Welcoming a new cat to the family is a fun and exciting experience. But for first-time cat parents, it can be overwhelming too, with some wondering, “What do kittens need, exactly?”
Kittens may be small, but there are a number of vital supplies you must have to prepare for their arrival and make their first days in your household safe and happy. So to get off to a smooth start, tick off the following items from your checklist.
Knowing the different cat behaviour problems that can affect your pet is essential so you can take better care of your feline friend. Here are some of the common ones.
Read moreCommon Cat Behavior Problems and How to Deal with Them
A senior pet is rarely the first choice among those looking to adopt from a shelter. Most tend to go for younger ones—such as cute kittens and playful puppies—and shy away from grown-up or mature ones.
Among the most stressful and frustrating cat health problems are those affecting your cat’s bladder or urethra. Sometimes referred to as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), it is one of the most common reasons for vet visits, affecting 1-3% of cats each year.
The good news is, there are warning signs you can watch out for, which we will go over below. You just need to be vigilant and prudent in monitoring your cat’s litter box so they can get prompt and proper veterinary care.
Read moreSigns of Urinary Cat Health Problems to Watch Out For
For pet owners who find out their cat is pregnant for the first time, pregnant cat care can seem intimidating. Usually it’s recommended your cat be spayed before this occurs, to avoid various health problems from developing in the future. If you do want to raise kittens though, don’t worry – caring for your pregnant cat is not as complicated as you would expect. Like humans, a pregnant cat just needs a lot of TLC to ensure she and her babies will be happy and safe until the time of delivery.
Read moreThe Basics of Pregnant Cat Care for a Safe Delivery
It is never easy to hear that your beloved cat has cancer. As your feline friend is undoubtedly an important member of your family, it can be absolutely heartbreaking to learn that he or she has developed a life-threatening disease like cancer. However, a cancer diagnosis doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the road. In fact, just like with humans, chemotherapy is a viable option that will allow your kitty to live comfortably for many years to come.
Water intake may not top your priorities in cat care, but being aware of it is key to keeping your feline pal healthy, especially during the warmer months of the year. The trouble is that cats are not really big drinkers; they tend to be fussy about their water. Many cats are often given dry food more than wet, and their bodies can only generate a certain amount of water. As self-sufficient as they are, cats really need their owners’ help to drink enough water.
Read moreCat Care Tips: How to Get Your Kitty to Drink More Water
Smooth introductions are key in pet care, especially if children are in the picture. As excited as kids may be to meet their new dog or cat, they have to be taught that their pet is not the same as a stuffed toy to squeeze tightly as they please.
Most kids are a ball of energy, moving quickly and unpredictably. Sometimes their actions can stress out or hurt their four-legged friend, which might lead them to feel the need to retaliate by biting or growling.
The initial interactions between pets and children, therefore, need to be carefully managed and supervised to ensure everyone’s safety. Introductions can be very good if you prepare your children well beforehand and introduce the new pet carefully.
Read morePet Care Tips to Ease the Meeting of Kids and New Pets
Moving to a new location can be an extremely stressful experience for your pets, old or young. Because of this, it is crucial for you to do everything you can to make the move as streamlined and stress-free as possible.
It is both common and instinctual for pets to be fearful of new surroundings, which is why you should do your best to follow the below tips for before, during and after your move. As moving can be a challenging experience in itself, the idea of having to deal with a stressed-out, anxious pet or pets on top of everything else is the last thing you want.
The following animal care tips are designed to provide you with some guidance to ensure the experience is a pleasant one for both you and your pet or pets.
Read moreAnimal Care Tips: How to Help Pets Prepare for a Move
If you are a cat owner, you need to remember that seasonal cat care is very important. Christmas and other holidays can pose several risks to the safety and welfare of your little companion. A cat might attempt to climb a tall, unstable Christmas tree and topple it, or swallow and choke on a small, decorative ornament.
Avoid threats to your cat’s safety so you can avoid spending the holidays in a veterinary hospital. Consider the following cat care tips on holiday decorations and the hazards they present.
Read morePractice Good Seasonal Cat Care by Eliminating Holiday Dangers