|
|
|
|
|
|
American Veterinary Center
Happier & Healthier Pets |
30-
El Gezira EL Wosta Street
Zamalik , Cairo, Egypt. 11211
Tel .# 02 27376664
Mob.# 016 8877005 |
|
|
|
Visit
Us Today
|
|
|
|
|
A few fundamentals
Cats, now the most popular pet
in North America and Europe, were once described as
asocial animals, but this is no longer regarded as true.
Although very different from dogs, cats also need
interaction and most importantly, your loving attention!
When you bring a new kitten or cat into your home you’ll
have to decide whether your pet will live strictly
indoors or will be allowed outside. There are advantages
and disadvantages in both cases. Free-roaming cats are
prone to more illnesses and have a much shorter life
expectancy, as they can be hit by cars, attacked by
other animals and exposed to internal and external
parasites such as fleas, worms and ear mites.
Conversely, if your cat never ventures outside you must
provide him or her with physical and mental stimulation,
including interaction with you, exercise, scratching
posts and a clean toilet area. Whatever decision you
make, following a few simple guidelines to direct your
cat’s behavior can ensure that harmony reigns in your
cat-loving household!
Make sure you have a post that’s up to scratch
 Scratchingjust
comes naturally to cats. An instinctive activity
that begins when kittens are five weeks old,
scratching allows cats to leave chemical and visual
signals that, among other functions, serve as
“messages” to other cats and animals. However,
what’s entirely normal for your cat can become a big
problem for you if he starts scratching your carpets
and furniture. If this happens, you can cover or
remove the tempting object or use plastic Nail Caps™
that are glued to the cat’s claws. Unfortunately,
these caps must be cut and replaced every month and
some cats do not tolerate them. Therefore, an
easier, more practical solution is to provide kitty
with a special scratching place, usually a post, of
his own. As befits the feline reputation, you may
find that your kitten or cat may be slightly picky
about what kind of scratching post he or she will
agree to use.
|
Not all commercially available
scratching posts are equally attractive to all cats.
Posts that some cats might find acceptable have sisal,
cardboard, wood or wood composite surfaces.
Some cat owners have found that making their own
posts, whether from soft logs, tree stumps or a piece
of 2 x 4 wood covered in sisal or another material
with a longitudinal weave does the trick.
The most important characteristics of a post are that
it be taller than the cat when he stands on his hind
legs, sturdy enough not to tip over and located in a
prominent, easily accessible area.
A board about 6-8 inches wide by 12-14 inches long
attached to a wall can also work well.
Whatever its construction, the scratching post or
board should not be changed as long as your cat is
still using it. The more scratched and awful looking,
the more your cat will love and use it instead of your
furniture!
|
|
Playtime helps keep your cat healthy and happy
 Makesure
your kitten or cat has lots of opportunities for
interesting, challenging play that will satisfy his
natural instincts and provide him with much-needed
activity. Find toys that bounce or flutter—there are many
available—that he can pretend to “chase,” “hunt” and
“capture.” Some cats love to chase moving spots of light,
whether they’re produced by mirrors or flashlights. You
can also attach a ball of aluminum foil to a long string
and tie it to your belt or waist. As you move about, your
cat will have a great time interacting with you while
trying to “catch” the ball. Just be sure to make the
string long enough that kitty doesn’t accidentally catch
your leg! You should try to have at least one daily,
15-minute interactive play session with your cat,
especially if he is often left alone. |
Cats
appreciate clean facilities, too!
 Catsare
fastidious creatures, so providing your pet with a clean,
easily accessible toilet area will help minimize any
litter problems. Cats generally prefer unscented,
soft-textured fine litter. Some cats like to urinate in
one box and defecate in another so the ideal number of
litter boxes is one box per cat plus one. Therefore, a
two-cat household should have three litter boxes placed on
different floors or in different rooms. Don’t put litter
boxes next to noisy equipment such as furnaces or washing
machines—cats prefer quiet. Scoop out fecal matter (and
urine if you use a clumping litter) daily. Wash boxes with
water and mild dish soap once a week if you use
non-clumping litter or once a month if you use the
clumping type. Do not use Lysol or Pinesol type products
to wash the litter box. Elimination outside the box can
occur for several different reasons, various medical
conditions being the most common. If you suspect your cat
might have such a condition, consult your veterinarian for
a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. |
Spraying or urine marking
 Spraying,or
urine marking, is a normal behavior in cats with intact
sexual organs, and as well in neutered male or spayed
female cats. In fact, as many as 10% of castrated male and
5% of sterilized female adult cats spray regularly.
Spraying is often associated with the presence of other
cats (both inside and outside the home) or other stresses,
such as changes in the cat’s environment (a new roommate,
pet or baby, or perhaps a change in the amount of time the
cat is left alone), that can cause anxiety. Spraying may
be the way your cat communicates his anxiety. Treatment is
available—ask your veterinarian.
Diane Frank, DVM
Diplomate ACVB |
|
|
|
|
|
We understand that
your pet is a very special member of your family. |
 |
|
|
|
|