GOOD CARE & MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR CATS & KITTENS
If you are a new cat or kitten owner, you probably have a lot of questions about caring for your new friend. As you may already know or will soon find out, cats are so many things: fun, playful, independent, loving, curious, smart, and often very entertaining. Since you’re online seeking information about cat care, your pet is lucky to have a caring owner.
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Cats are easy pets to care for and are relatively low maintenance. Once you’re familiar with the basics of feeding, litter boxes, grooming, general health, and safety, all you have to do is love and enjoy your cat.
Cat Care in India
Cats are very clean animals. However, this does not mean you can skip their regular grooming, since it is important as it prevents hairballs, stimulates your cat’s blood flow and is a great bonding moment. Determine the type of fur on your cat and choose the brush accordingly. Cats do not have to be bathed. Aside from the occasional grooming, most cats are able to clean themselves. Provide your cat with a scratching post or a tree they can climb. Cats will naturally want to scratch; it is a behaviour inherited by their wild feline ancestors.
Simply feeding, grooming and taking a cat to the vet isn’t enough; make sure you pet them every now and then. Make sure that you take your cat to the vet regularly for vaccinations needed, and a general check-up.
Make home Cat Proof
Let your cat be a cat. Like it or not, your cat is going to do certain things that may bug you. Your best option is to give your cat a positive outlet for its behaviour. If your cat scratches your furniture, make sure it has a great scratching post to use instead. If it uses the spot behind the chair as a bathroom! Put a litter box there and keep it clean. Your home can be a veritable obstacle course for your cat. While your cat may live happily in your house for many years without encountering an accident, that doesn’t mean there won’t be any in future.
Raising Tips
Litter training:
A kitten will housebreak itself. Provide it with a clean litter box and make sure the kitten knows where it is located. Edges of boxes should not be too deep for a kitten to navigate and the box should be kept scrupulously clean. A good rule of thumb is that there should be one more litter boxes in the house than the number of cats residing there, and the boxes should be kept in different locations affording some privacy. Choice of litter (eg, clay, sand, recyclable paper) is up to the kitten owner, although some cats appear to have substrate preferences. Many veterinarians recommend staying away from litters with deodorant and baking soda additives as they can irritate your cat’s respiratory tract. If your kitten (or cat) isn’t using the litter box reliably, it could be because of dirty litter, illness, litter preference, or psychological stress.
Grooming:
Cats do a good job of grooming themselves, but regular brushing to prevent matting of hair is important. Cats rarely need a bath, but one can be given if necessary. Cats object to bathing in slippery tubs, so give your kitten something to cling to, such as a wood platform or a wire screen. Use a shampoo designed for cats and kittens, as some dog shampoos may be irritating. Place cotton balls in the kitten’s ears to keep out water and use an ophthalmic ointment (obtain one that is safe for kittens from your veterinarian) in its eyes to prevent burning from shampoo. Towel dry the kitten completely and gently comb out any mats. Kittens’ teeth should be carefully brushed on a regular basis. Your veterinarian can provide you with an appropriate toothbrush, dentifrice, and instruction on how to perform this task so that your kitten learns to accept this as part of its daily care.
Toys:
Toys should be strong enough to withstand chewing, not have bells or squeakers that could be torn off and swallowed, and large enough so that the entire toy cannot be swallowed. String, thread, balls of yarn, and ribbons are deadly toys that can be swallowed and become lodged in the digestive tract; do not allow your kitten to play with these items.
Spaying/neutering:
If you don’t plan to breed, spay or neuter your kitten. Letting children see the miracle of birth is not a good reason to breed your pet. Spaying and neutering decrease incidence of some tumors and reproductive infections, both of which require more serious (and costly) surgical procedures. A male cat must be neutered if it will be a housepet because the strong urine odor of unneutered males will make your cat an unacceptable housemate. Discuss with your veterinarian the most appropriate time to spay or neuter your kitten.
Declawing:
It is part of your kitten’s nature to sharpen its claws so you will need to provide it with a carpeted board or pole to use as a scratching post (unless you want the kitten to use your furniture). Many owners decide to declaw their cats because they believe it makes them more acceptable housepets (easier on the furniture and the kids). For indoor cats, many veterinarians recommend declawing only the front feet, so that if the cat does get outside it has some mechanism of defense. For cats that are outside on a regular basis, it may be possible (and better) to avoid declawing by keeping nails trimmed or using “nail caps.” Whether to declaw is an individual and personal decision that is best discussed with your veterinarian.
Best Cat Breeds in India
Cats are capable of living up to 20 years, depending on the breed. Below is a list of some of the best cat species in India:
- Bombay Cat
These unique cats can make for an ideal pet.
Appearance
They look quite similar to a miniature form of a black panther. They have captivating, striking golden eyes and short and shiny black hair. They have a muscular build with a round head which is slender on the sides.
Origin
They are of Asian breed. Their ancestry can be allied to the black cats. They are of two kinds – the American and the British Bombay.
Temperament
Mumbai cats are friendly in nature. They are eager to play and learn new tricks. They can easily adapt to varying lifestyles and environments. They have a calm demeanour and can also be trained to walk on a leash.
- Himalayan Cat
They are one of the most common cat breeds. They are popular by names like Colourpoint Persian and Himmie.
Appearance
Himalayan cats are usually white in colour and have a long fluffy coat. They are also available in other colours like brown, red, cream with colour points scattered on the face, legs, ears, tail. They have beautiful blue eyes and are medium to hefty in size.
Origin
This breed came into existence after crossing Siamese and Persian breeds to get the blue eyes and the different colour points.
Temperament
Himalayan cats are very loyal and loving. They crave for human companionship. They prefer to rest in their owner’s lap rather than playing around. Himalayan cats are not very athletic.
- Siamese Cat
If you wish for an all-day companion, a Siamese cat can be perfect for you. This breed is also the cheapest.
Appearance
They have a medium built, long slender legs, wedge-shaped head with triangular ears, bright blue eyes, oval paws, and a long tail. They have an athletic body. Siamese cats are light-coloured and have outstanding colour points in lilac, seal, blue, chocolate.
Origin
It is one of the common Asian breeds and is derived from cat varieties that are native to Thailand.
Temperament
Siamese can be extremely curious, smart, and demanding. They desire a great deal of attention. They can “talk” for hours, expressing an opinion on everything possible.
- Persian Cats
This glamorous breed of cats is also called Persian Longhair and Iranian.
Appearance
They are typically characterised by a round face with large twinkling eyes, short muzzle, and long white hair. They need regular grooming.
Origin
This breed originated from Iran.
Temperament
These cats are laid back and lazy. They are most happy relaxing. However, they are prone to biting which they consider as play. They long for attention and can act a little fussy.
- Maine Coon
It is one of the oldest breeds of cats on earth. Also, they are thought to be one of the cutest cat breeds.
Appearance
Their distinctive physical traits include a large body with a thick, shaggy coat, medium-length legs, round eyes and big paws.
Origin
The Maine Coon is a natural breed hailing from Maine, New Englander.
Temperament
They are good-natured, adaptable, and affable. They are friendly, outgoing and well-behaved. Maine coon cats are fond of human company and like following them around. They are lap cats and have good hunting skills.
- The American Bobtail
This uncommon domestic cat is most famous for its bobbed tail.
Appearance
They have medium to large body build which is substantially rectangular and full. These cats have an athletic and muscular appearance. They are deceptively heavy. They come in various colours and patterns. Their noteworthy trait is their tail, which is flexible and usually one-third of the entire body length.
Origin
This breed originated in America.
Temperament
American Bobtails are intelligent and loving cats. They are interactive and bond easily with great devotion. They are fond of playing games and can indulge in games like hide and seek or playing fetch. The American Bobtail breed is a happy-go-lucky breed, and can easily be leash trained.
- Spotted Cat
Most people seek these cats for their unusual beauty. Also, they can adapt well to Indian weather conditions.
Appearance
They have grey spots all over their body and their tail is generally darker than their body colour. The paws of spotted cats are oval-shaped with legs generally of average length. The long tail nearly stretches till the shoulder.
Origin
Their historical records indicate that they are native to India, Sri Lanka.
Temperament
These feisty felines are quite shy but affectionate. As they are wild cats, they avoid humans and prefer hunting at night. You may realise that it is hard for a wild spotted cat to get to trust you.
- Choosing the right cat can be a big decision. Cats can live up to 20 years and that would mean a big commitment. One should know the difference between having an adult cat or a kitten. Determine if you want a pure breed or a street cat, where do you want to keep it, outdoors or indoors, will it suit your lifestyle and most importantly, will you be able to keep it safe?
Felines have much to submit to their owners from their affection and companionship to cute and playful behaviour. So, if you are planning to adopt a pet, pay a visit to the nearest animal shelter!
STEPS TO RAISE A PERFECT CAT
Bringing up kittens can seem like a challenge, even to experienced cat parents. Here are eight steps that will make your transition into a fluffy parent easier and more pleasant.
MAINTAIN HUMAN CONTACT
It is important to create contact with your kitten as soon as possible. Studies suggest that a litter of kittens exposed to human interaction daily are less likely to react fearfully than those that are not. Daily interaction also helps in improving the kittens’ learning ability. It is also advisable to initiate contact when the mother is around as it is believed that she does not send alarming signals to her kittens and her presence reassures them; making them more comfortable around humans. Early contact can also accelerates their development.
PLAY GAMES FREQUENTLY
Visiting kittens regularly as they begin to play will help introduce them to their environment. At four to eight weeks of age, socializing with humans is key for kittens. Frequent handling and petting makes them more accustomed to their owners when they become adults and lessens their fear of strangers. Kittens should also be exposed to children who are shown how to pet them. In doing so, the kittens will be more comfortable around children when they mature.
PLAN EARLY VISITS TO THE VET
Start visiting the vet as soon as possible to ensure a healthy start. All indoor cats and kittens should be vaccinated in order to protect them from deadly viruses that might be airborne or brought into the house by people or other animals coming from outside.
STICK TO KITTEN FOOD
Feed your fluffy friend food that is specially formulated for the nutritional needs of kittens as they have a rapid growth rate and high energy levels. Studies show that kittens grow from infancy to young adulthood in approximately one year and can have a 2,000 percent increase over its birth weight by 20 weeks. Growth starts to level off by 26 weeks of age and therefore it is important to give them appropriate kitten and cat food.
PLAN A GROOMING ROUTINE
Kittens tend to adjust better to grooming if exposed to it early on in the form of a routine. Grooming requirements vary from breed to breed. Long-haired cats need grooming daily whereas short-haired cats need it on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Appropriate grooming equipment can be found in pet shops.
RECOGNIZE SIGNS OF SICKNESS
While grooming your kitten or cat, inspect their health. Keep an eye out for any parasites like fleas or ticks and look out for skin diseases such as ringworm. Thoroughly examine your kitten for any lumps or lesions and in the event that you find any, consult your vet immediately.
CONSISTENTLY ENFORCE RULES
Setting some ground rules for your kitten can be essential to avoiding the development of any unwanted habits. Once you have picked a name for your cat, make sure that all the members of the house call the kitten by the same. Misbehaviour that results from the desire to play can be curbed with distractions like toys and scratching posts. Avoid rough play with your kittens since small pinpricks can develop into aggressive behaviour as they mature. A firm ‘no’ goes a long way with kittens as they are sensitive to tone. If you catch them misbehaving, a squirt from a toy pistol or spray bottle can be effective.
START LITTER BOX TRAINING IMMEDIATELY
Litter Box training is essential to develop from the very beginning. Place the pan in a secluded area of the house and consistently place your kitten in it when they are most likely to use it. Use sieves and scoops available at pet shops to keep the pan clean as cats avoid soiled litter. Wash the pan with soap and water when changing the litter and avoid strong disinfectants that are not formulated for cats.
SELECT THE RIGHT CAT FOR YOU
Getting a new cat or a kitten is an incredible experience. However, before you take this big step it is important to consider the best cat food, different breeds and color varieties, and which type of cat will fit best into your home environment. To ease this procedure, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and information about various cat breeds which you will find below.
Q1) SHOULD I GET A PEDIGREE, CROSSBREED OR MIXED BREED?
PEDIGREE
Advantages
- While buying a pedigree cat or kitten you will have a clear picture of their breed profile (physical looks and personality), the size the kitten will grow to and any breed-related health problems which may exist.
Disadvantages
- In some breeds, generations of in-breeding result in a greater vulnerability towards genetically inherited diseases.
CROSSBREED
Advantages
- They are considered to have a lower risk of inherited diseases
Disadvantages
- The breeding is not regulated. Hence, it is important to adopt them from a good animal shelter where they are well socialized and healthy.
MIXED BREED
Advantages
- They are generally healthier than their pedigree peers. They cost less to purchase.
Disadvantages
- You are not provided with a detailed history of the cat.
Q2) CAN I ADOPT STRAY OR FERAL CATS?
- Stray cats can readjust to living with people and can be adopted as companions.
- Feral cats are not socialized to people and hence it would be in their best interest to allow them to continue living out on the streets.
Q3) SHOULD I GET MY CAT FROM A BREEDER OR A RESCUE SHELTER?
- Taking into consideration the millions of cats that are euthanized each year, you will be saving a cat’s life by adopting from an animal rescue shelter. Moreover, shelter personnel will often help you pick a cat with a personality which matches your home environment.
Q4) SHOULD I GET A MALE OR FEMALE CAT?
MALE
- Male cats are usually bigger than females.
- Un-neutered toms often develop anti-social habits like wandering away from home, pungent urine spraying and aggression.
FEMALE
- Un-neutered females can be very vocal and difficult to keep indoors. They also get pregnant early. They have strong maternal instincts.
- It costs more to neuter a female cat as compared to a male cat.
SHOULD I GET A CAT OR A KITTEN?
KITTEN
- Although they are cuddly and hard to resist, they require constant attention. Be prepared to invest the time and energy into cat care.
SHOULD I GET A CAT OR A KITTEN?
OLDER CATS
- May have already been neutred and are usually trained to a litter box.
- More likely to sleep through the night, less likely to develop behavioral problems and are usually more grateful and affectionate towards their new owner.
FEW TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN CHOOSING A CAT
- Keep a look out for personality, tolerance, activity level and compatibility with your family for starters.
- When getting a cat, choose the one which responds positively to your touch and voice.
- Make sure the kittens/cat appear healthy. Eyes should be bright and clear, ears should be clear of thick brown or black wax and nails smooth.
Now that all your cat-related worries have been put to rest, you can now trust yourself to pick the perfect furry addition to your home and family.
UNDERSTANDING CAT BEHAVIOR AND BODY LANGUAGE
Often, you may find yourself confused by your cat’s behavior, like why my cat isn’t eating, in spite of feeding them the best cat food, or even their moods. However, there are certain tell-tale signs that can give you an insight into what your cat may be thinking. Their body movements, facial expressions and vocalizations are often indicators of their more obvious moods, while following cat tail signs and body postures can reveal even more. The key to cat care is to be able to recognize these emotional signals and respond to them as and when required.
Below you will find a detailed guide which should be able to answer any questions you have regarding your cat’s behavior.
NEUTRAL (RELAXED)
Shown below is the ideal position for your cat to relax in. They should appear relaxed, content and comfortable in their surroundings.
SIGNS
- Their eyes might be blinking softly, or half closed.
- Their body may appear relaxed and tension-free.
- They could be stretched out or curled into a ball with their paws tucked underneath.
FOCUSED
Cats are born hunters. You’ll often notice your cat concentrating on a small, moving object; their body language will change as they attempt to discern the most effective way to approach their prey.
SIGNS
- Their pupils will be narrowed.
- Their body posture will be angled towards their target.
- Cat’s tail will be held low behind them and will begin to twitch along with their hindquarters, as they get ready to pounce.
HAPPY
A cat which is happy has distinct body language features. This is the best state for you to spend quality time with your cat.
SIGNS
- Your cat will appear relaxed and upright, with ears pointed up and forward.
- When they lay down, their paws may be tucked underneath or they stretch out on their side or back.
- Your cat’s whiskers will be relaxed and their tail will be till. Your cat’s eyes may be half open or closed.
ANXIOUS
Cats can be very sensitive, especially to change. Hence, during times of unexpected change, it is important that you are able to notice your cat’s symptoms and help them become accustomed to the change.
SIGNS
- Your pet’s eyes will be wide open, with pupils dilated into an oval or circle.
- Their ears may flatten back into their head or swivel around independently.
- Your cat may begin to cower and the tip of their tail may start moving slowly side to side.
FEARFUL
Your cat’s body language will instantly change when they feel frightened. During moments like these, try to remove anything which may be causing your cat fear and move slowly so that they do not regard you as a threat as well.
FEARFUL
- Your cat’s ears will be flattened against their head, and their pupils are likely to be dilated.
- They may hiss, spit or growl at the assumed threat.
- They may run away or crouch down, usually during this time their tail will be slashing vigorously.
FRUSTRATED
Frustration for cats comes in many forms. It could either be short term for eg: not being able to reach their favourite toy or long term for eg: not being able to express their need to hunt.
SYMPTOMS
- A frustrated cat usually focuses intently on their object of frustration. Their eyes will be wide open, ears and whiskers forward pointing as they harness their energies into the goal.
- They may pace impatiently if they are unable to achieve their goal.
ANGRY
The best way to deal with an angry cat is to avoid provoking them, since they may consider it as an added threat. You should remove any possible threats from their surroundings and allow your cat space and time to calm down.
SIGNS
- An angry cat will be rigid with stiff whiskers, and tense ears, flattened at the back against the head.
RELIEVED
When the perceived threat is removed, the angry and frustrated cat will likely act relieved. It is important for you to identify this shift in their behavior and help them feel relaxed and normal.
SIGNS
- Their eyes, ears, whiskers and tail will all visibly relax.
- Their whole body will show relief. Some cats even make a full body stretch to release tension.
Now that you know how to identify and understand your cat’s changing behaviour, we are sure you will be able to cater to their mood swings with greater ease. Let the claw play begin!
kitten Care
Weanning of kitten:
Kittens can generally be taken from their mother and littermates once they are weaned, beginning at 6 to 7 weeks of age. Kittens, like babies, require a lot of attention, including veterinary care, feeding, and socialization.
Like puppies and human babies, kittens receive a certain degree of immunity (known as maternal immunity) that is passed from their mothers at birth and also shortly thereafter through the milk. Vaccinations cannot effectively stimulate the kitten’s immune system until this maternal immunity wears off. Because maternal immunity declines slowly over time, kittens should be vaccinated according to a regular schedule, beginning at 2 to 3 months of age. This ensures that the kitten receives an effective dose of vaccine soon after maternal protection is gone. Restricting access to unvaccinated cats until the full series of vaccinations has been given is important to avoid disease.
Diet
Intestinal parasites are most common in kittens. Larvae may be passed through the placenta or mother’s milk. Worms are so common that kittens are often treated with a broad-spectrum wormer as a routine preventive measure. Fecal examinations, with additional treatments as necessary, are usually repeated after worming until 2 successive fecal examinations are negative. External parasites (including fleas) should also be treated but only with products approved for use on kittens. Cats that are allowed outdoors or that live in mixed-pet households should be treated with appropriate antiparasitic products to prevent infestation of all pets and the house.
Proper nutrition is important throughout a cat’s life and is especially critical during kittenhood. Growing kittens need more calories, fat, protein, vitamins, and minerals to meet their needs for rapid growth and development. Kittens need multiple daily feedings of a specially formulated kitten food. The number of daily feedings can be gradually decreased as the kitten ages, but feeding with a name-brand kitten diet should continue until adulthood (about 9 to 12 months of age).
Socialization
Cats learn how to socialize with other cats from their mother and littermates. Human contact before kittens reach 10 to 12 weeks of age is usually required for cats to become good pets. Cats that have not had this initial socialization will likely always fear and avoid human contact. This makes it difficult to turn older feral (wild) cats into household pets. Playing with your cat and providing interactive toys can help develop a close bond, as well as decrease destructive behaviors.
Introducing cats to other pets, including—and sometimes especially—other cats, can take additional socialization regardless of age. Some cats can be territorial and view a new cat as an intruder. This can lead to undesirable behaviors such as urine marking, soiling outside the litter box, or fighting with the newcomer. Cats should be introduced to any new animal gradually. For example, the cat and the new animal should be allowed to first smell each other through a gate separating rooms, then each animal should be held while allowed to investigate each other more thoroughly. After a day or two, if both animals appear calm in each other’s presence, they can be allowed together while supervised for short periods, gradually leading to longer times. Patience is often necessary while animals are adjusting to one another in multi-pet households. It can take 6 months or more to completely integrate a new cat into a household with other cats.
As your mischievous little furball approaches her 4th week, you will need to ease her gently into accepting solid food that suits her growing needs.
The importance of mother’s milk
In the first weeks, kittens are completely dependent on their mother’s milk. Ideally, kittens should have mother’s milk at least for the first 12 to 24 hours of life. Just like human babies, the first milk, known as colostrum, contains antibodies that are vital for the well-being of the kitten. If nursing is not possible, you can feed a kitten milk replacement formula with a nursing bottle or syringe. Feed slowly, every 3 hours during the day and let her sleep through the night unless she wakes up hungry.
When to being the weaning process?
Weaning begins at about 4 weeks of age but if the kitten is orphaned you can start a bit earlier between 3-4 weeks. You will observe that your kitten is gnawing and chewing her bottle, which means she is ready for a solid diet.
How to make the switch to solid food?
- Just as you do with human babies, start out by mixing the solid kitten food with familiar and acceptable milk. Keep the composition runny.
- Gently spread the mixture around your kitten’s mouth with your finger and let her lick it.
- Once she accepts the taste, she is ready and you can make the move to a bowl. Ensure she does not lap too fast and do not force her to consume the meal.
- Between the 4th and 6th week, make a gradual transition to dry food supplementing with milk and/or water. Ensure your kitten is well hydrated so offer lots of water.
Important tips to ensure smooth weaning
- When you are weaning a kitten onto solid food, it’s important to use pet food formulated specifically for kittens. Unlike home-cooked food, packaged kitten food has higher levels of calories, protein and calcium that growing kittens need. Click here to know about the Whiskas® Kitten range.
- Until kittens are a year old, give them as much as they want to eat. Unlike puppies, kittens rarely overeat.
- Weaning kittens must be kept warm. Ensure her box/bed is lined with towels and is in a warm place.
Dealing with fleas and worms:
The most dreaded issue with the hygiene of any pet is having to deal with nasty fleas and worms.
Fleas
Some cats may harbour fleas without showing any signs of irritation, but in general, they will react by licking, scratching, and biting themselves excessively, especially along the back and around the base of the tail. Some cats are allergic to the flea’s saliva and for these cats, the bite of a single flea is enough to provoke a violent skin reaction.
Symptoms
- Fleas are easy to spot and easy to treat. They’re brownish-black in colour, and you’ll be able to see them moving about on your kitten’s coat.
- There might be dark specks of material (‘flea dirt’) in her coat.
- You might also see your kitten scratching or biting herself.
Treatment
- Your veterinarian will recommend a suitable de-fleaing agent and will advise you on an effective flea-eradication programme.
- Do not use sprays or powders without your vet advise as some may be toxic to cats
- Alternatively, get an off-the-shelf treatment from any good pet shop – buy what is suitable for kittens/adults – as the case may be.
- Not just your kitten, but treat your entire home. Those fleas won’t just have stayed on her! Fleas spend more of their life away from their host than on the host.
Worms
As part of your kitten’s general health care, you need to treat her regularly for roundworms and tapeworms, especially if she is in close contact with young children.
Symptoms
- There are two types – Roundworms and Tapeworms
- Roundworms make your kitten pot-bellied and cause vomiting in some cases. Tapeworms look like grains of rice in her litter tray, or around your kitten’s bottom.
Treatment
- Worms are also easy to treat and easy to prevent too. For most adult cats, it is sufficient to worm them routinely every 6 months and kittens every 2-3 weeks until 6 months of age, but if you actually see worms, you will have to treat your kitten or cat more often.
Parasitic diseases transmitted by tick, flea and other insect bites:
Diseases transmitted by fleas
Fleas parasitize dogs and cats all year round. When they ingest fleas that are irritating them, they can be contaminated by a small digestive worm (Dipylidium caninum). Fleas also contribute to the transmission of a bacterium that is responsible for cat scratch disease (or bartonellosis), an infection that is sometimes contracted by people who have been scratched.
Diseases transmitted by ticks
Ticks live in vegetation and attach themselves to animals passing by. Ticks transmit a disease that can be fatal for the dog, babesiosis (or piroplasmosis). Ticks are also involved in the spread of canine ehrlichiosis, a bacterial disease that plagues the south of France.
Lyme disease (or borreliosis) is a disease responsible for chronic neurological and articular disorders affecting humans but also dogs (more rarely cats).
Diseases transmitted by sandflies
Sandflies are small flying insects. They can transmit the agent of leishmaniasis to humans, dogs and much more rarely to cats. This disease is widespread in Mediterranean regions, but it is progressing towards the north.
Diseases transmitted by mosquitos
In the south-east of France, mosquitos can be vectors of heartworm disease, a disease caused by worms that settle under the skin. Worse, worms can lodge in the vessels of the heart and disrupt the heart function.
Animals need to be protected from flea and tick bites, and flying insects must be kept away with effective, long-lasting products. Vaccines also exist against some vector-borne diseases: talk to your vet.
- veterinarian for advice.
Vaccination requirements for kittens:
Infectious diseases such as Feline Infectious Enteritis (panleucopenia), Feline Calicivirus (FCV) and Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) have been a significant cause of illness in cats. Once your kitten has had all her shots, you’ll know that she will have the best possible protection. Remember, kittens should not be permitted to come into contact with stray cats until they have completed their course of vaccinations.
When should I vaccinate?
Generally, vaccination is done at the age of 6 to 8 weeks followed by 2-3 boosters at 2-3 weeks gap. These booster injections help maintain her immunity, and also provide a good opportunity for your veterinarian to carry out a full health check. Some vaccines can differ, so it’s best to check the exact requirements and schedule with your vet.
Wait for her immunity to kick in
It is safer to keep your kitten indoors until her vaccinations have taken effect. It takes up to a fortnight after vaccination for your kitten’s immunity to develop fully. During that time, make sure you keep her indoors.
Keep track of booster shots
Immunisation aside, it is still important for her to get a booster shot every year. Keep track and keep her vaccination documents in a safe place.
Cat vaccines: What illnesses to protect them from
Serious diseases
Too few cats are vaccinates. Less than 50% of cat owners remember to get vaccination reminders ! However, vaccines protect cats against several contagious and sometimes fatal diseases.
Typhus (or Feline Infectious Panleukopenia : P)
All cats, regardless of their lifestyle, can be infected with Feline Infectious Panleukopenia virus. The presence of a contaminated object in the environment is enough to trigger a life-threatening haemorrhagic gastroenteritis. This diseases mainly affects young cats and can spread to entire litters of kitten.
Coryza
Upper respiratory diseases of the cat (rhinitis, sinusitis…) are grouped under the term of coryza. 2 main viruses are involved in this diseases: calicivirus (C) and herpesvirus (R). Vaccination against coryza is advised for all cats. The disease is very contagious and the symptoms are very important.
Feline leukemia (FeLV)
Feline leukemia is a fatal disease that is spread by direct contact between cats. It causes immunosuppression that seriously affects the cat’s health, even if the symptoms appear late after contamination. Once the cat is contaminated, there is nothing you can do: the diseases cannot be cured. Fortunately, vaccines exist to prevent the cat from being contaminated by this virus. It is the best way to fight against this disease. It is advised to vaccinate all cats that go outdoors or that have contact with other cats. Feline leukemia is a fatal disease that is spread by direct contact between cats.
Rabies (R)
In France, vaccination against rabies is no longer mandatory, unless the cat has to cross a border. This vaccination is still recommended for cats that go outdoors and who could possible get in contact with infected dogs or cats (for example, illegally imported animals).
The first vaccinations must occur when the kitten is between 8 and 16 weeks, when he is no longer protected by the antibodies transmitted by his mother. A first general reminder is recommended when the kitten reaches one year of age, then the reminders will intervene regularly.
FAQ ON CATS & KITTENS
Why does my kitten sleep so much?
Kittens love to sleep and most cats sleep between 13–16 hours a day, for a simple reason: sleeping after each meal allows them to conserve energy from the meat they consume. If you catch your kitten napping, remember that she’s just mimicking the natural behaviour of her big cat cousins, ensuring that she’s restored and well-rested for her next prowl.
When are kittens most active?
Most wild cats are active at dawn and dusk, after having slept through the intense heat of the day. This is the best time for hunting: their prey is active, and their eyesight is at its sharpest. Your little kitten behaves in just the same way. She will be very active early in the morning or just before sunset. If you want to spend some quality time with her, plan playtime around these hours.
Kittens like it warm
Young kittens cannot control their body heat as well as adult cats. They cuddle with their mother and littermates to help maintain the body heat. Don’t be surprised if that’s the reason they love to snuggle up in your lap.
Where can my kitten sleep?
Your cat’s sleeping place doesn’t have to be plush but it has to be warm and draft-free. Many cats prefer a higher place as it makes them feel safer. If your cat sleeps in a basket, ensure it is large enough.
How do I check my kitten’s health?
Similar to the way wild cats socialise, a regular health check is a good way to form a close bond with your kitten. Start at a young age and your kitten will soon consider it as just another natural routine. Before you start, choose a place where she is comfortable – like your lap or on a bed. Be gentle and use soft, reassuring words.
- Breathing and abdomen
Listen to her breathing, making sure that it’s regular and not strained in any way. Very gently, run your hands along her sides, checking for anything that seems unusual. - Eyes and ears
- Look into her ears for scratches to the outer ear, inflammation or dark-coloured wax. Look for discharge, inflammation, or signs of injury around the eyes. Never touch the eyeball, or put drops in without consulting your vet.
- Mouth
Gently open your kitten’s mouth and look for broken teeth, inflamed gums or a build-up of plaque deposits. Click here to know how to clean your kitten’s eyes and ears. - Nose
Your kitten’s nose should be cool and moist. Crusty nose or incessant sneezing may indicate a cold. - Claws
Check if she has broken or missing claws. Look for injuries to the soft skin between her pads. Gentle pressure on her foot will unsheathe her claws
When in doubt, consult your vet.
If you’re worried about anything, keep an eye on your kitten for a day or two. If you still do not feel reassured, do fix an appointment with a local vet.
What food should I avoid feeding my kitten?
Cats have a very different metabolism from dogs and humans, which is why some foods that are completely harmless for us can be hazardous for them
Some pet parents feel it is better to feed their pets home-prepared diets rather than prepared pet-food. This stems from their perception that home-prepared diets are fresher and less processed. Also, people know what they are feeding their pet and this allows them the opportunity to increasingly mistrust manufactured foods.
Contrary to these perceptions, it is better to feed your cat prepared pet-food as it is the best way to guarantee a nutritionally safe and complete meal. In fact, some human foods can leave your cat malnourished and can even affect the health of their muscles and organs. Here’s a list of human food that you will need to avoid:
| Human Foods | What it does to kittens and cats |
| Baby food / too much milk | Frequent and loose/watery faeces |
| Onions & garlic | Damages RBC and causes anemia |
| Raw egg | Causes hair fall and damages the coat |
| Chocolate | Affects the heart and the nervous system |
| Fish or chicken bones | Damages the teeth and might cause tears in the digestive system |
What solid food should my kitten eat?
Dog food or homemade food does not meet a kitten or a cat’s nutritional requirements and is best avoided. Instead opt for packaged cat food specially formulated for your kitten.
- Cats require unusually high levels of protein in their diets as well as other unique nutrients. All these nutrients are available only in meat However, do not feed your cat raw meat or let her eat human food as it is bound to be too rich, or even toxic for her.
- Both, cats and weaned kittens need high quality, well-balanced cat food in the right amount to maintain optimum body weight and condition. Home food, unless formulated by a vet, does not meet all her needs.
- You have the choice of feeding her only dry cat food or wet food or a mix of both.
- How much and how often to feed kittens?
In proportion to weight, kittens need three to four times more food than adult cats. Make food available to your kitten at all times. Unlike puppies, kittens are not likely to overeat.
Does my kitten need milk?
Contrary to popular wisdom, kittens do not need milk with their food – but make sure to provide plenty of water. As the age of the kitten advances, their ability to digest milk reduces and cow milk can cause loose stools and digestive disturbances
What to keep in mind whilst feeding
- Make sure your cat or kitten has her own feeding and water bowls and that they’re cleaned after each meal. Cats don’t like to eat from dirty dishes.
- Ensure fresh, clean water is always available.
- Stick to the same food. Changing it suddenly or repeatedly can upset her delicate stomach. If you do have to change her diet, introduce the new food gradually, a little at a time.
- Never leave her food bowl near her litter tray – cats don’t like to eat where they go to the toilet.
When can a kitten move to adult food?
As your mischievous little furball approaches her first birthday, you will need to ease her gently into accepting adult cat food that suits her growing needs.
- Cats have a complex diet and specific nutritional need that home food does not meet.Change your kitten’s food gradually over the course of a week.
- Every few days add a little more of her new food to her old favourite, slowly replacing her old food.
- Every kitten is a predator at heart and predators prefer to eat something that’s only just been killed. As a result, you will notice your little furball will like her food at room temperature and not heated or chilled.
- Both kittens and adult cats (1+) should have clean fresh water to drink at all times. As your kitten gets older, reduce her milk intake as feeding her milk might cause diarrhoea.
When can a kitten be weaned?
As your mischievous little furball approaches her 4th week, you will need to ease her gently into accepting solid food that suits her growing needs.
The importance of mother’s milk
In the first weeks, kittens are completely dependent on their mother’s milk. Ideally, kittens should have mother’s milk at least for the first 12 to 24 hours of life. Just like human babies, the first milk, known as colostrum, contains antibodies that are vital for the well-being of the kitten. If nursing is not possible, you can feed a kitten milk replacement formula with a nursing bottle or syringe. Feed slowly, every 3 hours during the day and let her sleep through the night unless she wakes up hungry.
When to being the weaning process?
Weaning begins at about 4 weeks of age but if the kitten is orphaned you can start a bit earlier between 3-4 weeks. You will observe that your kitten is gnawing and chewing her bottle, which means she is ready for a solid diet.
How to make the switch to solid food?
- Just as you do with human babies, start out by mixing the solid kitten food with familiar and acceptable milk. Keep the composition runny.
- Gently spread the mixture around your kitten’s mouth with your finger and let her lick it.
- Once she accepts the taste, she is ready and you can make the move to a bowl. Ensure she does not lap too fast and do not force her to consume the meal.
- Between the 4th and 6th week, make a gradual transition to dry food supplementing with milk and/or water. Ensure your kitten is well hydrated so offer lots of water.
Important tips to ensure smooth weaning
- When you are weaning a kitten onto solid food, it’s important to use pet food formulated specifically for kittens. Unlike home-cooked food, packaged kitten food has higher levels of calories, protein and calcium that growing kittens need.
- Until kittens are a year old, give them as much as they want to eat. Unlike puppies, kittens rarely overeat.
- Weaning kittens must be kept warm. Ensure her box/bed is lined with towels and is in a warm place.
How much water does a kitten need?
Water can be hard to find in the savannahs or forest, as a result big cats’ bodies have evolved to get most of the water they need from the prey they kill for food. Your kitten is no different but she still needs to drink water and plenty of it!
- Kittens may get the water they need form wet food such as Whiskas® wet pouches, but they still need fresh drinking water. Water aids their body processes and helps them avoid potential problems with their kidneys.
- Your kitten’s tongue is sensitive to both temperature and taste. She will avoid stagnant water or water that tastes queer. She might prefer lapping up freshly collected rain water versus tap water for she can actually taste the chemicals in the tap water!
- Contrary to popular wisdom, kittens once weaned do not need milk with their food. However, you must provide them with plenty of water
- As the age of a kitten advances, their ability to digest milk reduces and cow milk can cause loose stools and digestive disturbances. If you want to give milk, try a lactose-reduced cat milk product.
Do cats really need grooming?
A clean shiny coat is a sign of good health and nutrition. By grooming your cat, you can help her coat grow and shine well. It is best to get your cat used to this when she is a young kitten.
- Cats are naturally clean animals, so your cat my need little grooming, particularly if she has short hair. Longhaired cats need to regular grooming – possibly as much as once a day.
- Grooming your cat offers you an excellent opportunity to check her skin for lumps, rashes, discharges or any other signs that your cat is not well. If you find any problems, seek advice from your veterinarian.
- The hair of longhaired cats and kittens can easily mat. Once hair is matted, it will have to be removed before grooming her; this may involve sedating the cat and clipping the hair by a professional cat groomer or your veterinarian. Please seek expert advice if this problem occurs.
How do I bathe my kitten?
If you have an older cat or if you’ve heard stories from your traumatised friends who own cats, you probably dread the idea of giving your cat a bath. Though your kitten has a habit of grooming and keeping herself clean by licking all day, it’s not enough – especially if you don’t want her to ingest harmful substances or any other filth that may be stuck to her coat. It’s better to get your kitten used to a bath early-on.
How many times in a week do I bathe my kitten?
It’s a good idea to give her a bath every 10 days or so, usually after play time when she’s mellow and tired.
How do I go about bathing my kitten?
- Ensure that the nails are trimmed
- Brush her coat to remove any loose hair and mats. You may choose to place cotton balls in her ear to keep the water out.
- Shut the bathroom door and place a rubber mat or a bath mat in the sink/tub so that she doesn’t slip.
- Fill the sink/tub with just enough lukewarm water.
- Gently massage with a cat shampoo solution. Start with the head and move towards the tail. Don’t forget to cover the limbs. Leave out the face and ears.
- Rinse and then rinse again.
- After this, gently wipe the face with a washcloth. Unless it’s too dirty, plain water is good enough.
- Immediately after her bath, place her in a dry towel, and take her to a warm place away from any drafts.
Why do cats cough up hairballs?
Your cute little kitten loves to keep herself neat and tidy – in fact, grooming (along with sleeping) will take up many hours of her day. Not only does your kitten enjoy it, but it’s good for her too. Licking her coat helps keep it in perfect condition and controls parasites. If she does it too little, that might mean she’s poorly groomed.
- Occasionally, grooming is taken to extremes. Boredom or unhappiness can cause nervous licking, which may result in partial hair loss.
- Do pin-point the cause of your kitten’s stress and if required take her to the vet for a quick check-up.
- You may not enjoy watching your kitten cough up hairballs, but hey, it’s completely natural behaviour!
- Your kitten’s tongue is covered in tiny “combs” which help remove loose hair and keep her coat in tip-top condition. However, if the fur is trapped in the combs, your kitten can’t spit it out, so she swallows it and then coughs it out.
Nutrition Tips For Overweight Dogs and Cats
- Obesity in pets is an increasing health risk to our companion animals, specifically for our dogs and cats, and one that is rarely recognized by their people as a real problem. In fact, some find it cute — but it’s a real health risk.
- Pet obesity
- You might not notice that your pet is gaining weight, since it generally happens slowly over time. Among people who have pets, the ideal weight of their pets is subjective and it’s difficult to define when a pet is slightly overweight or underweight. However, I think most people recognize when a pet is severely overweight. Veterinarians define obesity as a dog or cat who has large fat deposits over the chest, spine, neck and base of the tail; an obvious distended belly; and loss of a “waist.” When viewed from above, the animal has a rounded pear shape.
- Diabetes in pets
- Just as in the human world, obesity can lead to secondary medical and orthopedic problems in our pets. Diabetes is a serious complication that can be secondary to obesity. The pancreas secretes insulin in response to an increase in blood sugar (eating a meal). In an obese animal, the pancreas is chronically over-stimulated and basically gets worn out; it cannot produce the insulin necessary to maintain a normal blood sugar. Though diabetes can be treated and controlled, it is a stress on your pet’s body and often leads to blindness in dogs and significant muscle weakness in cats.
- Pancreatitis in animals
- Pancreatitis is another condition that I see frequently in the obese dog or cat. The pancreas secretes not only insulin but also other enzymes to help with digestion. This condition causes the pancreas to secrete enzymes to such a degree that it actually starts digesting itself. Cats and dogs with pancreatitis will vomit and develop diarrhea and a very painful belly. If not treated, a pet can die from this condition.
- Joint disorders in pets
- Finally, obesity can lead to degenerative joint disease or arthritis. Simply put, the more weight the joints and tendons have to support, the more they begin to break down — causing chronic and often severe pain.
- Helping pets maintain a healthy weight
- So how do you avoid obesity in your pets? First, be aware that obesity exists and is a problem for companion animals. Recognize that, just as in people, certain animals will have a fast metabolism and some will burn calories more slowly. Similarly, some pets will keep themselves at a good weight without much intervention from their people, while others need a pretty stern gatekeeper at the food bin.
- Second, maintain a good relationship with your veterinarian. He/she can help you determine an ideal weight for your dog or cat, provide diet options and help you recognize early on when your pet is tipping the scales in the wrong direction. Regarding feeding: Both dogs and cats should be fed a measured amount of food daily (i.e., don’t keep filling the bowl). This not only helps to prevent your pet from overeating, but also allows you to monitor his intake more closely and notice appetite changes, an important sign of illness. Your veterinarian can help you determine just how much food your pet should eat daily.
- This type of feeding is really important in a multiple-cat household. It takes some time, but you can learn the routines of your cats and their dietary needs. Because cats can develop severe liver disease if they do not ingest enough calories, you could give your highly active cats some extra feedings away from your lower-energy kitties. Or you can try and separate your cats at feeding time so you can individualize their meals.
- Third, avoid giving people food to your pets and give treats judiciously. It’s nice to add some variety to your pets’ food or reward them for good behavior, but don’t overdo it. I often emphasize that food does not equal love. Walks, play time, petting and quiet time alone with your pet all say “I love you” just as effectively as giving treats.
- Importance of diet and exercise
- If you have an animal who is already overweight, diet and exercise are the best ways for your pet to drop those extra pounds and ounces. With severely overweight pets, you need to start slowly with an exercise routine to avoid injury. Slow, steady weight loss is the healthy way to go. Work closely with your vet to determine what type and amount of food and exercise are right for your pet, and get his/her advice before putting your pet (especially a cat) on a weight loss diet. Losing weight safely is just as important for our pets as not becoming obese to begin with.
How to know if my cat is infected and how to treat him?
- What are the causes of chronic kidney disease?
- Chronic kidney disease is a slowly progressive and irreversible disease. It results in a reduction in kidney functionality. Up to 20% of cats can be reached by this disease.It is one of the most common diseases in cats.
- Causes of chronic kidney disease are numerous. You must note that in most cases, the origin of the onset of this disease will remain unknown. Some cats may be at risk. The best-known example is the Persian breed cat, which may have a genetic predisposition to kidney disease called “polycystic kidney disease”.
- What signs can cause suspicion of chronic kidney disease?
- Chronic kidney disease can lead to kidney failure. It mainly affects cats over 8 years old. Clinical signs may be a loss of appetite, weight loss, increased drinking, increased urine emission…
- If your cat shows these signs, a consultation with your vet will help to establish a diagnosis. You vet may need to do additional tests such as taking blood or takin urine samples.
- It is also possible to monitor the functioning of the kidneys by making regular blood tests on an older cat. This way, the diagnosis will be early for a management from the beginning stage.
- What if my cat has chronic kidney disease?
- Chronic kidney disease cannot be cured. Management aims to slow the evolution for the cat to live longer.
- The vet will prescribe products according to the stage of the disease. Regular monitoring will be necessary for therapeutic adjustment. In other words, the kidney is no longer able to regulate the concentration of phosphorus in the blood. It is therefore necessary to limit the intake of dietary phosphorus as much as possible.
- Did you know?
Ailurophobia is the fear of cats. Julius Caesar, Henry II, Charles XI and Napoleon all suffered from this and would nearly faint in the presence of a cat - The penalty for killing a cat, 4,000 years ago in Egypt, was death
- A group of kittens is called a kindle
- Abraham Lincoln loved cats. He had four of them while he lived in the White House. Lincoln’s cat, Tabby, was the first of several White House cats
- Cats are the only domestic animals that walk directly on their claws, not on their paws (Source: petcarefoundation.org)
- DR RAKESH SINGH, TVO, MOTIHARI, BIHAR
- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/general-cat-care
