Cats have very different needs during their different life stages. Find out how with good cat care from you, you can help your cat lead a healthier, happier life. When it comes to cuteness, nothing beats a kitten. But while getting a kitten can be an exciting and joyful time, it also comes with responsibility. After all, a kitten is a lot like a human toddler – he doesn’t walk well yet, he puts everything in his mouth, and he’s endlessly curious. Keep these tips in mind to be sure that your kitten has a safe and happy toddler-hood.
Get proper veterinary care.
Within the first week of getting your kitten, take him to the veterinarian for the initial check-up and his first round of vaccinations. Bring a fecal sample with you so the veterinarian can check for parasites. After that, your veterinarian will want to see your kitten every few weeks to administer boosters. This is essential to giving your kitten a healthy start in life.
Make your house kitten-safe.
Just as you would with a toddler, make sure toxic chemicals and cleansers are out of reach, and there’s nothing around that’s small enough for your kitten to swallow, like paper clips, pen caps, and earrings. Remove plants that might be poisonous, like azalea, daffodil, rhododendron, and mistletoe. Keep the toilet closed so he doesn’t get in the habit of drinking there – he can drown or get stuck. And close up any small openings where a kitten could crawl in and get stuck, such as under couches, or in the box springs of a bed.
Make sure you provide a good diet.
Kittens need roughly twice the calories that an adult the same size requires, so make sure you provide plenty of high-quality food designed specifically for kittens. In the first days after arrival, you may want to continue feeding the kitten whatever kind of food he was eating at his previous home, in order to change as few variables as possible, then switch to a new food after consulting your veterinarian. And always make sure your kitten has access to plenty of fresh water at all times.
Start good grooming habits early.
You want to get your new kitten accustomed not only to being brushed, but also to being touched and examined. Get him used to having his ears, bellies and paws touched by holding them on your lap and touching them gently for 2 to 3 minutes. If your kitten gets antsy, take a break and try again later.
Get him used to the litter box.
There are several kinds of litter. At first, provide your kitten with a few different litter options in an accessible place. Within a short time, you’ll know which he prefers.
Provide plenty of toys.
Kittens love to play, so make sure he has plenty of safe toys to keep him entertained. Anything from your local pet store should be fine.
Cats have very different needs during their different life stages. Find out how with good cat care from you, you can help your cat lead a healthier, happier life. The prime years of an adult cat fall from ages 1 to 10, and as long as he’s healthy, this should be a time of joy, entertainment, and cuddly companionship. To make sure your cat stays at his best, keep these tips in mind.
Be sure to get annual exams from your veterinarian.
As long as your cat seems healthy, you’ll probably only need to see your veterinarian once a year for a routine check-up. During the visit, the veterinarian will check vital signs like pulse and weight and administer any needed boosters. The American Animal Hospital Association recommends blood chemistry tests, blood counts, urinalysis and fecal tests once a year to identify any problems that may exist but for which the cat may not yet be showing symptoms.
Maintain a good diet.
Consult your veterinarian to choose an appropriate food and measure the appropriate amount, since a “bowlful” might mean different things to different people in your household. Avoid changing foods — if your cat doesn’t eat for a period, this isn’t because he dislikes the food, but because most cats eat in cycles, eating more sometimes, less others. If he’s getting overweight, or if he goes off his food for an extended period, see your veterinarian.
Make sure fresh water is available.
A 10-pound cat needs approximately a 1/4-liter of water daily. Make sure it’s fresh, not stagnant, and that the bowl is clean, or your cat might find another place to drink.
Groom your cat regularly.
Long-haired cats need regular brushing to keep hair from matting. But even short-haired cats should be brushed regularly to keep their coat in good condition. It’ll also keep them from swallowing an excess of hair when they groom themselves, which can cause fur balls.
Make sure he gets plenty of exercise.
Just as with a dog, sufficient exercise is essential for good feline health. Even if you keep your cat indoors, as most veterinarians recommend, you can make sure this happens by playing with your cat yourself, providing batting, chasing and flying toys for him to play with, putting out paper bags and boxes for him to explore, and by putting up a “kitty condo” for him to climb.
Cats have very different needs during their different life stages. Find out how with good cat care from you, you can help your cat lead a healthier, happier life. Advances in pet nutrition and veterinary medicine are enabling our pets to live longer, healthier lives. And that’s good news. But it also means you have to learn to reduce, relieve and manage the problems that come with your cat’s old age. Keep these tips in mind when caring for your senior kitty.
Make sure he goes in for twice-annual veterinary check-ups.
While an annual check-up is fine for a healthy adult cat, when your cat gets older, illness and injury become more common. Even if your pet appears healthy, your veterinarian will likely want to do a full blood test, blood count, fecal test and other tests in order to catch any potential illnesses before they become a problem. Hyperthyroidism is a common illness in older cats, so expect your veterinarian to perform a blood test for that as well.
Keep them active.
While older cats may love to lounge, it's important that they also get plenty of exercise. Keeping older cats supplied with plenty of toys and playing a few games with them yourself can help to keep them fit and sharp, which is the best way to keep them feeling young.
Make sure they get proper nutrition for their age.
Like all of us, as cats age and become less active, they need fewer calories to maintain optimal health, even if your fuzzy friend still enjoys eating just as much. Consider a food specially designed for older cats. If he’s gaining weight, cut back on his rations and consult your veterinarian. Being overweight is the number one risk factor associated with heart disease. And if there’s a rapid change in his weight – either up or down – consult your veterinarian immediately.
Adjust things to their declining abilities.
Older cats won’t be able to do all the things a younger cat can do, or not as consistently. So you may need to make some accommodations, including moving his food and water to a more accessible area, moving his bed, and making sure that he has a safe place to rest away from other pets and children.
Manage your pet's pain.
As chronic problems like arthritis advance, your pet may experience chronic pain just like a human would. If you think your pet is in pain, talk to your veterinarian. There may be treatments that can alleviate pain, which will help to keep your cat active longer.
Manage your pet’s sensory failure.
Your cat's eyesight, hearing and other senses will begin to gradually fail as they age. Making small adjustments can make life easier for him, such as being sure that food and water aren’t moved unnecessarily. And if you notice a sudden loss of hearing or eyesight, consult your veterinarian; it could be a sign of a deeper problem.
