Essential Daily Cat Care Tips for Happy Felines

How to Properly Care for Your Cat?

Home Hygiene:

Cats can be quite particular about their litter boxes, expecting their owners to keep them spotlessly clean before each use. However, it's essential to clean the litter box daily. Both clay and tofubased litter have a distinct feature of absorbing urine and forming clumps, necessitating regular cleaning. The same goes for feces; the litter should be scooped out promptly.

These types of litter have the advantage of reducing the spread of odors from cat feces and improving the smell of the litter box. Strong odors can deter cats, leading them to use inappropriate places for elimination (like bathrooms, bathtubs, or flower pots). If the litter's absorbency is weak, it should be cleaned more frequently.

For longhaired cats, it's advisable to trim the hair around the anus to prevent feces from sticking to it.

Fur Care:

For shorthaired cats, regular grooming, sometimes even daily, is not only a method to check their overall health but also a way to inspect for wounds and parasites. Longhaired cats require grooming as a necessity.

Start grooming your cat when they are young to get them accustomed to the process. If your cat lacks patience, break the grooming session into shorter, more frequent periods.

Especially for outdoor cats, extra attention is needed, particularly during shedding seasons like spring and after heavy rains. Even though longhaired cats spend a lot of time grooming themselves, they can still develop mats and clumps of fur that can harbor parasites and lead to severe skin issues.

It's normal to find cat whiskers on pillows, sofas, and other sleeping areas. Cats' whiskers are a special type of hair that sheds more slowly than regular hair, so there's no need to worry.

Bathing:

Every cat dislikes water, but they need to get used to it when they are about three months old.

Start by filling the bathtub with a small amount of water at 3637°C. Gently place the cat in the tub, talk to it softly, and pet it to soothe its nerves and ease any tension. Use a cup to gently wet the cat's body while petting it, ensuring that water doesn't get into its ears, eyes, or nostrils. Once the cat is fully wet, use a catspecific shampoo.

Never use human shampoo on cats as their skin pH is different, and it can be toxic if ingested. Pay special attention to the cat's paws, tail, and belly during the bath. After applying the shampoo, rinse thoroughly with a handheld showerhead to ensure water doesn't溅 into the eyes and ears.

Once the cat is clean, wrap it in a clean, warm towel and gently dry its fur.

Eyes and Ears:

If water gets into a cat's eyes, gently wipe them dry. If a chemical substance has entered the eyes, consult a veterinarian immediately and do not attempt to clean them at home.

Epiphora (excessive tearing) is not normal in cats. If it occurs, it indicates a problem with the tear ducts or eyelids, or a sign of infectious or viral diseases. Persian cats, with their flat faces, require frequent eye care, so it's recommended to use products recommended by a veterinarian.

Ear cleaning should not be done frequently unless there is visible yellow or brown discharge. If the cat is scratching its ears or tilting its head, these are signs that it needs medical attention.

Teeth:

Cats start to grow teeth around four months old, especially the sharp canines, which differ from human teeth in shape.

Brushing a cat's teeth is impossible, but regular checks of the teeth's color and the accumulation of tartar are recommended. Chewing can promote mastication and prevent tartar buildup, so offering cats treats that encourage chewing is beneficial. Don't deny your cat the joy of crunching dry food, and get them used to it from a young age, along with fresh water (mineral water is preferable over tap water, which is hard). A veterinarian will check the cat's teeth during annual checkups, and if necessary, recommend a gentle ultrasonic cleaning procedure.

Claws:

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, but it's inappropriate when they scratch leather sofas or expensive furniture.

For cats living in apartments, it's important to train them not to scratch forbidden objects from a young age. A simple "No" followed by a sharp shout (or clapping) is usually enough to correct this behavior.

Tip: Click Newbie's Guide to Cat Care for more information on how to properly care for your feline friend.