Pet care: Cats

Bathing, Feeding, and Grooming Cats

Bathing cats:

• Cats normally don't require bathing, but if your cat does need a bath, don't try to do it alone, get someone to help you. A cat gets panicky on a slippery surface, so place a towel or rug over the side of the tub or basin for the cat to cling to. Hold the cat with one hand and lather quickly with the other. 
• Make certain the water is lukewarm.
• Use a hand-held spray hose to thoroughly wet your pet, taking care not to spray directly in her ears, eyes and nose. If you don’t have a spray hose, a plastic pitcher or unbreakable cup.
• Always use shampoo for cats, buy them from pet stores & follow proper instructions. 
• Wash the head, ears, and neck first. If you don't, any fleas that are on the animal will take refuge there while you clean the rest of its body. Be careful not to get shampoo in the eyes.
• To avoid colds, keep your cat inside for several hours after a bath.
• Wrap your cat in a large towel and dry her with it in a warm place, away from drafts. 
• Do not keep your cat in the water for too long.

Grooming Cats

• When your cat starts to shed hair, usually after the cold-weather months, massage its coat with your hands, then stroke the animal from head to tail with your palms. 
• If you encounter tangled fur when combing a long-haired cat, use your fingers, not a comb, to separate the tangles.
• When brushing short-haired cats, be sure to brush between the shoulders where the cat can't reach to groom itself.
• Your cat's claws will be easier to trim if you press the paw to expose the nails. Use special clippers from the pet supply store - never use human nail clippers on a cat. 
• Clean only that part of the ear canal that you can see, using a cotton swab soaked in mineral oil or alcohol. This should be done monthly.

Feeding Cats

• Never offer bones to your cat, they may catch in your pet's throat.
• If moist pet food is not eaten within two hours, refrigerate it. Dry food and biscuits are the only foods that can be left out for any length of time.
• Do not feed dog food to a cat. Buy only cat food.
• If you're going to change your pet's diet, do it gradually. A sudden change may be a shock to the animal's system.
• Don't worry if your cat eats grass; many animals actually graze.
• On a hot day, fill your pet's bowl with cold tap water and freshen it often.

You can always get some good tips and tricks about taking care of your kitty by reading a good book about raising cats.