Cat Facts

Choosing and Caring for Your New Cat

In choosing a new kitten or cat, take care to look for signs that indicate good health and temperament. The cat should have clear, bright eyes with little or no tearing,and the nostrils should be clean. Runny eyes, sneezing, or a nasal discharge can indicate a respiratory infection. The inside of the ears should be clean and free of any discharge. A black, tar-like discharge in the ear canal usually indicates an ear-mite infestation, while a pus-like discharge is oftenseen if there is a bacterial or yeast infection. The mouth and gums should be pink, with no evidence of ulcers or sores. The coat should be glossy, and there should be no bare spots, dry skin, dandruff, or any evidence of external parasites. The cat should not be too thin or have a protruding belly, sinceeither condition can indicate the presence of internal parasites or some other medical disorder. Ifpossible, make sure the cat has normal, well-formed feces.

The cat or kitten should be friendly and comfortable with people. A physically sound cat is active, bright, responsive, rambunctious, and eager to join in play.  Beware of a cat that frequently runs and hides or sleeps more than normal.

Once a kitten has been weaned from its mother (usually at about 8 weeks of age), it is ready for
adoption. Before accepting the new cat, a prospective owner should ask questions about
vaccinations, nutrition, parasite control, and grooming.

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General Grooming Tips

Grooming is much easier if you begin the procedure when your cat is still young. This way, the cat will grow to accept grooming as a pleasant routine rather than as a desperation-based chore. A good brush or a steel comb is a necessity for any cat owner. By brushing or combing the cat regularly, you can keep its hair coat clean, shiny, and sleek. Any loose fur removed during grooming will not wind up on the furniture, and your cat will have fewer problems with fur accumulating in the gastrointestinal tract. An extra benefit is that by regularly grooming your cat, you have an opportunity to examine the skin for parasites or disease.

A second necessity for any cat owner is a good set of nail clippers. Trimming the nails regularly reduces the likelihood of damage caused by sharp claws, and lessens the possibility of a nail growing into the foot pad and causing infection. Again, if you start the routine when the cat is young, you will find the task easier as it gets older. Ask your veterinarian for a lesson on how to trim your cats
claws.

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