Even a cat that compulsively cleans itself can benefit from a little grooming from her owner. Cats rarely need a bath, but frequent brushing removes a lot of loose hair which would otherwise end up either shed around your home or swallowed by the cat, creating constipating hairballs. Grooming your cat on a regular basis also helps you monitor her health and make her easier to handle.
Long-haired cats should be brushed and combed daily; short-haired cats only need grooming about once per week. While brushing your cat's coat, keep an eye out for lumps and skin irritations. Brush along your cats back, from head to tail with firm pressure. Repeat this several times, and then switch to one side. You should brush each area 4 or 5 times Always remember to brush in the direction of the hair growth.
If you find places where hair is missing, watch your cat for the next week to determine if she is over-grooming these spots, or if the hair loss could be a skin condition that requires a vet's attention. Be sure to watch for fleas and remove them immediately using a flea comb. If you notice rice-like particles around her anus (or in her bed), she probably has worms and needs medication from a veterinarian.
The grooming session is a good time to check your cat's ears, eyes, teeth and claws. If your cat is a young kitten, be sure to frequently manipulate these areas to get her used to handling. By the time she is an adult, looking inside her ears for mites will be a non-traumatic event. If your cat is an adult, proceed at her pace. If she will let you touch her ear, but not fold it back to look inside, that's fine. Each time you groom her, try going a little farther with your examination, praising her with words, strokes, and treats for letting you handle her. If she struggles, it is best to let her go, and try again another day.
You can use a cotton ball slightly dampened with warm water to clean the inside surface of your cat's ears. Never put a cotton ball or swab into her ear canal. If she reacts and jerks, you could injure her. Dark, coffee ground-like flecks inside her ears indicates possible ear mites. If you also notice her shaking her head or scratching at her ears a lot, or notice a strong odor in her ears, have your vet take a look.
A healthy cat's eyes are bright, clear and free of discharge.
Lift her upper lip to check her gums, which should be pink, and take a look at her teeth. If you choose to brush your cat's teeth, be sure to use toothpaste made for cats, as human-type toothpaste can be toxic to your pet. Pet supply stores carry a variety of cat toothpastes, as well as toothbrushes designed to be gentle and easy to use.
When you start to clean your cat's teeth don't even use a toothbrush. Stroke the outside of her cheeks with your finger. When she becomes comfortable with that, add a little toothpaste to your finger and let her taste it. C.E.T. poultry flavored toothpaste can be used to start as cats like the taste. When the cat is comfortable you are ready to introduce the toothbrush. With a small amount of toothpaste on the brush, brush two teeth and the adjoining gum line with a slow circular motion. This will get your cat accustomed to the feel of the brush. You will then be able to gradually increase the number of teeth brushed.
Pet Medication Supplies http://www.pet-medication-supplies.net can help you get the best possible supplies for your pet. Advantix, Arthramine, Cosequin, Frontline, Heartgard - find the best deals in http://www.pet-medication-supplies.net. Upto 50% discount everyday on brand names.
local house cleaners Park Ridge ..Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland... Read More
Do you have at least one framed photo of your... Read More
Over the past decade, breed rescue groups have become a... Read More
In order to add love and affection to their lives,... Read More
Your dog's health is a very important part of overall... Read More
For a cat, scratching is a natural, necessary act. Besides... Read More
You are ready to bring your Boxer home? First, you... Read More
Did you know that there are key health benefits that... Read More
Let's face it ? everything is cute when it's small... Read More
Which is the noisiest species of all? Nope, not the... Read More
Grocery Stores could use some larger Dog Food Isles. Not... Read More
Most dogs live between ten and seventeen years. The relationship... Read More
Parrots are becoming more popular as pets with each passing... Read More
It is entirely normal to look for signs of intelligence... Read More
This may come as a surprise...but if the tables were... Read More
What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More
I'm a pariah among the dog fanciers in my community.... Read More
Vitamins for Pets - How Essential Are They?A vitamin supplement... Read More
I am a dog lover by nature. I have just... Read More
I have a business card burning a hole in my... Read More
Advice!!!-Pet products that are useful, fun and enjoyable will make... Read More
Behavior can be a huge iisue with our pets. If... Read More
As there are certain health issues that affect only the... Read More
Throughout the course of my life, I've encountered my own... Read More
Beautiful as they are, Boston Terriers have some genetic traits... Read More
move out cleaning service Glenview ..How many times have you seen this situation where a... Read More
House rabbits are a perfect pet for many people, regardless... Read More
Most dogs live between ten and seventeen years. The relationship... Read More
Animal lovers come in all shapes and sizes. Undoubtedly if... Read More
Behavior can be a huge iisue with our pets. If... Read More
Sure, you may be a master of human First Aid.... Read More
If you are thinking of adding a feline to your... Read More
Do you have at least one framed photo of your... Read More
You are ready to bring your Boxer home? First, you... Read More
OriginDo you know that the adorable little puppy you bought... Read More
Just like humans, dogs are subject to diseases and illnesses.... Read More
Do you have a home robotic vacuum cleaner? They are... Read More
"Hamsters?!" I hear you say. "Who cares about some fury... Read More
Because it is imperative that discus fish have optimal water... Read More
Some say it started with the Taco Bell dog. A... Read More
Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover.... Read More
Newer doesn't always mean better.Adopting an older dog may be... Read More
Many pet owners don't like using a leash, for a... Read More
Hi,I'm Janet CombsMy mother bred and raised Bichon Frises for... Read More
The real apistogramma's come from southern America, they all have... Read More
The trick of "sitting up" is easily taught to small... Read More
Perhaps the best way to train your westie pups not... Read More
Weaning puppies is a perfectly natural process. Mamma dogs have... Read More
Dog clicker training is so much fun for both dogs... Read More
Traditionally, a doggie treat was just that, a treat that... Read More
Pet |