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Health Problems in Cats and Ways of Protection
Introduction
Cats are wonderful companions that fill our lives with love and joy. Their health and happiness are of utmost importance to us. However, some health problems are commonly observed in cats, and if these issues are not detected and treated in a timely manner, they can lead to serious consequences. In this article, we will discuss common health problems in cats and ways to prevent them.
1. Digestive Issues
Digestive system problems are quite common in cats. Symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting can indicate digestive issues. These problems are often caused by improper nutrition, rapid eating, ingesting foreign objects, or intestinal parasites.
Preventive Measures:
Ensure your cat has a correct and balanced feeding program.
Use special feeding bowls or toys to slow down your cat's eating.
Applying regular parasite treatment for your cat is highly important.
Use prebiotic supplements recommended by your veterinarian to support the digestive system.
2. Urinary Tract Problems
Urinary tract problems are quite common in cats and can lead to serious health issues. Conditions such as urinary tract infections, urinary stones, or urinary blockage are common issues in cats. These problems often manifest with symptoms like changes in urination frequency, straining, or bloody urine.
Preventive Measures:
Encourage your cat's water intake to support urinary tract health. Ensure clean and fresh water is always accessible.
Use specialized foods in your cat's diet that support urinary tract health.
Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect urinary tract problems early.
3. Oral and Dental Health Issues
Oral and dental health problems are another common health issue in cats. Issues such as plaque, tartar buildup, gum diseases, and tooth loss can affect a cat's oral and dental health. These problems can manifest with symptoms like bad breath, gum irritation, and difficulty eating.
Preventive Measures:
Regularly brush your cat's teeth to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Consult your veterinarian for suitable toothbrush and toothpaste recommendations.
Use dental care products recommended by your veterinarian to support dental health.
Regular veterinary check-ups to monitor oral and dental health.
4. Respiratory Problems
Respiratory problems in cats can arise, especially due to infections in the nose and lungs. Conditions like the common cold, respiratory infections, and asthma can manifest with symptoms like difficulty breathing, coughing, and sneezing.
Preventive Measures:
Regular vaccinations for your cat can help prevent respiratory infections.
Keep your cat's living area clean and hygienic to reduce the risk of infection.
Keep your cat away from environments with triggers such as smoke and dust.
5. Obesity
Obesity in cats is a common problem that can lead to health issues. It invites problems such as diabetes, heart, and joint issues. Maintaining your cat's ideal body weight is important.
Preventive Measures:
Ensure your cat has a correct and balanced feeding program. Avoid overfeeding your cat.
Provide opportunities for exercise to keep your cat active. Schedule playtimes and encourage play.
Monitor your cat's weight by controlling the calorie content of their meals.
Conclusion
Health problems in cats are a significant concern and can lead to serious consequences if not intervened in a timely manner. Therefore, closely monitoring your cat's health and scheduling regular veterinary check-ups are important. Additionally, by providing proper nutrition, regular exercise, a clean living environment, and a loving atmosphere, you can protect your cat's health and ensure a happy life with your furry friend.
Poisoning Conditions in Cats: Causes, Symptoms and Precautions
Since cats are curious animals by nature, the risk of poisoning is always present. However, it is possible to take measures to reduce this risk and quickly detect the symptoms.
1: Causes of Poisoning in Cats
Poisoning in cats usually occurs as a result of exposure to certain substances found inside or outside the home. Here are some substances that can cause poisoning in cats:
Household Medications: Human medications like aspirin, paracetamol can be highly toxic to cats. Careful storage of human medications is important.
Household Cleaning Products: Bleach, detergents, and other household cleaning products can be toxic to cats.
Plants and Flowers: Some plants, especially those grown indoors, are poisonous to cats. Examples include lilies and ivy.
Foods: Chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and alcoholic beverages are just a few of the foods toxic to cats.
2: Symptoms of Poisoning in Cats
The symptoms that your cat may be poisoned are generally sudden and pronounced. However, sometimes the symptoms can be milder and worsen over time. Here are some symptoms of poisoning in cats:
Vomiting and/or diarrhea
Excessive drooling
Weakness, lethargy, or loss of coordination
Loss of appetite or excessive drinking
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
Changes in color of the tongue, lips, or gums
H2: What to Do in Case of Poisoning in Cats
If you think your cat has been poisoned, follow these steps immediately:
Monitor Your Cat's Symptoms: If you observe any of the symptoms listed above, there is a possibility that your cat has been poisoned.
Place the Cat in a Safe Location: Move your cat to a safe place to prevent further exposure to the toxic substance.
Identify the Cause of Poisoning: If possible, identify the source of the poison. This information will assist your veterinarian in providing the correct treatment.
Seek Veterinary Help Immediately: Take your cat to the veterinarian without delay. Provide information about the source of the poison if possible.
H2: Preventing Poisoning in Cats
As a cat owner, there are several precautions you can take to prevent poisoning in cats:
Store medications and cleaning products in a place inaccessible to cats.
Keep toxic plants away from your home.
Learn which foods are toxic to cats and keep these foods away from your cat.
Poisoning can be serious or even fatal. However, as a responsible cat owner, you can significantly reduce this risk. Take the necessary precautions for your cat's safety and health, and always be vigilant.
Causes and Solutions for Behavioral Problems in Cats
Cats can exhibit behavior problems for various reasons. Here are factors that commonly contribute to behavior issues:
1. Health Issues
Some behavior problems can be a sign of underlying health issues. For example, urinary tract infections or kidney problems can lead to a cat urinating outside the litter box. If your cat is displaying unusual behavior, it's important to consult with a veterinarian.
2. Stress and Anxiety
Cats can be affected by environmental changes or unusual situations. Factors like a new home, a new pet or family member, or even routine changes can cause stress in cats, leading to undesired behaviors.
3. Lack of Training
Some cats may exhibit problematic behaviors when they haven't received adequate training for appropriate behavior. Providing proper training for behaviors like scratching or aggression is essential.
4. Lack of Attention
When cats don't receive enough attention from their owners, they may resort to undesired behaviors to attract attention. Engaging in activities like playtime, petting, and showing affection can help prevent such behavior problems.
Solutions for Cat Behavior Problems
To address cat behavior problems, you can follow these steps:
1. Veterinary Check-Up
Remember that underlying health issues may contribute to your cat's behavior problems. The first step is to consult with a veterinarian. A vet can examine your cat to identify any health problems and recommend appropriate treatment.
2. Environmental Adjustments
Environmental factors may be the cause of your cat's behavior problems. For instance, if your cat is experiencing scratching issues, providing alternative scratching surfaces like a scratching post or door climbing panel can help protect your furniture. Additionally, ensuring an accessible and quiet area for your cat to use the litter box is important.
3. Training and Playtime
Establishing training and playtime routines is crucial for directing your cat's behavior. You can teach your cat how to use a scratching post to control scratching problems. Additionally, providing play and interaction times helps your cat expend energy in a positive way.
4. Positive Reinforcement
To correct unwanted behaviors, you can use positive reinforcement techniques. When an undesired behavior occurs, redirect your cat's attention to something else and reward positive behaviors. This encourages your cat to abandon unwanted behaviors and exhibit more appropriate ones.
5. Patience and Systematic Approach
Addressing your cat's behavior problems requires patience. Adopt a systematic approach, progressing step by step, and ensure you make progress at each stage. Keep in mind that your cat's behaviors can change and improve over time.
While dealing with behavior problems in cats can be challenging, understanding your cat and meeting its needs will make you a happier and more balanced cat owner.
Traveling and Moving with Your Cat
Many people want to include their feline friends in their travels and relocations. However, traveling or moving with your cat can present some challenges. In this article, we will discuss key points to consider when traveling and moving with your cat.
1. Travel Planning
When planning to travel with your cat, it's important to consider the following points:
Veterinary Check-Up and Travel Documents
Visit your veterinarian before travel to check your cat's health. Ensure vaccinations are up-to-date and take all necessary preventive measures.
Depending on your travel destination, consult with your veterinarian to prepare travel documents for your cat (e.g., health certificate).
Travel Tools and Carrier
Use an appropriate cat carrier or cage to keep your cat safe during travel. This ensures your cat travels comfortably and securely.
For car travel, secure your cat with a seat belt or in a designated cat carrier in the back seat. This ensures your cat stays safe during sudden stops or accidents.
Calming Methods for the Cat
Use calming methods to help your cat adjust to travel. For example, pheromone sprays can help calm cats.
Before traveling, place your cat's familiar bed or toys in the travel carrier to provide a sense of familiarity and security.
2. Long-Distance Travel
If you plan to take your cat on a long-distance journey, it's important to take the following precautions:
Breaks for Your Cat's Comfort
During long journeys, take regular breaks for your cat's comfort. Allow your cat to exit the carrier, attend to its toileting needs, and engage in some exercise.
Never leave your cat alone in the vehicle during breaks. The interior temperature can rise rapidly, especially in hot weather, posing a danger to your cat.
Water and Food Needs
For long journeys, don't overlook your cat's water and food needs. Include a water bowl and enough food for your cat in the travel carrier.
Regularly refresh your cat's water and provide its meals at regular intervals.
Accommodations and Cat-Friendly Environments
Strive to create a cat-friendly and secure environment where you'll be staying. Set up a quiet and peaceful room for your cat to feel comfortable.
Take necessary precautions at your accommodation to block access to potentially hazardous areas for your cat, such as securing electrical outlets and keeping poisonous plants out of reach.
3. Moving to a New Home
If you are planning to move with your cat, the following tips may help:
Creating a Safe Space in the New Home
To make your cat comfortable in your new home, create a safe space in advance. This helps your cat acclimate to the new environment and reduces stress.
The safe space should include your cat's food, water, litter box, and a resting area.
Shedding Season for Your Cat
The moving process can be a stressful time for your cat, and shedding may increase. Regularly brush your cat's fur and use additional shedding control products to manage its fur.
Gradual Adaptation to the New Environment
Your cat may need time and patience to adjust to its new home. Allow your cat gradual opportunities to explore the new environment.
By providing controlled access to rooms in your new home, you can allow your cat to explore and feel secure.
Traveling or moving with your cat may come with challenges, but by taking appropriate measures and prioritizing your cat's comfort, you can successfully navigate this process. Consider your cat's safety, health, and well-being, and don't forget to seek advice from your veterinarian.
What Should You Consider Before Adopting a Cat?
You may dream of having a cat as the joy of your home, your sleep companion, and your best friend, but there are things you need to know before adopting a cat. Although living with your little friend can be very enjoyable, there are some responsibilities that come with it. Before the process of adoption, you must know these details and get prepared. This way, you can take a step towards a peaceful life with your furry friend without any surprises.
Adopting a cat comes with responsibilities
Adopting a cat is not just about opening your home to a cat and showing it affection.
Sharing your life with a cat means taking responsibility for it. It is necessary to keep away from dangers and have regular check-ups for your cat to have a healthy life. In addition to following the formal adoption procedures, it's important to know that a cat needs a designated area in your home to play and a cozy corner for its cushion. Also, you must ensure that your home is safe for your cat. You may need to install safety nets on your windows.
When you adopt a cat, you have a friend who will give you joy at any moment in your home. For example, For example, your cat may clumsily move around while laying down, come and show you affection, or make you smile by chasing a fly. Thus, even in the most boring moments, you can find a loving creature and a reason to smile by your side.
In addition, cats usually sit, walk, and sleep with their owners. Wherever you are throughout the day, your cat will follow you, want to go everywhere with you, and quietly curl up in your bed to sleep. Even almost no cat likes doors to be closed. You can find your little friend waiting for you excitedly at the door even when you are in the bathroom.
Cats also need to play with you to release their energy at home. Running with them, playing fetch, and playing with fishing toys can provide enjoyable activities to spend time together.
If you haven't lived with a cat before, you should know that they have their own personalities and emotions. When you adopt a cat, you can easily learn what they like and what makes them upset by getting to know them gradually. Although the first few times may be a little nervous for both of you, you can get to know your cat well enough to understand what they want over time.
Are you Ready to Go Shopping for Your Cat?
You may think that a small kitten doesn't need much, but especially when you adopt a young kitten, you need to make a long shopping list and a budget for cat expenses at the first stage. You need to complete their needs for your cat to feel good and live a peaceful life with you. The following products should be included in your shopping list:
Firstly, you should get a suitable cat food that meets their requirements. You can consult with your veterinarian to choose the food. Additionally, you can purchase the food in small packets to make sure it won't go stale and order a large amount of these small packets to save money. Also, kittens eat different food for the first few months and then transition to adult or neutered adult cat food. For this reason, if you have a kitten, you should not stockpile too much kitten food.
You should get a food and water bowl. You should buy stainless steel food bowls that do not cause allergies. The food bowls should have enough depth for the cats to easily reach their food and water.
You should get a scratching post. It is important for cats to have a scratching post that fits their size and weight to prevent them from damaging furniture at home. You can choose small scratching posts for kittens and larger ones for adults.
A litter box and litter mat should be on your list. You should buy a larger litter box, considering that your cat will grow. The litter mat prevents litter from scattering around the house, making cleaning easier.
You should purchase cat litter. Since you don't know which litter your cat will prefer or which one you will be comfortable with at first, it's best to buy several types and brands to try. Then, you can continue to use the one your cat likes.
Cat toys are a must-have. You can start shopping by buying a few toys for your cat. Every cat should have a mouse, ball, and fishing pole toy. If you don't want your cat to develop a biting habit, you shouldn't play with it using your hands, and you should always play with them using a fishing pole toy.
A carrier is also necessary. You can buy a carrier or bag from a pet shop that you can use to safely and easily carry your cat.
In addition to these, after shedding their kitten fur, adult cats shed their adult fur seasonally. Therefore, you may need equipment such as a cat brush, fur-cleaning roller, and grooming gloves. You can purchase a cat brush that you can use daily for your cat's coat health.
You can also keep a special nail clipper for your cat in your home. Even if your cat sharpens its nails on a scratching post, their nails may grow long and require clipping. You can consult with your veterinarian to learn what you need to pay attention to when clipping your cat's nails.
Apart from the first shopping list, there are certain needs that you should meet for your cat regularly. While the breed of the cat, its gender, living habits, and the rate of food consumption may vary, you should buy a few kilograms of dry food every 1.5-2 months on average. Additionally, you can reward your cat with wet food every 10-15 days. In addition, during seasonal shedding, you should buy malt paste and fish oil in the summer and multivitamins for immunity in the winter. Of course, you also need to constantly buy cat litter, fur rollers, and cat toys as they get lost or worn out.
You Should Follow Your Cat's Vaccination Schedule
You will memorize your cat's vaccination schedule after a while, but in the beginning, you can ask your veterinarian to remind you of their vaccinations. If you are a kitten owner, you can get information from your veterinarian about their first vaccinations. In later years, you can get rabies, leukemia, and distemper (FVRCP) shots once a year.
Internal and external parasite vaccines are given every few months or every month depending on the climate where you live. The responsibility for all of these vaccines is yours. Your cat must have all its vaccines up-to-date to your travels, and its ID is checked before the trip. You should be careful to ensure that your cat's vaccines are up-to-date for both its health and travel.
When sharing your home with a cat, you should always meet its needs and show it love and care. This way, you can help your little friend live a healthy and peaceful life.
What Are the Activities for Pet Cats?
An orange cat who can compete with Garfield in laziness, a tabby cat who challenges Sherlock Holmes in investigating and reaching conclusions about the surroundings, a Turkish angora that can disappear among your white quilt cover set... Regardless of their breed, fur color, and age, your pet needs to play games. Your cat tries to meet this need by playing "hunter-prey" games with another cat in the house if there is one it can get along with. However, as a cat owner, it is important to encourage your cat to play for its physical and mental health. So, how can you motivate your cat to play and what can you use for activities?
Making Your Little Friend Ready for Cat Activities Is Easier
It is not always easy to get to move cats who are experts in eating, sleeping, and eating a little more after waking up and then sleeping again. Of course, there is an exception to this. If your cute friend at home is a furry little baby in the growth stage, their factory defaults are already adjusted for playing games. A paper crumpled up the size of a cat's paw and thrown in front of them, or a little fly that unfortunately enters your room can become the subject of an activity that will last for minutes and leave your little cat out of breath. If you have a young kitten who likes to play games with you in physical interaction, getting a cat fishing rod can make things more enjoyable for you. In the first few months, it is recommended that you play with your little furry friend with cat fishing rods to avoid possible skin scratches and minor injuries, as they may want to taste your hands during playtime. This way, you can keep your cat away from behaviors that they may repeat when they grow up, such as attacking hands and feet.
If your kitten has behaviors during playtime that you don't want, such as scratching the couch, climbing the curtains, or jumping on the counter, you can use positive reinforcement-based training methods. For example, if your kitten can't help but scratch your furniture while looking into your eyes during playtime and preparing its claws for the next play session, you can buy a scratching post for them. You can direct your kitten to use the scratching post with treats. You can show your little furry friend how to use the scratching post, who sees you as a "big cat" at home and can sometimes mimic your physical behaviors. It may seem silly to you, but if you rub your fingers as if you are filing your nails, your furry friend can happily repeat this behavior. To show your appreciation for this repetition, you can give your furry friend a treat.
Get an Irresistible Cat Toy for Your Adult Cat for Playtime
After quite a fun game that lasts around 30-40 minutes, your kitten will continue to follow this activity process in its first few months, sometimes dozing off in its favorite sleeping spot and sometimes in the middle of where it plays. However, as your cat grows up, it will get bored with routine games and naturally look for new ones. To break the routine and channel them into new fun activities, you can check out cat toy models that offer different kinds of fun, each one promising its own entertainment. Toys such as jingling balls, plush mice, tumbler toys, cat lasers indispensable for jumping games, and many more, will create completely different play areas for your cat. Toys that can satisfy cats' hunting instincts can help them enjoy playtime not only with you or other cats in the house but also on their own. If you are considering different activities to keep your adult cat busy, you can purchase an activity tower, an activity tunnel, or specially designed intelligence toys that will pique your cats' curiosity.
Veterinarians recommend that cats whose activity level gradually decreases and may begin to gain weight after being neutered should be included in physical activities so that they can maintain a quality life by staying away from excess weight. That's why you might want to consider getting a cat tunnel for your cat, especially if it tends to be a bit whiny about its playtime. Cat tunnels offer entertainment that no cat can resist, and if you have more than one cat at home, they allow them to play hide-and-seek games. If your curious furry friend is not initially interested in the tunnel you brought home, you can put treats in certain areas of the tunnel or give their favorite wet food from the end of it. Your cat will memorize every millimetre of the tunnel in just a few minutes and will start to do the exercises and physical activities it needs. If you also support the cat tunnel with a cat tree, the fluffy ball of fur will be on cloud nine. Depending on the model you purchase, the structural complexity of the cat tree and cat houses may vary, and they offer entertainment at the level of how many scratchable and climbable parts they have. Cat trees, especially those containing parts that cats can enter horizontally and vertically, provide an environment for multiple cats to play hide-and-seek.
We wish you and your furry friend a fun playtime! You can enjoy playtime and feel lucky that you share your home with a child who will never grow up. Also playing games that will positively affect their health.
Life Stages of Cats
Kittens weigh only two small eggs when born, and are completely unaware of their surroundings. Their eyes are initially blue but soon change color. These are some of their characteristics. The adventurous growth process of these cute furry creatures that you share your life, home, and sometimes your food with, continues until they become adults. Enables you to learn new facts about them. If you want to refresh your knowledge about the life stages of cats or learn brand new info, you can take a closer look down below.
Kitten: Hello Purr-fect World!
After spending approximately 60-70 days in its mother's womb with its siblings, a kitten is born as a tiny creature weighing an average of 80 grams, or two small eggs, as mentioned. Its size varies depending on its breed and the number of siblings, but like all other kittens, its sensory organs are initially non-functional, and it cannot hear until the second week of its life. Its eyes start to open on the third day, but its vision is not as good as an adult cat's until the end of the second week. The kitten's skeletal and muscular system develops rapidly and making its motor skills functional as it receives all the necessary nutrients from its mother's milk. In the beginning, it may waddle and occasionally fall on its bottom, but this does not last long. In the fifth week, the kitten, which weighs up to 500 grams, continues its growth process with activities such as walking and even running. With its fully open eyes and developing hearing, the little pawsome friend can interact more comfortably with the outside world. In the sixth week, when its teeth are fully grown, you can switch to solid food. If it is no longer nursing from its mother and is being fed with wet food.
The development process of a kitten is crucial, and kittens that are separated from their mother need to be raised under the supervision and special care. If you have to take care of such a small kitten, it is essential to consult your veterinarian and follow their instructions regarding care and feeding because maintaining a body temperature between 35.7 and 37.7 degrees Celsius, which is provided by the mother and siblings, and being fed with their mother's milk, are vital for the kitten's survival. After completely passing its infancy stage and being a few weeks old, the little furball in your home will continue to grow at an unexpected pace.
Rapid Transition from Kittenhood to Adulthood in Cats
Breaking mews, one of the cutest creatures in the world is a two-month-old kitten. If you have successfully welcomed the second month with your adopted kitten, you can prepare to witness its rapid growth period. Your purr-tner, who will start to notice its presence in the house and its position next to you, can continue to eat wet food, dry food or BARF diet depending on your feeding style. However, at this stage, the vaccination process will begin. Which also concerns its health. In accordance with the vaccination schedule provided by your veterinarian, internal-external parasite and distemper shots are a must for your kitten when it is around 8-9 weeks old. If its nutrition is regular, your kitten will gain a lot of weight which will become healthier and grow faster by being rid of possible parasites. In fact, the weight of the kitten, which was 80 grams at birth, can reach 1500 grams (yes, 18.75 times) when it enters the third month. At this point, there is no need to think that your cat has gained too much weight. Because your cute little furball, who evaluates all the food it eats as building blocks for itself with all its mobility, will continue to gain weight and grow in all dimensions. You should be careful to feed it with the right nutrients during this process. If necessary, you can also get support from vitamin-mineral supplements under the supervision of your veterinarian.
The answer to the question asked by cat lovers "When do cats complete their growth?" is 1.5 years. Kittens continue to grow rapidly and complete their development at 1.5 years of age. Cats, who become adults are recommended to be neutered before entering heat because their reproductive abilities develop parallel to their own growth. It is valuable for both the health and well-being of your cat to take into account the recommendations and guidance of your veterinarian who performs detailed examinations of your cat regarding the surgery process. If not neutered, male cats may exhibit entrenched negative behaviors and a desire to escape from home, while female cats may exhibit heat behaviors first and encounter health problems in later stages. You may want your cat to be neutered to prevent all of these issues. After neutering, a new chapter begins for your cat. You can easily observe that your cat, who starts to move less compared to before due to the effects of hormones but also gets rid of restlessness due to mating desire, has become a source of peace in your home. You can feed your cat with special formulas for neutered cats or natural alternatives during this process and prevent him from gaining excess weight.
We wish you healthy and happy years with your cat, whose every stage of growth is a unique experience and will teach you more than you could ever imagine. Remember, your cat needs you as much as you need them, and even though it may not show it, your cat loves you as much as you love them back!
Introducing a New Pet to Other Household Pets
As many cat owners notice, some breeds can have personalities that are difficult to read. Depending on a variety of factors, including their upbringing, some of our pawsome friends can be timid while others can have friendly, social, and inviting personalities.
Many people believe that cats do better as the only pet in a household, but this is not necessarily true. In fact, if you have a cat, it is recommended that you also have another pet at home. That's because cats are truly social creatures, and if they are left alone too often, they can develop behavioral problems, depression, and more.
If you already have a cat or another furry friend at home and considering adopting another cute fur-ever friend, there are a few things you should keep in mind before adopting them. In this post, we will review what you need to consider before introducing another pet to your household and some tips to introduce them easily and smoothly.
Why Do Cats Living Under the Same Roof Fight Each Other?
Cats socialize from the fourth week of their lives. This usually happens with their siblings, but "single-born kittens" are the only exception. During this period, they learn all their social skills from their mothers or siblings. When they grow up with their kind, they are more likely to get along with other cats, but they may not always get along with other animals and different species of cats. Introducing a current cat to a new cat is not as simple as it seems. Cats are more possessive than other pets and may want to be the sole owner of the house. Bringing a new furry friend to a home with an adult cat can initiate a long and controlled introduction process. Of course, this depends directly on the species and personalities. The cause of the fight may be related to the idea of sharing their food or a decrease in the attention they receive.
Here are the steps and tips that need to be taken to introduce cats to other friends with paws.
Get to Know Your Current Pet
The current pet you will introduce to your new cat, may be a dog, reptile, bird or another cat. Therefore, you need to know your cute friend's behavior and their reaction to good or bad situations in advance. Because they may give signals that they are not ready for introduction. Catching these small clues can help you understand that you need to change your introduction method and prevent both pets from getting hurt.
Prepare Your Home for Your New Cat
Preparing your home for your new feline friend is one of the first steps you need to take before introducing them to their new living space.
Create a safe room designated for your furry friend. Think of this space as a sanctuary for your cat as they adjust to the new scents and sounds of their home. A safe room can be any size, but make sure it has a door, a ceiling, and a place for your new friend to hide. Additionally, you should equip the room with food, water, a litter box, and toys to meet your cat's basic needs.
Take Time to Introduce Them
Like humans, cats have unique personalities. While some may easily befriend their new feline sibling, others may need more time to adjust to a home with other pets. Rushed introductions can result in unwanted outcomes such as aggression and stress. Since cats may approach rodents and birds as food, it's important to allow them to spend time together in safe areas and to let them get used to each other.
Start Controlled Meetings
You can allow furry friends to see each other through some kind of a barrier when your current pet's behavior turns back to normal and your new pet cat exhibits social behavior or wants to explore outside of its room. However, this should be very controlled and should take place in a safe area for both.
Your next step is to choose a barrier that will serve as a buffer. You can use baby gates to introduce your new friend to the current cat in separate locations. This allows them to see, smell and interact with each other without physical contact. You can also use a cat carrier to introduce your two cats and keep them separate and safe. This applies to other pawed friends as well. Everyone should be in their own safe space, but they should have an open line of sight and eat together in the same place.
Feed Them Together
You can make them eat the same food they love at the same time to get used to each other in their own safe spaces. This will help them remember the time they spent together as a pleasant memory and condition them. You can also allow them to play with a beloved toy, not just food. Cats may be more compatible with each other, but the same may not be true for dogs. In this case, you should be patient and extend the introduction process to the dog over a longer period in a controlled manner. Because dogs and cats are beings that can live in the same house, and they will be able to adapt to each other, although it may take a long time.
Meet Without Barriers
When the new and old members of the house start to behave naturally in their own space, you can plan an unbarred meeting. At this stage, you can observe their attitudes towards each other by removing the barrier. If there is no negative behavior, you should not interrupt and wait for them to communicate with each other when they feel ready. If there is any excessive aggression beyond some hissing or showing teeth, go back to the previous step and try again when you feel that the cats are ready enough. This process may take several months, so patience is essential.
Why Do Cats Shed?
Our special companions with their pink noses, tiny paws, and fluffy fur, can experience problems such as shedding from time to time. The amount of shedding varies depending on your cat's age, breed, weight, feeding habits, living conditions, and psychology. While cats' shedding is generally considered normal, it can also be a sign of a serious health problem.
When Do Cats Shed?
If you live with a cat, you should also get used to living with cat hair. Shedding is very natural and normal for cats. Just like human hair, cats shed after completing their life cycle and make room for new and healthy fur.
Shedding, which is often seen during seasonal changes, means that your cat is healthy and will adapt to the new season by getting rid of dead fur. This process, called seasonal shedding, is particularly intense in the spring months. Your little friend starts to grow thicker and denser fur towards winter, while in the summer months, it needs thin and sparse fur. If these hairs are not shed in a timely manner, they can cause irritation on your cat's skin.
Excessive shedding outside of seasonal changes may indicate an abnormality. When you encounter such a situation, it is best for your cat's health to consult a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of shedding as soon as possible.
Why Do Cats Shed?
In addition to living and dietary conditions, there may be both physical and psychological reasons for fur loss in cats.
Hair Loss Related to Nutrition
The way you feed your cat is very important for its fur health. Cats that are not fed in a balanced and adequate way begin to develop developmental disorders as well as skin and fur problems.
Many foods that are beneficial for humans are toxic to cats. Therefore, you should be careful not to feed your furry friend with home-cooked meals, no matter how insistent they may be. These foods can cause many bad outcomes for cats such as diarrhea, vomiting, and kidney failure.
To maintain your little friend's overall health as well as their skin and fur health, you should use cat-specific foods produced for them. These foods, which carefully provide the amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fat that your cat needs, are composed of ingredients that also support their digestive systems. In this way, you can prevent hair loss due to reasons such as insufficient or excessive protein intake, or vitamin, and mineral deficiency.
Additionally, feeding them stale food and spoiled food also negatively affects their skin and fur health. Therefore, when choosing food for your furry friend, you should be careful to choose well-known and reliable brands and pay attention to storage conditions.
Shedding Caused by Stress
Just like humans, these excited, curious, and cute creatures can become stressed and unhappy in certain situations. Especially, the disruption of their daily routines is one of the main reasons for cat stress. Situations such as a stranger coming to the house, adopting a new pet, a baby joining the family, home renovations, thunderstorms, and strong winds can stress your cat.
When you encounter such a situation, you should first help to reduce your cat's stress. By regulating the conditions that bother your pawsome friend, you can ensure that they are exposed to them to the least.
You can help reduce their stress by showing more affection, playing with them more frequently, and being careful not to raise your voice in a way that is different from normal. If their anxious state persists, you should not neglect to visit your veterinarian.
Shedding Due to Illness
Shedding can be an indicator of a health problem your cat is experiencing. Some diseases that cause hair loss in cats are:
Parasites: Shedding is usually due to parasites. Both internal and external parasites cause intense shedding. Therefore, never neglect your cat's parasite treatments.
Fungal Infections: Another common disease is fungal infections. Shedding due to fungal infections, usually seen regionally, occurs more on the back of the ears and on the back of the cat. In advanced cases of fungal infection, hair loss is accompanied by scaling and itching on the skin.
Allergy: When cats have allergies to any substance, they often scratch themselves and constantly lick the allergic area to relieve their discomfort. As a result, the hair in the area begins to fall out.
Hormonal Hair Loss
Like in humans, hormonal changes also lead to hair loss in cats. Therefore, it is normal for your cat to shed excess hair during its heat, mating, and pregnancy periods. You can consider neutering your cat to prevent shedding during these periods.
How to Prevent Shedding?
You can reduce your cat's shedding problem by taking some precautions. Including:
Pay attention to your cat's fur and skin health. Get a cat comb suitable for your cat's fur structure and comb it regularly. This way, you can easily collect dead hair before it falls out.
Do not neglect their vaccinations and other medical treatments.
Use vitamin and mineral supplements recommended by your veterinarian without skipping.
Avoid or minimize situations that will stress your furry friend.
Cats should not be washed due to their ability to clean themselves, but in some special cases, washing may be necessary. In such cases, you should wash your cat with special cat shampoos developed for its skin and hair, rather than normal shampoos.
Not neglecting your cute friend's routine checks and making a food choice based on its age, weight, and allergy sensitivities help them live a healthy and long life. Apart from seasonal shedding, you can also ensure that your little friend is always peaceful and happy by following your veterinarian's recommendations.
How to Care for Kittens and Adult Cats?
If you have decided to share your home with a kitten or adult cat, you should know that there is nothing to worry about as long as you take care of its needs and take minimum safety precautions in your home. With the information and guidance you will read shortly, you can make your cat the source of joy in your home and build a strong bond with it. Remember, as you make your furry friend happy, it will try to make you happier.
How to Care for Kittens?
If you have adopted a kitten that is no longer cared for by its mother, which usually happens around two months old, you can consider yourself one of the luckiest people in the world. A little cat that needs attention and love, separated from its mother and siblings, can be one of the few things that can positively change your life. So, how should you take care of your little friend?
It is best to start with the question "What do kittens eat?" because your kitten at home has a high-speed metabolism and is still in the growth stage, so it can get hungry frequently and wants to eat every three to four hours. Although it has already passed the baby stage and has teeth, it may have difficulty consuming dry cat food, so it is advisable to get wet cat food for its nutrition. The amount of wet food you give, which is indicated on the usage instructions of the product you buy or recommended by your veterinarian, will fill your kitten's stomach - at least for a while. But a few hours later, the little one's stomach will start growling again. The ingredients of wet cat food require the nutritional needs of kittens until they switch to dry food or a BARF diet later. Since it contains a large amount of moisture, you need to put clean water near the food bowl for your furry friend to drink enough water.
After consuming food, your kitten's need for a litter box will arise. If you have purchased cat litter and a litter box, you can direct your kitten there. Cats instinctively use areas like soil and sand to dig and do their business and then cover their waste. The behavior of your tiny ball of fur at home will be in this direction as well. The only thing you need to do to ensure that your cat completes the toilet process safely is to show it where the litter box is. Holding your furry friend and placing it in the litterbox is sufficient for this. It can easily find this place during toilet breaks by following its instinctual GPS.
Life can sometimes present you with difficult tests, and one of these tests may involve taking care of a kitten that needs its mother's milk. If the baby cat you adopted cannot eat solid food and cannot take care of its toilet needs on its own, you will need to obtain a cat bottle and cat milk powder. You can feed your kitten by filling the bottle with the mixture you prepare as recommended. Regarding toilet needs, you can make your baby kitten urinate and defecate by massaging its urinary organs with a wet cotton swab. Don't worry, this process will pass quickly, and your kitten, which fits in your palm, will start eating solid food and using cat litter when it gets a little bigger.
Caring for an Adult Stray Cat
Your job is considered easier compared to taking care of a kitten if you have decided to adopt a friendly cat that you see while going to work or roaming around your home and trying to communicate with you. Unlike a kitten that has just been separated from its mother and siblings, the stray cat you will adopt may have been negatively affected by outdoor conditions and carry parasites such as fleas. Don't worry and don't cool off from the cat you adopted for this reason. Make sure that, your purr-fect friend is not happy to host fleas and needs your help.
At this stage, the first thing you need to do is to buy a carrier that you can carry the stray cat you adopted and take the cat to the veterinarian. After your veterinarian accomplishes the cat's tests, they will administer the necessary internal and external parasite vaccines to get rid of fleas. If your cat's general condition is good, in addition to relevant vaccines, they can also administer distemper and rabies vaccines for cats. Meanwhile, you may have questions such as "Can cats be bathed?" for extreme cases like this. Many veterinarians who are experts in their field do not recommend bathing cats. These cute creatures can clean themselves even if they are very dirty, thanks to their tongue's special structure and secretion.
After all the procedures, your cat may feel a little weak due to the effect of the vaccines, but don't worry. Your furry friend, who is glad to find its forever home, will consume the wet and dry cat foods you offer, drink its water and meet its toilet needs with the litter you bought. Then it will start getting to know its new home and playing fun games with the lucky human friend who opened its home.
What You Need to Know About Caring and Training
Whether your furry friend is a kitten or an adult, you should get a scratching post to help your cat maintain a healthy skeletal and muscular system by sharpening its claws and doing stretching exercises.
Your furry friend takes care of its fur by licking itself. However, you can also help by collecting weak hairs on your cat before it does. You can use cat hairbrushes or cat gloves for this. If your cat is shedding unexpectedly, it could be due to stress or food-related issues. In such a case, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
Cat vaccinations are crucial. You should get your kitten and adult cat vaccinated regularly according to the annual schedule, consulting your veterinarian. While the leukemia vaccine is not mandatory, it would be beneficial to discuss the risks and benefits of this vaccine with your veterinarian.
Your mischievous kitten may want to bite your hands or feet during playtime. At night, if you leave your bedroom door open - if you close it, it will meow, asking you to open it as it doesn't want to be alone - it will climb into your bed. Be patient and remember that your tiny kitten has only been in this world for a few weeks. To prevent your cat from biting your hands and feet during playtime, include cat toys and chewable soft textured toys in your games. To prevent nighttime playtime adventures, tire your furry friend out by playing with it before bedtime. This will help you both sleep and wake up at similar times.
If your little friend has unwanted behavior, use positive reinforcement techniques such as giving treats and clickers for cat training. Use a soft tone of voice when communicating with your cat. When your cat tries to do something you don't want it to do, use a more authoritative tone of voice. Do not yell at your cat or punish it. Reward your cat's positive behavior by petting and hugging it or giving it treats.
Wishing you happiness in the fun adventure with your cat. Your cat will learn a lot from you on this journey, but make sure that your furry friend will also teach you many things.