Cat guardians contribute a great deal to the health of their pets. Loving devotion is a priority while a balanced diet, regular grooming, and exercise play a big role. Preventive actions, such as vaccinations and boosters, are also needed to keep your cat healthy.
On the next series of pages (you can surf to each page by a text link), I have listed various health links, tips, and rescue facilities and shelters for cats. Most of the tips I have received from my vet and own personal experiences during the years of being owned by cats. However, please don't use this list, or any other resource you come across, as a substitute for veterinary services. Take your cat to the vet at the first sign of illness or unusual behavior. Make sure your cat has annual checkups and vaccinations.
Warmest regards, Susie S. Bachman
August 29, 1997
Cat Health Care Links
AltVetMed Super informative site with online vet
Cat Health Care A number of articles on various feline conditions and diseases, emergency and "how to" info
Clawed for Life "...because a declawed cat is a maimed cat"
Cornell Feline Health Center "Working for healthier cats"
Don't Litter - Spay and Neuter Strong spay/neuter campaign
Feline CRF Terrific page with much info on chronic renal failure
Lisaviolet's Declaw Page and Links FACTS of declawing
Newer Methods For Treating FeLV+ Cats Great information on FeLV
NetVet Site of Ken Boseher, DVM - veterinary & animal health care
Non-toxic and Toxic Plants Know which plants are safe for felines
Sylvia One feisty cat's cancerous battle of post vaccination sarcomas
Texas Cares Non-profit organization dedicated to placement of homeless animals
Vet On-Line Professionals Articles on various animal conditions and diseases
VetWorld - VetUSA Veterinarian USA Listing
Wealth of Resources A compilation of educational reference links to assist you in caring for your pet
Your Animal's Health Monthly online magazine - different subject each issue
Cat Health Care Tips
Aging:
When your cat becomes approximately 8-10 years old, it is highly recommended by the majority of veterinarians to routinely have checkups twice a year. As in senior humans, senior cats have additional health problems due to the aging process.
Elderly cats are prone to stress-related illnesses, so their guardians should try to provide an anxiety-free environment. Sudden noises, strange smells, even rearranged furniture in a favorite room - all are disruptions of routine.
Older cats tend to get less exercise than they did in their youth and can fall prey to obesity, a condition that puts a strain on the heart. If your cat is 10 years old and older, do your best to keep him active - and don't let him overeat.
An older cat's stiff-legged walk coupled with arching of the back is probably a sign of
arthritis. Inflammation of the vertebrae, the most common type of feline arthritis, can be treated with drugs that allow relative freedom of movement.
Cats in their senior years often become crotchety and depressed, in part because of poor vision and hearing, and in part because slower reflexes prevent them from doing what they once did with ease. Some older cats prefer solitude in these years, while others want to be closer to their guardians.
Would a new kitten make a good companion for an elderly cat? Maybe not. In their senior years, cats tend to show low tolerance for any feline additions to the household - particularly kittens and their pesky demands for attention. Think twice before disrupting his golden years.
Adoption:
Before adopting a new kitten, it's a good idea to look at his future living space from his eye level. Get down on your hands and knees and check for any hazards that might attract his attention, e.g., cleaners under the sink, loose electrical cords, or inviting spaces behind appliances.
Check the eyes of a prospective adoptee by viewing its "haws," the inner eyelid. You can do this by gently pulling down on the cat or kitten's cheek. The half-moon lid should not protrude or ooze. The eyes should shine brightly.
To welcome a new cat into your home try to stay out of the way and let the resident cat feel as if the new one is a present for him. When speaking to the new cat, always mention your original cat's name so he doesn't feel left out.
When adopting a new kitten, find out what food he's been eating so you don't try something new right away. If you want to change his food, gradually add the new kind to the old in increasing amounts.
A cat who's spent a long time in a cage at an animal shelter might be frightened by all the open space when he first enters your home. A big cardboard box, turned on its side and placed in corner of a quiet room, will provide a welcome retreat.
Care - General:
Check for lumps or bumps by placing both hands on top of your cat's head and moving them down the chin, behind the front legs under the shoulders, down the back, over the hips, and finally, down the hind legs.
Long or short, straight or wavy, a cat's coat should be glossy - never dull or greasy. Fur that separates into spikes can be a sign of a dietary deficiency that requires a trip to the vet.
Pilling:
To easily pill your cat, hold him wrapped in a towel, then gently squeeze his upper jaw and use a finger to pull down his lower jaw. Place the pill on the back of his tongue, then close his mouth. Massage his throat until he swallows - or licks his nose.
You can purchase empty gelatin capsules from most pharmacies. Simply insert the medication into the capsule and pill your cat. The gelatin dissolves very easily in the cat's stomach.
A good rule of thumb when giving medication to a cat or extracting a difficult tangle or mat from his fur is the less the force, the better. If you must restrain your cat for any reason, wrap him in a towel. Your vet can show you how.
A good way to disguise cat pills is to mash them up and conceal them in a favorite treat such as cream cheese or liverwurst.
As already mentioned, you can purchase from most health food stores or pharmacies an empty gel capsule. Slip the pill into one of the small ones to disguise the taste of the medication. Be sure to follow with at least 1cc of water (use a syringe WITHOUT the needle) so that the capsule doesn't lodge in the throat.
Here are excellent suggestions on how to pill a cat from Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM of About.com Veterinary Medicine:
How to Pill Your Cat
Here's How:
- Have pill ready before hand -- some pills cannot be split/crushed so you may want to check with the prescribing vet first.
- Butter is a good "lubricant" to put on the pill before administration to ease in swallowing.
- Have a large beach towel or blanket ready.
Get out some canned cat food or other cat treat to attract the cat's interest. (Have it nearby, don't offer it yet) Make sure that the medication can be given with food.
- Keep a positive outlook and talk in a soothing voice to your cat.
- Gently wrap the towel or blanket around the cat's neck, above the shoulders. (Note: some cats fight this more than it is worth. If this is the case, skip this step and proceed to step 7.)
- Snuggle the cat under your left arm, firmly against your body.
- With your free hand, grab the pill.
- With the hand holding the cat, gently pry open the mouth at the corners of the lips.
- The pill should be placed in the open mouth, as far back as possible, where the back of the tongue forms a "V".
- Allow cat to close mouth, keeping the cat snuggled close to your body, and a hand under the cat's chin to prevent the pill from being spit out.
- Stroke the chin and neck area gently, watching for signs of swallowing.
- You can also gently blow in the nostrils to induce swallowing.
- Offer a small portion of a treat or canned food to divert the cat's attention from ejecting the pill and to ensure that the pill is indeed swallowed.
Tips:
- Some vets and pharmacies specialize in making medications tasty to pets. If you are having difficulty with medication administration, ask if this would be a possibility for your pet.
- Praise and reward the cat after the pill is administered, so the experience will be as positive as possible. Give the treat without the pill now and then, too.
- Stand behind your cat, using your body to prevent the cat from wriggling free backwards through your arms.
Ears:
To clean your cat's ears, moisten a cotton ball with a little baby oil (or mineral oil) and wipe away any dirt from the front of each ear using a circular motion. Never poke into the inside of the ear with any kind of cotton swab.
Convalescing:
A meal or two of white fish (i.e., scrod, cod or haddock) is good for tempting a cat with a poor appetite. Gently poach the fish or steam it, and remove all bones. Never serve raw fish to your cat.
Dental:
Your cat's home checkup should include a test for healthy gums. Lift his upper lip and press a finger firmly against the top of one of his front teeth; when you remove your finger, the white color of the imprint should fade to pink.
To clean your cat's teeth, use a small, soft toothbrush and pet toothpaste. (
Never use human toothpaste.) Begin by lightly touching the gums with a cotton swab and putting a little toothpaste on the lips to let the cat become familiar with the taste.
Is your cat eating out of one side of his mouth and/or making a loud smacking noise between bites? This is a sign of sore gums or teeth that need immediate attention.
Diet:
Never feed dog food to cats unless it's a one-day or two-day emergency. Dog food is not balanced properly for cats and lacks high enough levels of essenial nutrients, such as vitamin A and taurine, an amino acid.
The majority of your cat's diet should consist of dry cat food to keep dental tartar under control. Check your cat's teeth periodically for tartar buildup and have it removed by a vet as it builds up, preventing
gum disease and tooth loss.
Even though the water in a cat's drinking bowl appears to go untouched, the bowl should be refilled every morning with a fresh supply. Cats lose about a third of their body water each day, and they need extra moisture to replenish the supply.
It's okay to feed your cat a
little tuna fish now and then, providing he has no urinary tract problems (
FUS or FLUTD). But don't let him become a "tuna junkie." A diet based on oily fish can cause a deficiency of vitamin E, which in turn results in skin problems and even personality changes.
Don't ignore the message your cat sends when he drags a towel or rug to his eating area and drapes it over his dishes. He's upset by the smell of his food, either because he wants a different kind or, more important, because it's spoiled or contaminated.
Boiled, minced chicken or turkey and white rice is an excellent diet for a convalescing cat. Strained meat and poultry baby foods are a good alternative. Supplements are needed, however, if this diet continues more than ten (10) days.
If your cat is
gaining too much weight, cut out all treats and table scraps and divide his feedings into three or four small meals per day. If this doesn't help, discuss a weight-reduction program with your vet.
Always check for bones before you let your cat eat table scraps of meat, poultry, or fish. Bones can get caught in a cat's mouth or, if swallowed, can get stuck in the digestive tract.
Mealtime tips: Don't serve food intended for dogs or other pets; always keep food bowls clean; serve food at room temperature; discard uneaten portions. Consult a vet if meals go uneaten for 24 hours.
Most cats love their carbohydrates. To add variety to your cat's menu, mix a little cooked pasta, rice, or potato into his regular canned food.
Canned herring, mackerel, or sardines make a nice, nutritous treat for your cat but should be reserved for special occasions. Minced meat and chicken giblets are two other traditional cat holiday treats.
Disciplinary Actions:
Never, ever strike your cat or any other pet. Animal behaviorists agree that a water spray bottle is a safe, effective means of disciplining cats. A squirt or two from a bottle that sprays in a stream (not a mister) can quickly deter your cat from scratching upholstery or jumping onto a forbidden tabletop.
Grooming:
A little talcum powder sprinkled on your cat's coat helps to remove dirt and grease when you're combing and brushing his fur. To remove a tangle, sprinkle a little more powder on the trouble spot and then gently tease out the knot with your fingers.
Trimming your cat's nails is easier than you might think. Cup his paw in your hand and apply light pressure to expose the claws. Then, with sharp clippers held in your other hand, cut off the hard white tip off each nail. Don't cut the pink - that's the quick!
Handling Your Cat:
Cats like to be in charge of their own balance, so getting picked up the wrong way or too suddenly can be an unsettling event. They should be petted first to gain their confidence, then gently lifted with the hindquarters supported.
More tips located here. 
