Pet Health Information

General Feline Care

EVERYDAY CARE 

A big reason that cats are becoming more popular is because our lifestyles are so busy and cats are relatively easy to care for. They are usually quiet, do not need a huge yard to roam around in--do not need to go outside at all for that matter--and don't need obedience training. You will need one more litter box than you have cats. Litter boxes should be placed in quiet out of the way location. Also handy are a plastic poop scoop and a sturdy waste can with a lid in which to throw the daily feces. Choose a brand of litter your cat likes and stick with it. Changing brands suddenly may cause your cat to look elsewhere for a toilet. Some cats are very fussy about their litter and only like very plain clay types. The deodorized types may be more to the owners liking, but some brands can actually deter the cat. Disposable litter liners are helpful but not necessary. Clean litter pans with mild detergent and lots of hot water. The entire litter box should be changed at least weekly, with feces scooped out daily.

There are wide selections of suitable diets for cats, and the variety you choose is mostly a matter of personal taste and convenience, so long as you avoid generic or store label brands, dog food, and people food. If you decide to feed canned food, vary the flavors or choose a ration type food. This will be more balanced for the cat and will not promote finickiness. It is not true that "dry foods cause kidney problems". A small percentage of cats are prone to urinary problems of which a diet is a contributing cause, however there is no need for concern if your cat is healthy. A dry food is a fine, completely nutritious selection and tends to decrease dental tartar accumulation as well. Approximate amounts to feed daily are: 1-cup dry, or 2-1/2 packets semi-moist, or 8-10 oz. canned food, divided into 2 or 3 feedings. Don't put the food bowls near the litter box. ALWAYS PROVIDE FRESH WATER DAILY, even though you may rarely see your cat drink.

Most cats do not enjoy traveling, but when it becomes necessary there are some things you can do to make it a calmer experience. Always use a cat carrier. A suddenly frightened cat can leap onto the driver, under the gas pedal, or out a partially opened window. Practice using the cat carrier at home for a few weeks, putting cat food and water into it and allowing him or her to get used to it. Do not feed the cat within 2 hours of travel, and do not leave food and water in the carrier. Stop every 2 hours to offer water and allow him to see and use litter. Use a harness instead of a collar and bring a leash; never let your cat run loose. Pets are usually not allowed on trains, buses or boats unless they are in an approved pet carrier. For air travel, your cat will need a physical exam and health certificate issued within 10 days of travel plus a current vaccine certificate. Some hotels allow pets - check with the travel agency or Mobil or Auto Club guidebooks. In case she/he does get lost, she/he should be microchipped or wearing I.D. tags with your home address and destination, and you may want to carry a photo along with you. Finally, don't ever leave your cat alone in the car. It can become dangerously hot or cold.

All kittens should be treated for roundworms. Adult cats should be tested on a yearly basis. Diagnosis is made by microscopic testing of a fresh fecal specimen (fresh within 24 hours). Parents beware! Children can get infected with roundworms if they handle cat feces, get the worm eggs on their skin, and lick their fingers. Keep cats away from sandboxes! Children do not get pinworms from cats, they get them from interaction with other infected children.

Tapeworms are quite common and are usually diagnosed by cat owners who notice pieces of flat, white, short worms in the stool. When these "segments" dry out, they resemble rice and may be found on the cats in the rectal area and back legs. Cats get tapeworms by eating fleas and raw meat, so you must be attentive to flea control as well as treating the cat for tapeworms.

Hickory Veterinary Hospital © 2005