Feline Vaccinations...

Cats and kittens need three types of vaccinations: FVRCP (short for Feline 3-in-1 distemper and upper respiratory disease vaccine) is administered to young kittens, starting at around six to eight weeks of age, in a series of three shots given about two to three weeks apart. Thereafter, this inoculation should be given annually to adult cats. Remember, though, that the key problem when beginning a young animal's vaccine schedule is to keep up on the boosters at the right times! So when the veterinarian tells you to bring your kitty back in two weeks, but not more than four weeks, he/she really means it!

Other Health Matters...

Earmites are small parasites that can infest a cat's ears. A cat that scratches at its ears frequently and, in some cases, shows a dark discharge from the ears, probably has earmites. See your veterinarian for cleaning and treatment.

Tapeworm is transmitted to your cat if your cat ingests a flea. Telltale signs of tapeworm are white segments (much like white rice) in the feces, bedding, or around the anus. See your vet immediately for the necessary medication. Over-the-counter drugs like you may find at a pet store do not work in this case.

Roundworm is common in kittens, as it is passed to them from their mother. See you vet for worming medication. Once again, over-the-counter medications do not work.

Fleas are the most common and most irritating problem to both pet and owner, about nine months out of the year. Use a flea comb daily to keep them under control. Or, use a spray, powder, or mousse product that kills the fleas living on your cat. Flea collars are generally not effective; they do not kill the fleas at the rear of your cat, and they concentrate a lot of poison in one small area against your cat's delicate skin. If you start out early, you can train your cat to accept an occasional flea bath and/or dip. I taught my cat as a kitten to accept a bath from the very beginning, though I started out with nontoxic shampoo made especially for cats. You certainly don't want to take the chance of a kitten ingesting flea killer! Once you give the cat a couple of baths, and they get a little older, go ahead and use the flea dips. Personally, this is my preferred method of control, and I have not seen one flea in over three years! Ask your vet for the special handout on fleas.

Diet

Kittens need several small meals each day. Adult cats can be "free-fed" a good quality kibble which you make available at all times. Many cats also enjoy a bit of canned food. Stay away from generic and store brands of food, as these are high in sugar, soy protein, and food coloring. Most pet supply stores and vets carry an excellent selection of premium quality foods. Also, be sure to keep a fresh supply of water available at all times, as cats who do not drink enough water may develop painful urinary problems.

Spaying and Neutering

This is a health and safety concern for your cat. Unneutered cats are more likely to engage in cat fights, resulting in painful scratches and absesses. A male cat that is not neutered at an early age may begin to spray urine outside and inside your home in order to establish his territory. Female cats can become pregnant and produce litters from two to three times a year (they can, in fact, become pregnant while nursing their current litter!). Continual breeding can cause poor health and stress in a female, and it contributes to the major pet overpopulation problem. Allowing a female cat to have even one litter leads to the birth of thousands of cats, as each of her kittens produces more and more kittens. Even one litter of kittens can be too many!
Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer later in your cat's life. It reduces your cat's urge to wander off and look for mates, thus making your cat a more attentive, stay-at-home companion. Male and female cats should be altered at four months of age (before a female goes into her first estrus). If you need a low cost altering service, call the Animal Outreach number to schedule an appointment. They will do everything they can to help you and your pet!

Grooming

Most cats will learn to enjoy grooming. Regular brushing and combing is critical for long-haired cats in order to prevent the formation of painful mats. Short-haired cats also benefit from periodic grooming sessions to rid them of dead hair, dirt, and fleas. Use a flea comb to be effective, and with long-haired cats also use a "cat-size" slicker brush.
Trim the toenails on your cat's front paws regularly. Hold the paw between your thumb and forefinger(s) and press lightly to expose the nails. Clip off the clear/white parts, avoiding the pinkish quick (this will bleed if you cut it). If by chance you happen to cut into the quick, you may use some talcum powder, but should go ahead and purchase a special sterile medicated powder just for this purpose at you pet store.
Ask your vet about brushing your cat's teeth. This will help to eliminate tartar buildup and reduce teeth and gum problems later on in your cat's life.

Lost and Found

Many people show little concern for cats roaming in the neighborhood, as people mistakenly believe that "stray" cats can fend for themselves. The truth is, stray cats suffer from illness, starvation, flea and parasite infestation, hot and cold temperature extremes, and injury from catfights, dog encounters, and cars.
Don't allow your cat to be overlooked as a "stray". Get your cat a breakaway collar with built-in elastic so that your cat can slip out of it in the event that he gets caught on something. Also attach an identification tag with his name, owner's name, address, veterinarian's phone number, and the owner's phone number. If he is lost, sick, or injured, this way there will be a plan by which a citizen or local animal control can get in touch with you. Also, by including your vet's number, there will be a way for the animal to be boarded in case you are out of town at the time he is found.

Behavior Problems

Cats, just like most people, have individual personality traits. Most cat behavior problems are related to bathroom habits, or to inappropriate scratching.
Keep your cat's litter box free of feces daily, and completely change the litter at least once a week, even if there is only one feline friend in the house. Some cats can be very picky about their litter box: the location, type of box, or even the kind of litter. If your cat stops using the litter box, first check with your vet to be sure that your cat does not have a medical problem of some kind. If your cat is given a clean bill of health, try changing the location of the litterbox, type of litterbox, or the type of litter you are using. Personally, I am opposed to the "clumping" litter, as it merely grows bacteria until you are able to get rid of it. Another thing that many cat owners neglect to do is to thoroughly clean the litter box before installing the fresh litter into it. Cats like clean toilets just like we do! There are times, too, that cats will stop using a litterbox out of stress.
Scratching is a complex and important behavior for cats. They sharpen their front claws for a number of reasons: to rid their nails of the old sheaths, to stretch and exercise their body, to scent mark territory, or to get your attention. Provide your cat with an indoor scratching post. You can buy one at the pet store or make one out of a short-piled scrap of (clean) carpet and a piece of wood. Discourage scratching of furniture with a spray bottle and a firm "no!". Whatever you do, DON'T declaw your cat! This is a very painful procedure and it also deprives your cat of its first line of defense; he can no longer defend himself or climb up a tree to escape. Declawing a cat can sometimes lead to aggressive, biting behavior. If you are having problems with clawing of furniture and the like, simply trim the claws regularly. I trim my cats' claws about once a week. Granted, they will still do a bit of clawing on furniture, for which they are reprimanded. One thing you must realize before you buy a cat; they are built to claw things...they are going to claw things! Just keep up a good discipline program with a good grooming program to eliminate as much hardship as possible.

Hazards

Cars, unneutered cats, wildlife, contagious cat diseases, and roaming dogs are just some of the many hazards your cat will encounter in the outside world. Consider providing your cat with an indoor-only environment. You can develop a playground for your cat's indoor amusement (cat trees, toys, etc.) while keeping him safe from life's hazards. If you do decide to allow your cat to raom outside, please be sure he or she is inside at night, as this is the time of highest potential risk.

A happy, well-cared for cat can live from 15-20 years! I hope that you will use this information to get the most out of your cat; they will help you to enjoy your pet's companionship for many years to come!

My cats eat Iams foods -- they are mild, very nutritious, and the cats can't get enough!

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