GROOMING

Your cat depends on you for its physical well being and grooming is an important aspect in cat ownership. A good practice is to set aside some time at least once a week to do a thorough grooming check on your cat.

CHECK YOUR CAT'S EARS

• Begin by checking the cat's ears making sure they look heathy and pink. If they are not, then it is best to contact a veterinarian to determine if there is a problem.
  
  
• If there is black, waxy material in the ears, the cat may have mites. The ears then must be cleaned with a cotton swab and medication applied to get rid of the parasites. Medication is available at pet supply stores. It is best to check with your veterinarian for assistance. Mites are highly contagious and all other pets should be checked to be sure they are parasite free or if they too should be treated.
  
  

CHECK YOUR CAT'S EYES, NOSE AND MOUTH

• Examine the cats eyes and nose. Eyes should be clear and the nose should be damp. If there are any discharges from either, a veterinarian should be contacted.
  
  
• Check the cat's teeth and gums. Is the breath fresh or does it have a strong odor? See that the teeth are clean and that the gums are healthy. Pale gums can indicate anemia.

COAT AND SKIN CARE

• Before brushing your cat, run your hands over its body to feel if there are any lumps, bumps or sores. If you do find any, contact your veterinarian so that they can be treated properly.
  
  
• Brush your cat to remove any dead hair. Comb through the coat with a metal flea comb to remove any fleas that may be on your cat. Brush out any tangles. If needed, use detangling spray.

CARING FOR CLAWS

• If your cat's claws become too long, trim the tips with nail clippers.
  
  
• To trim the claw, begin by pressing gently on the paw pad and the claw should protrude. Keep the paw steady and snip off the tip of the nail. Be sure to avoid cutting the pink area of the nail, which is the blood vessel.

RIDDING YOUR CAT OF FLEAS

• Should your cat have fleas, it is extremely important to eliminate them. Not only will continual itching follow the bite of a flea, but more serious consequences can develop from flea infestation.
  
  
• Allergic cats may require medication to recover from flea bites. Allergies can cause severe skin problems on your cat.
  
  
• Fleas are the host for tapeworms and eggs of the worm can be transmitted from the bite of a flea.
  
  
• If fleas are not eliminated, they are quickly transmitted among pets and they inhabit homes and yards.
  
  
• The most effective way to eliminate fleas is to bathe your pet or dip your pet with flea-killing products and to exterminate any fleas from the home or yard.

|| Home || Behavior || Purring || Temperature and the Siamese Cat || Cat Sounds || Games Cats Play || Cat Tail Signals || Grooming || || Cats Like People Who Fear Them || How Long Can A Cat Breed? || Getting Closer to Your Cat || Sight, Sound and Smell || A Case for Neutering and Spaying || Common Household Dangers || Disaster Preparation || Cat Myths ||