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Cats are said to be one of the most intelligent creatures on this planet. They are the ideal embodiment of agility, mobility, speed, and grace. However, between ages 1 to 8, cats go through numerous transitions, equivalent to a teenager transitioning to middle age. As a caregiver, you need to ensure that you provide your cat with everything it needs to stay healthy – rich sources of nutrition, freshwater, etc. A cat's health needs to be monitored closely and any abnormalities should be reported to the vet. In fact, pet parents should care for their cat right from its kitten stage. It will help you keep any older cat health problems at bay in the long run. If you are unaware of how to care for cats between ages one to eight, read on. We made a list of everything that you need to know about caring for a cat!
As a first-time pet parent, it can be difficult to navigate your way through your cat’s needs and wants. Here are a few things you must ensure to keep your cat healthy:
Cats have a habit of licking their fur to groom themselves. This results in the production of hairballs in their system. Brushing or combing your cat daily can help reduce the number of hairballs in its digestive tract. This is a simple way to make grooming easy for your feline friend and help keep its system clean.
Cats are carnivores, they rely on meat as their primary source of nutrition. Pet parents must remember to include meat in their cat’s diet. Avoid feeding dry food in large quantities, as it can have a negative impact on your cat’s health. Cats derive most of their water intake from the food that they consume. Canned foods contain almost 78% water, whereas dry food contains only 5% to 10% water. So, too much dry food or only dry food can leave your cat dehydrated. And dehydration is one of the leading causes of older cat health problems. So, keep your cat nourished and hydrated at all times.
However, when it comes to food, cats can be a tad picky. Some cats prefer dry food over wet food, and vice versa. If you have a cat that feasts on dry cat food, fret not. All you need to do is ensure fresh water is always accessible and provide it with dry foods that are packed with nutrition! At IAMS™, our range of dry cat food not only contains high-quality proteins but also ingredients like Omega 3, fish oil, minerals, and more. We make sure that your cat receives all the right nutrients to have a shiny coat and healthy immune system.
As far as litter boxes go, every cat should have its own. It is also advised for pet parents to keep an additional box for emergency situations. Furthermore, placing litter boxes at the right location is also important. People usually place litter boxes under their furniture, in the basement, or in dark corners. Cats may not always be comfortable with such settings. They prefer having an eye on their surroundings while doing the business. So, if you notice that your cat is not using the litter box, try changing its location.
It is frustrating when your cat does not use the litter box and dirties other areas of your home. The best way to resolve this issue is by finding out why it is doing so. First, take your cat to the vet to rule out any cat health problems like urinary tract infections. If illnesses are not the root cause, try changing the location as well as the litter box.
Another issue that pet parents face is their cat scratching different surfaces or ripping home decor fabric to shreds. Scratching is an instinctive behavior for cats. They do so to express different emotions. Many cat parents are oblivious to the fact that their pet needs a scratching post. Place it in a spot where your cat can easily notice it. You can also sprinkle some catnip on the post to attract your cat.
Neutering or spaying your cat is beneficial in multiple ways. Cats generally get aggressive as they go into heat. Female cats are very uncomfortable during this period, and unneutered male cats tend to fight with each other. These fights can also result in the transmission of diseases through scratches and bites. Other than that, female cats can conceive at just four months of age, and raising a kindle of kittens can be stressful.
If you are a new cat parent, you must keep an eye out for common cat health issues. Going for routine health check-ups is highly recommended so that you can spot any early signs of kitten health problems.
Vomiting is one of the most common cat health issues and it can happen due to many reasons. Your cat can vomit because of hairballs, eating something inedible, diabetes, urinary tract infection, etc. If you notice your cat heaving abdominally or drooling, take it to the vet immediately.
Fleas bother almost all furry pets and are a common cat health problem. Fortunately, this is a problem that can be treated easily. Look out for signs such as:
Hair loss
Skin infections
Excessive scratching and itching
Frequent licking
Regardless of any signs, pet parents are recommended to get their cats checked for fleas regularly.
Female and male cats who are unfit, overweight, or consume a lot of dry food tend to get FLUTD. Co-existing with multiple cats, sudden lifestyle changes, and stress can also influence the occurrence of this disease. Here are a few symptoms that cat parents can look out for:
Dehydration
Loss of appetite
Frequent vomiting
Visible discomfort while urinating
Licking around the genitalia
Blood in their urine
Urinating outside the litter box
Your vet can recommend the right treatment according to the type of FLUTD your cat has.
Eye problems can occur because of many reasons such as glaucoma, cataracts, conjunctivitis, inflammation, different viruses, retinal diseases, and trauma. Symptoms that suggest eye problems include watery eyes, red eyes, gunk deposits in one or both eyes, cloudiness, white or red lining, and squinting. The best you can do is wipe off any dirt or gunk from your cat’s eyes and take it to the vet.
Eating spoiled foods, liver diseases, cancer, infection, and other health issues can cause diarrhoea in cats. Common symptoms of diarrhoea are watery or loose stools. This condition can last for days, weeks, or months, depending on the cause. If your cat is suffering from this condition, make sure you provide it with a lot of fresh water and take it to the vet.
You now know how to provide and care for your cat, and what problematic signs you need to look out for. Now let’s explore the signs of good cat health:
Here are 5 signs of good cat health:
Here are some common cat health issues:
If you want to maintain your cat’s health, take your pet to the vet regularly for an annual medical examination. Along with periodic health check-up, ensure that you:
To monitor your cat’s health, look for signs of illnesses like vomiting, diarrhoea, and problems during urination. These symptoms suggest that your cat might be falling sick. Signs such as good sleep, healthy appetite, and a playful attitude suggest that your cat is healthy.
Since most feline creatures do not like water, bathing a kitten can seem to be a daunting task. Yet, as a cat parent, you cannot give up. You must bathe your kitty, especially to desensitise them to the experience and prevent skin problems. However, most first-time cat parents do not know how to get started with bathing their kittens. If you are one of them, fret not! With patience and a gentle approach, you can turn bathing time into a positive experience for your feline friend. So, read on! This article takes a deep dive into how to bathe a kitten.
Before you go on to bathing your kitten, do not forget to trim its nails. Feline creatures do not hesitate from clawing anyone or anything that triggers discomfort in them. Not even their own caregivers. Similarly, there are multiple other things you must ensure while bathing your kitten. Let's explore them in brief:
Brush your kitten's fur
Kittens shed all year long. Like humans, they might shed in excess while bathing, and that might clog your draining system. Hence, it's best to brush your kitty's fur thoroughly to get rid of the loose fur before you place it in the bathtub.
Pick the right time
Your kitten is going to oppose the bathing time with full force when it is highly energetic. However, when it is tired and exhausted, your pet might just let you do your thing. So, bathe your newborn kitty after tiresome activities like playtime, exercise, etc.
Use a kitten-specific shampoo
When bathing your kitty, go for a bottle of shampoo that is specifically developed for cats. And avoid shampoos used by humans at all costs. As cats groom themselves, chances are that they may ingest some shampoo residue left on their fur.
Rinse thoroughly
Use a cup or small container to rinse off the shampoo from your kitten’s fur, ensuring that water doesn’t get into its ears, nose, or eyes. Since you want your kitty to feel comfortable during the bathing session, avoid using extremely hot or cold water. Instead, go for a few degrees above lukewarm. Moreover, run your fingers through its coat to evenly distribute the water.
Shower your kitten with treats
When you are done bathing your kitten, reward it with treats immediately. Playtime and treats can help your feline friend resonate bathing time with fun moments. Treats can also come in handy to distract your pet if it starts to get anxious.
Every time you bathe your kitty, you must dry it thoroughly. In fact, it is one of the most important aspects of learning how to wash a kitten as damp fur can lead to skin problems. However, you do not want to vigorously rub a towel on your pet’s fur. It will only cause discomfort and irritation. Since bathing is a stressful experience for most kitties, you need to be extra careful while drying their fur up. So, here’s a step-by-step guide on drying your kitten’s coat:
Step 1: Place your kitten on a clean and dry towel.
Step 2: Wrap your kitty in the aforesaid towel.
Step 3: Sit on a chair with your pet on your lap and allow it to calm down.
Step 4: Press the towel gently against your kitten’s fur to get rid of excess water.
Step 5: Continue to press dry your kitty’s fur until its damp and not soaking wet.
Cats and kittens have an aversion to water due to their ancestral history. These feline creatures were once desert-dwelling animals, which means they rarely encountered rains, lakes, or rivers. Hence, all types of water – except drinking water – is alien to them. And that’s probably why your fur baby tries to resist the bathing session. However, being gentle with your little kitty can prevent issues and make the whole experience a little comfortable for it. Moreover, do not submerge your furry friend under running water and keep its bath time as short as possible.
Note: If your kitten continues to show extreme distress during bath time, consult a veterinarian.
Now that you know how to bathe a kitten, go on and help your pet groom. The time spent bathing your kitty provides you two with an opportunity to establish an unbreakable bond. Moreover, it will familiarise your kitten with your touch, fostering trust and strong cat-owner relationship.
