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Any cat owner can tell you that being the proud parent/owner/pet of a cat is a long and rewarding experience, fraught with both good and bad experiences. Like anyone else, cats are prone to accidents and injuries as severe as their human counterparts. But a few daily and monthly routines can help your pet live out a long and happy life by your side, with less stress on you and your pocketbook.
First, brush your pet daily. Although this is advice common to longhaired cats, it also applies to the short haired variety. Grooming helps the coats to remain bushy and sleek, as well as removing loose hairs that will eventually make their way into your pet's stomach, resulting in hairballs at the least. A daily routine of brushing your pet will turn into a pleasant experience for both of you as you maintain his/her's lovely coat and also cut down on the amount of dander being spread through the house. Dander is the leading cause of most cat allergies; and while it's no guarantee that someone who was allergic to cats will become non-allergic with a daily brushing of your pet, it will cut down on the amount of dirt and dust in your household generally, as well as keep your pet happy and painfree from the annoying knots and tangles of long hair.
Most pet owners rarely check their pet's teeth, but more and more vets are recommending it, as well as a daily brushing if you can manage it. While brushing your pet's teeth might seem a bit extreme, examining them on a weekly or monthly basis will help to find problems before they start - loose or chipped teeth should be brought to the attention of the veterinarian immediately as well as abscessed or infected gums. Cats are prone to the same dental problems as humans, but they can't brush. There are plenty of cat treats on the market now with the intention of helping break up the tartar buildup on your pet's teeth, so try and find one that your pet likes and feed it to him/her on a daily/weekly basis to help maintain those teeth. Wet food as well as dry needs teeth to be chewed and digested, so you should check your cat's teeth and mouth for any problems.
The ears of a cat are one of its most vital organs; catching sounds and noises way above and below the average human's hearing. But wax can also build up in these alcoves, causing discomfort and possibly pain to the feline.
Taking a damp cloth and rubbing the inside of the cat's ears will remove most ear wax easily. The ear canals of a cat go horizontally inside the skull, so there is little to no chance that you will start poking inside your cat's brain if you wish to dab at the structure with a cotton swab, but a damp cloth is usually more comfortable for both you and the cat. If you find any fleas or mites around the ear area, take your pet to the vet and have him/her checked out thoroughly. The thin hair around the base of the ears is a perfect place to check for insect problems due to the easy visibility.
A cat's nails are its protection in the wild, and if your cat still has his/her full set of claws then you have to be careful to maintain them as well. A scratching post is a must for any household, or your pet will find one for him/herself - usually a piece of furniture or a cardboard box. All pet stores carry various types of scratching posts at reasonable prices. The reason a cat scratches so much is to cut down on the growth of the nails - imagine if you never had access to a nail cutter! The friction on the scratching post erodes the edges of the nail and makes it comfortable for the cat to walk as well as keeping them clean and free of infection.
Most vets encourage the owners to clip their cat's nails every month or so. If you hold your pet's paw up to the light and extend the nail by squeezing gently on the center pad; you will see a small vein running down through the claw. This is a small blood vessel that will bleed if cut, but a septic pencil will seal it quickly. It does NOT extend to the edge of the nail, so there is plenty of room for you to cut safely. Most pet stores carry special clippers for dogs and cats; with a hole for you to slip the nail into for easier cutting. Check your pet's nails and feet regularly for any breakage or injury - a small papercut can easily become infected within days of the initial injury. Watch how your pet walks and be attentive to any shifts in behavior or activity.
Your cat's eyes should be clear and bright; alert and attentive. If you see any cloudiness or other factors, take your pet immediately to the vet. As well, pay attention to their litter box for any blood or problems within their feces. While blood can signal many problems, it might only be an urinary infection that can be easily and quickly cleared up with antibiotics - but prompt intervention is needed to make sure that it doesn't get more serious. You can never be too sure with your pet since he/she can't talk to tell you or the vet how they are feeling, so you are the first and best line of defense for your pet. With a little attention and care your cat can live a long and happy life with you - healthy and injury-free!
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