WE KNOW ABOUT CATS

One of the most important things that contribute to your cat’s good health is having a family veterinarian who can help you with every problem your pet may have.

This is particularly important for the cat’s first time at home.

Parasites

Cats must be treated against internal parasites every 3 months, particularly when they are very young and have not been vaccinated yet. This will prevent your pet getting intestinal parasites.

Deworming is performed by administering the medication prescribed by the veterinary —either cream, syrup or pills.

Cats also need protection against external parasites, like fleas and ticks. There is a wide variety of insecticides and acaricides, presented as pipettes, collars, sprays or pills. Ask your veterinarian which product is the best for your pet.

Thanks to their mother’s milk, kittens are immune to diseases. However, they are no longer immune after 8-12 weeks and this is the right moment to take them to the veterinarian.

They are totally vulnerable to parasites. They smell, lick and eat everything that gets in their way, not knowing what it is.

They can even contract one of the most serious viruses, feline leukemia, which may remain asymptomatic. Hence the importance of understanding your cat and watching the changes in his behavior.

12 weeks

• Trivalent
• Feline leukemia
• Feline panleukopenia
• Feline calicivirus
• Feline rhinotracheitis
• Pentavalent

14 weeks

• Trivalent
• Feline leukemia

16 weeks

• Rabies

18 weeks

• Feline infectious peritonitis

26 weeks revaccinate for:

• Feline panleukopenia
• Feline calicivirus
• Feline rhinotracheitis
• Feline infectious peritonitis

Annually

• Rabies
• Feline leukemia
• Calicivirus
• Feline panleukopenia
• Feline rhinotracheitis

When you see your feline friend lying comfortably on the couch, it is hard to imagine there is an athlete hidden in such a relaxed body.

It is important to remember this, since exercise will help your cat keep all his organs in perfect condition, while avoiding problems like overweight.

Cats love stalking, chasing and hunting. So if you make him play in a way that he incorporates those activities, the animal will be happy, healthy and fit.

Generally, start by brushing the underside of his neck, since this is the part they enjoy the most. Continue with the chest, back, thighs, forelegs, and finally the tail. This is the most sensitive part, so make sure not to press too hard. After each part, always brush their neck again. This is not necessary, but the cat may like it and it is nice that he can enjoy pleasant sensations.

Depending on the breed of your beloved pet, your cat can have short or long hair, which will require a different kind of brushing:

Short hair

• Use a soft-bristled brush in order not to hurt their skin.
• Brush with gentle motions.

Long hair

• Use a wide-tooth comb at first, especially with this kind of hair, to untangle any knots.
• Then use a fine-tooth comb.
• Use a smaller comb to brush the hair around the face. You can also use a toothbrush.
• Do not brush near the eyes or whiskers.

Brushing your cat helps to prevent knots and tangles, and remove dead hair.

Ticks are external parasites which feed on blood. They attach to the feline’s skin, usually behind the ears, the neck or between the fingers, and they sustain themselves with their host’s blood, increasing their size.

It is not common but cats may have ticks, especially in hot and humid weather if your cat has access to an area with grass or bushes.

If your cat is often outdoors, the use of an external anti-parasite product is recommended to avoid infection. Veterinary clinics have a whole range of products that can be applied in different ways. These products protect cats from ticks and other parasites.

Ask your veterinarian before using any of these products. He will recommend the best product depending on your cat’s size and breed.

Regular chekup and cleaning of our pet’s ears are essential to prevent ear infections.

No special product should be used for routine cleaning. Only in case the cat has some repeated discomfort, you should visit the veterinarian to avoid further skin irritation and worsen the problem.

The use of wipes or a wet piece of cotton is recommended to remove dirt in the ears. This cleaning must be done without reaching too deep inside the ear because a cat’s ears are extremely sensitive.

Cats will get used to having their nails trimmed if this is done since they are young. However, it can be difficult at first. Our advice in these cases is to ask the veterinarian the best way of doing it.

Nail trimming has to be done whenever the cat needs it, usually every two weeks.

This will be an easier task if you begin doing it when your cat is still very young, but it can be done to cats of any age. First of all, BE PATIENT. Allow your cat to slowly get used to it, playing or giving it a treat after the session.

You must check his gums are pink. Bright red or pale pink gums are a sign of an illness. Teeth could be a little yellowish. Like humans, this is only a sign of age and does not mean they are ill.

If you have any questions, ask your veterinarian.

This will be an easier task if you begin doing it when your cat is still very young, but it can be done to cats of any age. First of all, BE PATIENT. Allow your cat to slowly get used to it, playing or giving it a treat after the session.

You must check his gums are pink. Bright red or pale pink gums are a sign of an illness. Teeth could be a little yellowish. Like humans, this is only a sign of age and does not mean they are ill.

If you have any questions, ask your veterinarian.