Cleaning

Ears

Use Cotton Swabs. Only clean the area you can see. Never clean where you can't see cause you may damage the inner ear. You can buy ear solutions from a local pet store. Don't give more than what the label states. Massage the ear for 20-30 seconds (if you cat will allow you-most won't). After the ear is clean your cat should shake his/her head.

Buddy has been to the vet for this already. He just doesn't clean his ears. Some cats are that lazy. It was recommended to us that we clean his ears everyday-or whenever we can catch him. I saw an episode of Emergency Vets on Animal Planet in which the cats ears were so infected that the infection spread throughout the body thru the bloodstream. If the ears have a bad odor to them or look abnormal, contact your vet asap.

Teeth

1) Get your cat used to you touching their gums and teeth. Dip your finger in tuna juice (or their favorite food). Let the cat lick the juice from your fingers.

2)Once they are used to that, dip your finger in their favorite juice and rub it on their gums. Attempt to touch their teeth.

3)When they allow you do touch their gums and teeth then move on to the cat brush. Dip the brush into the juice and let the cat get used to the brush.

4)Once they are used to and liking the brush move onto adding paste. Most pet pastes have a appetizing flavors. It may take some sessions before your cat will allow you to brush all their teeth.

5) Make sure you appraise your cat and that you use a soothing voice. This will allow them to trust you and the toothbrush. Don't yell at the cat if they are not ready for this. It takes time for the cat to get used to this. Aim for a daily brushing. Be consistant with when you do it. Try to avoid praising them with treats b/c that defeats the reason you are brushing their teeth. Maybe take a few minutes to play with them and their favorite toy. Sprinkle the toy with catnip for an extra treat.

Avoid giving your cats table scrap and limit the amount of treats you give them. This should limit the amount of plaque. Hard food also helps limit plaque. Bad breath is a sign of tartar build up and isn't a normal trait of cats.

Misc Info

Throw rugs with a non-skid rubber backing contains an odor which signals the cat to urinate there. Cleaning up rug messes with water and soap, perfumed sprays or cleaners will not elimate the urine smell. We might not smell it anymore but cats have a keen sense of smell. Instead use a dry cloth and a product w/ absorbent granules. If this still doesn't help get your cat to a vet. Maybe they have a urinary tract infection.

Cats smell by opening their mouth. They drawer in air to capture the scent. The Jacobson's organ sends signals to the brain regarding the scent.

Cats cannot digest the lactose in milk. The major side effect of digestion of milk is diarrhea.

Cats can be trained on a leash. Esp important if your cat loves to go outside. Be aware that of any strays in the neighborhood that could have infectious diseases like FIV & rabies. If you use a lease make sure it is long enough so they can enjoy their venture but not long enough that they can jump/hang off a fence.

Molly and snowpeople-made of wool! The reason why cats are attracted to wool is still unknown. Although a higer number of cats that were weened 2-4 early are more attracted to wool than if they weren't weened too soon.

To test for dehydration pull gently on your cats fur. You want to look at how quickly the fur bounces back. In a heathly cat the fur springs back quickly.

Home

Some information was found at:
Peteducation.com
Temos

Remember I am not a vet!
I am a proud owner of 7
cats and about 15 years
of experience with my own pets.