available for cats, and your veterinarian can help you determine which ones are right for your cat based on their health, lifestyle (indoor cats or outdoor cats) and risk factors.
In general, most cats should be vaccinated against rabies, panleukopenia (also called feline distemper), and calicivirus. Some cats may also need to be vaccinated against other diseases such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).
Vaccinations are typically given as injections and most cats will need booster shots every one to three years to maintain protection from disease. Some vaccines are also available in oral form, which may be a good option for cats who don’t like needles.
Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating your cat and following a regular vaccination schedule to help keep them healthy and safe from disease.
7. Dental Care
Dental care for cats is very important.
Cats’ teeth are just as susceptible to tartar buildup and gum disease as our own. That’s why it’s important to brush your cat’s teeth on a regular basis and to take them in for professional cleanings as needed.
Good dental care can help keep your cat’s teeth healthy and prevent painful problems down the road. It can also help your cat stay healthy overall since good oral health is linked to overall good health.
So how do you go about taking care of your cat’s teeth? Here are some tips:
- Brush your cat’s teeth regularly. Just like with humans, brushing your cat’s teeth on a regular basis is the best way to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease. You can use a special cat toothbrush.
- Give your cat dental treats. There are now many different kinds of dental treats available for cats that can help keep their teeth clean and healthy. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations.
- Take your cat in for professional cleanings as needed. Your veterinarian can give your cat’s teeth a thorough cleaning and will also be able to spot any problems that may need to be addressed. Professional cleanings are generally recommended at least once a year, but more often may be necessary if your cat has existing dental problems.
8. Parasite Control
Cats can be infected with parasites such as fleas, ticks, and worms. Some of these parasites can cause disease in cats. It is important to control parasites on your cat to keep them healthy and help prevent the spread of disease.
There are many products available to control parasites on cats. Talk to your veterinarian about which products are best for your cat. Some parasite control products need to be prescribed by a veterinarian.
The best way to remove fleas from your cat is to bathe them with a flea shampoo or dip. You can also use a product that contains pyrethrins or permethrin. These products are available from your veterinarian or pet store. Be sure to follow the directions on the label.
Some of these products are not safe for kittens or cats that are pregnant or nursing. Talk to your veterinarian before using any of these products on your cat.
To help prevent parasites:
- Keep your cat indoors. Cats that go outside are more likely to get parasites.
- Regularly check your cat for parasites, especially if they go outside.
- Talk to your veterinarian about parasite prevention products.
- Keep your cat’s environment clean. This includes their bedding, litter box, and toys.
There are a few different symptoms that may indicate that your cat has a parasite. These can include weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and a poor appetite. If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up. The vet will be able to diagnose the problem and prescribe the appropriate treatment.