Grooming and Coat Care for Your Cat
The general condition of your cat’s skin and coat are good indicators of her health. Although health and nutrition influence the shine and texture of your cat’s coat from the inside, regular grooming and skin care on the outside will help keep your cat’s coat clean and free of tangles, no matter what type of […]
Instructions for Ear Cleaning in Cats
Why is ear cleaning important? Ear cleaning is not usually necessary in cats. Most cats are fine without it, but for those that are prone to wax build-up or ear infections, ear cleaning can be an important part of your cat’s hygiene needs. The structure of the cat’s ear canal makes it difficult for material […]
Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth
Why should I brush my cat’s teeth? Roughly 50% to 80% of all cats over the age of four have periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth. It starts as gingivitis, caused by plaque coming into contact with the gingiva (gums). If plaque is not removed through regular brushing, […]
How to Trim a Cat’s Nails
Do cats need regular nail trims? The answer to this question depends on the individual cat and its lifestyle. Cats that spend time outdoors often wear their nails down by climbing trees and other activities. Additionally, outdoor cats may benefit from having long nails, because they use these nails to climb trees and escape possible […]
Neutering in Cats
What is meant by castration or neutering? Neutering (also known as castration) is the common term used to describe the surgical procedure known scientifically as orchidectomy or orchiectomy. In this procedure, both testicles are removed to sterilize (make infertile) a male cat. Why should I have my cat neutered? Once a male cat reaches puberty, […]
Spaying in Cats
What is spaying or ovariohysterectomy? Spaying is the common term used to describe the surgical procedure known as an ovariohysterectomy. In this procedure, the ovaries and uterus are removed completely to sterilize a female cat, or just the ovaries (ovariectomy), depending on your veterinarian’s technique. Why should I have my cat spayed? It is recommended […]
Nutrition: General Feeding Guidelines for Cats
Feeding your cat the appropriate amount of a well-balanced diet is vital to the maintenance of overall health and well-being, just as eating a well-balanced diet is for us. To understand how and what to feed cats, it is necessary to understand how the nutritional requirements of the cat have developed through biological evolution. Do […]
Cat Treats
Will my cat’s diet be balanced with treats? Unlike commercially prepared cat foods, many cat treats are not complete and balanced – meaning they do not contain all essential nutrients that your cat needs. It is okay for a treat to be incomplete, but it means that the proportion of these unbalanced items should be kept […]
Body Condition Scoring in Cats
What is a Body Condition Score? The Body Condition Score (BCS) is a way to check if a pet is too skinny, too heavy, or just right. It allows a pet owner to determine how much fat their pet has compared to the muscles and bones that make up their body structure (percentage of body […]
Bringing Home Your New Kitten
How should I prepare my house for my new kitten? Kittens are full of energy, excitement, and fun. Transitioning to a new home is a big step for even the most playful and outgoing kitten. Before your kitten comes home, make sure you have considered what the kitten will need. Be sure to provide: Consider […]