Healthy Pet Corner’s Information
and Links for Cats
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
If you’re thinking of getting a cat, may I suggest you consider adopting a cat from a shelter instead of buying from a pet store or breeder or responding to a “free kittens” ad in the paper. It would mean the world to a homeless cat. You can find a local shelter and choose a pet online at Petfinder.com. Many shelters know the personalities of their animals and can help to match the “perfect” pet for your home.
What to get? Kittens are adorable, but an adult cat can be a better choice for many reasons. Most people don’t realize that caring for a kitten is a lot like caring for a baby. Kittens may choose to spend nights scaling your drapes and running up and down stairs and across your countertops until it is trained. An adult cat is usually much calmer and less likely to get into trouble. You’ll know what you’re getting in personality and appearance. Read more about kitten vs. adult cat.
Knowing a little bit about what is required will help you know whether a cat would be well cared for in your home. Being prepared before the cat arrives will provide for a better start for your cat’s change in environment.
Food/Water: You will need food, food dish, water bowl, toys, brush, comb, safety cat collar, scratching post, litter box, and litter. Feed your cat a high-quality food, such as Life’s Abundance, to prevent health problems and clean the dish daily. Wash and refill water bowl daily. Read the article, “Consider Your Pet’s Diet.”
Health: Spaying and neutering is something that should be considered as soon as the cat is old enough (recent research allows for 8-14 weeks old). About 2.4 million healthy, adoptable cats and dogs – about 1 every 13 seconds – are put down in U.S. shelters each year. Often these animals are the offspring of cherished family pets. Spay/neuter is a proven way to reduce pet overpopulation, ensuring that every pet has a family to love them. The health benefits of spayed and neutered pets are numerous. Many low-cost options exist for these services. Most regions of the U.S. have at least one spay/neuter clinic within driving distance and many veterinary clinics provide discounts through subsidized voucher programs. Check with this low-cost spay/neuter finder.
Immunizations are a health concern. Many vets are saying that all those vaccines are not necessary. New guidelines have replaced old ones. Download this PDF: AAFP Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel Report.
Dental health is important. You don’t want it to catch up with you as the cat ages, having to pull a lot of teeth which weakens the body’s immune response. Brushing the teeth is something you need to begin with early if you can. Here’s some tips for you.
Mosquito Fighter – An all natural and environmentally safe mosquito and tick repellent spray to keep mosquitoes and ticks out of your yard and away from your home.
Grooming: Cats rarely need a bath, but they do need to be brushed or combed to keep their coat clean and reduce shedding which cuts down on hairballs. Read more about grooming and what brushing provides.
Housing: Give your cat a clean, dry place of their own. Make a bed [a cardboard box will do] with a soft, warm blanket or towel. Wash the bedding often.
Inside/Outside Cat: Please keep your cat indoors. If your companion animal is allowed outside, they’re more susceptible to life-threatening diseases, ticks and other parasites. They can become lost or get hit by a car (1.5 million cats are killed by autos annually), hurt in a fight or poisoned. Outside cats kill a lot of wildlife. You can make your outdoor cat an indoor cat.
Outdoor cats commonly have a life expectancy of fewer than 5 years, while indoor cats is up to 17 years. With less exposure to disease, other cats and animals, and fewer opportunities to have accidents , vet bills are less and cats and owners live happier and healthier lives! A safety collar with an identification tag is always good even for a cat kept inside.
Litter Box: A clean litter box will save you many problems around the house. Litter box basics are essential for you and the cat. There is some discussion about the more recent clumping litters being dangerous, so do your research. We have personally enjoyed using the Swheat Scoop.
Scratching Post: This will be a necessary item to avoid having problems with your cat scratching the furniture and other areas of the home. Scratching is a natural behavior, so don’t declaw. There are alternatives to declawing available.
Owning a pet is a big responsibility and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Animals depend on their owners for nearly every aspect of their lives. It’s wise to make sure you will be able to meet their needs.
Basic Care Links:
Life’s Abundance Cat Food by Dr. Jane Bicks – All life stages cat food and grain-free too.
Consider Your Pet’s Diet – Prevent so many pet diseases – find out what’s in your pet food – in most cases, it’s not what you think and won’t keep a pet healthy
Pet-Safe Cleaning Products – Chemical cleaning products take their toll on pets
Eco-Friendly Kitty Litter – Recycled newspaper or reclaimed wood
Getting a Cat Links:
Rescue a Homeless Cat – You’ll find one perfect for your household and lifestyle by working with a local rescue organization
Kitten vs. Adult – Which is best for you?
Safety Links:
Pet Theft– This scandalous industry has grown like a cancer
Is Your Home Poisoning You and Your Pets? – How toxic is your home?
Preparing Yourself and Your Pet For Disasters – Take a quiz to see how prepared you are – get the information you need to know.
Choosing Safe Toys For Your Cat – Lots of great ideas
Health Links:
The Problems With Declawing – There are better answers.
Fleas and Mosquitoes – Get tips and methods to avoid these pesky critters
Natural Support for Heart Problems
How to Give Herbs to Pets – How to get herbal remedies into your pet
Herbs in Veterinary Medicine – Feel confident in choosing natural medicines. Read research papers at the Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association site.
Herbal Pet Success Stories – Testimonials of pet owners using the natural way
Health Benefits of Spaying and Neutering – It’s good for your pet and you
Seizures – Possible Causes and Natural Options
Finding a Holistic Veterinarian – Check the directory for your city and state.
The Merck Veterinary Manual – 12,000 indexed topics/1200 illustrations, search by topic, species, specialty, disease, and keywords
How-To Trimming Your Cat’s Toenails – Step-by-step instruction
Heartworm Program and Prevention – Herbal – It’s working for dogs, it will for cats
Feline Vaccines: Benefits and Risks – Make an informed decision
Top Medical Reasons To Groom Your Cat – Does more than make your cat look good
Basics of Natural Flea Control – The mechanics of a natural approach
Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth – Makes a difference for dental health
Behavior Links:
Behavioral Issues – This website has many behavior articles for cats.
Litter Box Problem with Older Cat – Answers from people who have had the same problem
Making Your Outdoor Cat an Indoor Cat – The key is gradual conversion
Direct Your Cat’s Scratching – No need to stop it – Make it a win-win situation
Litter Box Basics – Learn and prevent problems
Solving Litter Box Problems – There are various possibilities for the problem
Training For Cats – Cat training is possible – 6 Ways to Read Your Cat’s Mind
Death Is Part of Life:
Do Animals Have Eternal Life? – A book based on Bible Scripture. Recommended by Dr. Jack Van Impe.
Rainbow Bridge – Comforting pet loss site
Miscellaneous Links:
Lost and Found for Pets – Search capability for lost or found
Placing an Animal in a New Permanent Home -What to do when you have to find another home for your pet
Help! I’m Allergic to My Cat! – Find some relief and tips to make it liveable
Do Outdoor Cats Affect Wildlife Populations? – Get the facts