Essential Cat Care Products for Happy Felines

Scale

Many pet parents might be in the habit of holding their cats while stepping onto the scale and then subtracting their own weight to determine the cat's weight. However, this method is not accurate and can lead to significant errors.

Monitoring your cat's weight carries significant importance. Cats are prone to chronic diseases, and a consistent weight loss can indicate that their calorie intake is no longer sufficient to meet their daily needs. This is a clear sign to promptly schedule a checkup and treatment to prevent the onset of more complications.

Collar

Having a collar ready can address various unexpected situations, such as when a cat's eyes, ears, or mouth are affected, preventing them from scratching themselves. In a multicat household, it can also prevent cats from licking each other after undergoing external deworming.

When selecting a collar, the material can be soft or sturdy, but it's crucial to ensure the following:

The cat's front and back paws cannot reach its face.

The collar can still be pushed to the back of the cat's neck without obstructing access to food and water bowls.

The neck and collar can easily pass through the first knuckle of your finger.

Thermometer

While the brand of the thermometer isn't crucial, accuracy is paramount. It's commonly used to measure rectal and leg temperatures, and a soft tip is preferable to minimize discomfort if the need arises to measure the temperature around the rectum.

Empty Capsules

When administering medication to cats can be challenging, empty capsules can be a lifesaver. Simply place the medication inside, coat it with a bit of butter or a pastelike treat, and you can easily administer it by placing it directly into your cat's mouth.

Some medications can be irritating to the mouth and esophagus, such as doxycycline, which can cause esophageal narrowing, and certain digestive enzymes that may lead to ulcers. Using capsules can easily prevent these issues.

Syringe

In cases where a cat is ill or refuses to eat, manual feeding becomes necessary, and a syringe can be an invaluable tool.

Syringes typically come in 1ML, 2ML, and 5ML sizes, each serving a different purpose. A 1ML syringe can be used for substances like honey and lactulose, a 2ML syringe for water, and a 5ML syringe for liquid canned food.

Electric Hair Trimmer

An electric hair trimmer is useful for removing fur around a cat's body when there are wounds or infections, such as ringworm. This makes it easier to observe and clean the skin surface, and it's convenient for applying medication.

Of course, if you're considering a minigrooming session for your cat, that's fine, but avoid shaving all their fur, as it can lead to psychological issues in cats.