Routine Care You May Not Know Your Cat Needs

23 February 2016
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When you adopt your first cat or kitten, you may be thinking more about the fun and companionship they will bring into your life rather than the care that they will need from you. However, if you want your cat to be healthy and happy in your home for many years to come, there are some routine care processes that you will want to be aware of and begin right away. Get to know some of these cat care procedures so that you and your cat will have a positive and long-lasting relationship going forward.

Feline Dental Care

Most people do not realize it, but cats need dental care just as humans do. Cats can easily develop plaque that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if their teeth are not properly cared for and maintained. As such, it is important to keep your cat's teeth as clean and healthy as possible.

One of the best ways to do so is to brush your cat's teeth on a daily basis. However, many cats are resistant to having their mouth and teeth touched and handled. Some cats may be so resistant that brushing their teeth can be virtually impossible, but there are ways that you can try to get them used to it. Begin as soon as possible after you make your cat a part of your family.

Get a cat toothbrush to fit onto your finger as well as specially formulated cat toothpaste. Put your cat in your lap and pull back their gums. Rub the toothbrush over one or two of their teeth. Keep doing this on a daily basis for a week or so and then try to brush more of their teeth each day until they are used to the routine. Semi-regularly (once a year or so), you will also want to take your cat to the veterinarian to have their teeth more thoroughly examined and professionally cleaned. Click here for more information on cat teeth cleaning.

Grooming Your Cat

Many people also believe that because cats clean and groom themselves that they will not need to do so. While cats are good at self-care, this does not mean that you do not need to groom them as well. If your cat has long hair, they can easily develop tangles or have dirty fur near or on their back end.

This may require that you trim their fur regularly on their rear to keep it clean and to remove mats and tangles elsewhere. Daily brushing or brushing every other day for both long and short-hair cats can help them to remain clean, prevent dander buildup, and help with shedding. Taking your cat to a professional groomer can also help prevent problems with their fur and skin as well as keep their claws short.

Now that you know a few of the routine care tasks that you will need to perform to keep your cat happy and healthy in your home, you can be sure that you are doing everything you can for your cat's well-being.