Cats are independent pets, but they do need care and attention to stay healthy. A healthy cat is active, the coat shines and the eyes, ears and teeth are clean. The care of cats consists of: giving attention, good nutrition, a place of your own, changing the litter box and brushing the coat. Furthermore, cats should be treated regularly against worms, ticks and fleas. To prevent diseases, it is wise to get the annual vaccinations. The vet can then immediately do a health check.
Healthy cats
A healthy cat is active, has clear eyes, firm faeces, clean teeth, clean ears, a shiny coat and not overweight. With proper care, the cat will stay healthy longer and can live to be 14 to 20 years old.
Your own place
A cat needs its own place where it can relax. This can be a cat bed or a box. Cats that cannot go outside to relieve themselves need a litter box. The litter box should be in a quiet place where the cat can easily reach. Keep food and water bowls away from the litter box. A litter box should be cleaned regularly.
Vaccinations
At the annual visit to the vet, the cat can be vaccinated against infections and diseases. The vet will then immediately do a health check. Cats also need regular treatment for worms, ticks and fleas.
Giving attention
Cats need personal attention. They love to play or to be petted. It is best to start as young as possible, so that you build a bond with the cat.
The care of the coat
Cats are very clean, they wash themselves with the help of the tongue and front legs. By washing:
- Keeps the coat clean.
- The skin glands are stimulated, which ensure that the coat remains water-repellent.
- The cat receives vitamin D.
- The saliva keeps the coat cool in warm weather.
Washing cats
If a cat cannot wash itself due to age or illness, for example, or if it has become very dirty, wash it with lukewarm water and cat shampoo. Only do this if he cannot do it himself, because it disturbs the balance in the coat and it causes a lot of stress.
Brushing and combing
Start brushing and combing a kitten’s coat. Start at the head and gently brush the back, tail, stomach and chin in one direction. Although it is not necessary yet, the cat becomes familiar with it. In addition, it is a good way to bond together. One brush per week is sufficient for a short-haired cat. Long-haired cats need to be brushed and combed every day. Brushing keeps the coat shiny and clean, without tangles. Always brush gently and gently, without forcing the cat.
Hairballs
While bathing, the cat ingests hair, which it normally sheds in the faeces. In long-haired cats, the hairs sometimes form into a ball in the stomach. The cat does not feel well and usually vomits the hairball again, but sometimes the hairball gets into the intestines and causes blockage. A visit to the vet is then necessary. With a brush you remove the hair so that the cat gets less hair.
Food and teeth
Cats are real carnivores. They have a strong jaw and sharp teeth, which they can bite hard with. Cats eat canned food or hard chunks. Hard chunks keep teeth clean, canned food causes plaque. You can prevent this by brushing your teeth regularly. Start brushing with a young cat, this prevents problems later in life. Clean teeth also prevent gum problems. Irritated gums are red. It heals again if the teeth are properly brushed.
How much food does a cat need?
Feed a cat twice in a day. Older cats, kittens, and pregnant cats need several small servings per day. A cat that is indoors a lot is more likely to be overweight. Then adjust the amount of food. In addition to food, a cat must always have access to clean and fresh drinking water. Cocoa is toxic to cats. So don’t give a cat chocolate!
Ears
A cat’s hearing is extremely good. When hunting, a cat can hear from which direction its prey is coming. Hunting becomes much more difficult for a deaf cat, although other senses will work better and compensate for the deafness. A cat’s ears must be clean and must not smell. Usually you don’t have to clean them, but you can remove excess wax with a damp cloth. Clean the ears very carefully as they are very sensitive.
Eyes
A cat’s eyes should be clear and clean. Sometimes there is some dirt in the corner of the eye. With a cotton ball, soaked in cooled, boiled water, you remove the dirt.
The nails
A cat uses its nails as a grip when climbing, to scratch and to catch prey. If he has enough space to move and has access to a scratching post, the nails will remain short. The nails become too long in cats that cannot scratch. They then have to be cut with special scissors. The fifth clove on the inside of the front legs also deserves special attention. This toe does not touch the ground and does not wear off properly. The nail continues to grow in a circular shape and can stick into the flesh.
Clipping nails
Clipping the nails can be tricky. With white nails you can see where to cut, with black nails you cannot. Black nails are better cut by the vet. The front part of the nail is dead, there is no life in it. This section may be cut. In the pink part are the nerves and the blood supply, if you cut it, the cat will be in pain and the nail will bleed.
