Three Cat & Kitten Questions Answered

by Guest Blogger on August 10, 2011

Cat care is simple once you learn the basics. Here are three common questions that new cat owners often have, along with answers that can help you give your kitty the best possible care.

1) How do I care for my new kitten?

Kitten care is surprisingly easy. Once he’s old enough to be weaned, you can start feeding your cat a specially formulated kitten chow. The best selections in terms of food are the most natural. Look for brands that use real, lean protein sources and contain a lack of dyes, preservatives or filler ingredients like corn/wheat.
Next, provide a comfortable place for your cat to curl up. This can consist of a pile of blankets on the floor, or you can buy a soft cat bed for your pet. However, it’s possible that your kitten will want to snuggle with you on the couch or in bed instead!
Finally, make sure that you have a litter box that is always filled with fresh, clean litter for your cat. Make sure to clean it out regularly, and change all of the litter once a week.
Also, you will want to take your new kitten to get checked out by the vet as soon as possible. Your kitten will need vaccinations against feline leukemia and rabies, as well as to be spayed or neutered, if she/he is not a breeding cat, and to be checked for worms and other health issues.

2) Is there a cure for bad breath in cats?

Yes. If your pet has bad breath on a regular basis, and if his teeth are discolored, you may want to bring him to the vet, because it can be a sign of health problems. You can check and care for your pet’s teeth yourself in a few ways. Brush his teeth regularly with a special pet toothbrush and pet toothpaste. Give him treats designed especially for dental care, which will help protect his chompers between brushings. In addition, you can even buy cat breath mints for the occasional sour-smelling kitty breath.

3) Why does my cat get hairballs?

Cats get hairballs because they clean themselves with their tongue, which means they inadvertently swallow some of their hair sometimes. Hair is tough to digest, and as such, they cough up hairballs. One cat hairball remedy is the addition of extra fiber into your pet’s diet. This will help him digest and pass the hair. Some treats and foods are specially formulated with extra fiber to aid digestion and break down hairballs.

You can also help prevent hairballs from forming in the first place by grooming your cat. Dampen his fur with a little bit of warm water and wipe him down to remove loose hairs. Then, give him a nice, gentle brushing.

 

 

 

Jessica writes about a wide variety of topics.  She especially enjoys writing about pets. You can learn more about kitten care at http://www.temptationstreats.com/

 

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