Cat Dental Care

Your cat needs clean, sharp teeth and healthy gums. Damage to the tongue, teeth, palate and gums can lead to many health risks for felines, but these can be prevented with regular home check-ups and good old-fashioned brushings.

• If your kitty’s mouth has an abnormally strong odor, he may have digestive problems or a gum condition such as gingivitis, and should be examined by a vet.
• With your cat facing you, gently push back his lips and take a look. The gums should be firm and pink, not white or red, and should show no signs of swelling. The teeth should be clean and free of any brownish tartar, and none should be loose or broken.
• Watch for any of the following signs that could indicate problems in your cat’s mouth:
• Dark red line along the gums
• Red and swollen gums
• Ulcers on gums or tongue
• Loose teeth
• Pus
• Difficulty chewing food
• Excessive drooling
• Excessive pawing at the mouth area
• At any sign of gum inflammation, you should take your cat in for a veterinary exam. If left untreated, gum disease can develop, possibly leading to tooth loss or inability to eat Inflammation may also point to an internal problem like kidney disease or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.
• Bacteria and plaque-forming foods can cause a buildup on a cat’s teeth. This can harden into tartar, possibly causing gingivitis, receding gums and tooth loss.
• All you’ll need to brush your cat’s teeth are cotton swabs and a small toothbrush and tube of toothpaste formulated for felines. You can also use salt and water. Ask your vet to suggest the brushing supplies that he trusts, and be sure never to use toothpaste designed for people—the ingredients can be unhealthy for your cat.

Brush your cat’s teeth at home by following these simple steps:

1. First get your cat used to the idea of having her teeth brushed. Start by gently massaging her gums with your fingers or touching a cotton swab to them.
2. After a few sessions, put a little bit of cat-formulated toothpaste on her lips to get her used to the taste.
3. Introduce a toothbrush designed especially for cats—it will be smaller than human toothbrushes and have softer bristles. Toothbrushes that you can wear over your finger are also available and allow you to give a nice massage to your cat’s gums.
4. Apply the toothpaste to her teeth for a gentle brushing.

Chew toys can satisfy your cat’s natural desire to chomp, while making her teeth strong. Gnawing on a chew toy can also help floss your cat’s teeth, massage her gums and scrape away soft tartar.

If your cat suffers from any of the symptoms mentioned below, please see the vet right away:

• Gingivitis: This inflammation of the gums is mainly seen in older cats. It may start as a dark red line bordering on the teeth. If left untreated, gums may become sore and ulceration may occur. This may be a sign of FIV or other infection.
• Periodontitis: If gingivitis invades the tooth socket, the tooth may become loose and an abscess may form.
• Stomatitis: This inflammation of the mouth lining may result from a foreign body in the mouth, a viral disease or dental problems. The cat will have difficulty eating and the inside of the mouth will appear red.
• Rodent Ulcer: A slowly enlarging sore or swelling on the upper lip.
• Salivary Cyst: If salivary glands or ducts that carry saliva to the mouth become blocked, a cyst may form under the tongue.
• Mouth Ulcers: Ulcers on a cat’s tongue and gums are sometimes caused by feline respiratory or kidney disease.

Cat Grooming Tips

A clean cat is a happy cat, and we're here to help! From nail trims to bathing, a little maintenance goes a long way. Read on to find out how to keep your kitty’s eyes, ears, teeth, skin and fur healthy and clean. Please note: There are some cats who do not tolerate being groomed. If your cat fights the grooming process, and there is some potential that injury could occur to your cat or yourself, please make an appointment with a professional groomer or a veterinarian to have your cat groomed.

Bathing Your Cat

With her built-in grooming tools (tongue and teeth), your fastidious feline is well-equipped to tackle her own hair care needs. But if she is very dirty or gets into something sticky or smelly, you may need to give her a bath. Follow these steps to ensure minimal stress and maximum efficiency.

Brushing Your Cat

Brushing your cat not only removes dirt, grease and dead hair from her coat, but it helps to remove skin flakes and stimulates blood circulation, improving the overall condition of her skin. One or two brushings per week will help kitty to keep her healthy glow—and you’ll find that regular sessions are especially beneficial when your cat ages and is no longer able to groom so meticulously on her own.

Skin Problems

The condition of your cat’s skin is an indication of her overall health. When a skin problem occurs, your cat may respond with excessive scratching, chewing and/or licking. A wide range of causes—from external parasites and allergies to seasonal changes and stress, or a combination of these—may be affecting your cat’s skin and should be investigated. Skin problems are one of the most common reasons pet parents seek veterinary care.

Shedding

Shedding is a cat’s natural process of losing dead hair. Indoor cats can shed all year-round. Regularly grooming your cat and vacuuming hair from your house should minimize the inconvenience of shedding. However, if you see bald patches in your cat’s fur or notice a significant loss of hair, the underlying cause may be a health-related problem and should be investigated by a veterinarian.

Ear CareYour cat’s ears may be able to pick up the sound of a bag of treats being opened across the house, but they could still use a little help staying clean. Monitoring your kitty’s ears once per week for wax, debris and infection will help those sensitive sonar detectors stay perky and alert to your every move.

Healthy Paws

Cats need healthy feet to scratch, climb and achieve their famed acrobatic landings. That’s why it’s important to regularly examine and clean your cat’s paws and make sure they’re wound-free.

Nail Care

Does your kitty disappear when the clippers come out? Do you have to wrap her in a towel to give her a manicure? Follow these steps to help your cat relax while you trim.
Source. ASPCA

Source: Cathealth.com

Cats and humans don't always speak the same language. In fact, some things we do to try and show our cats love might actually be harming them. Learn more here: "You Love Spoiling Your Cat, but Should You?"

Luckily, there are easy ways to let your kitty know you adore her. We've compiled some here to help you bridge the communication gap between you and your feline friend.

Slow Eye Blink at Her

Cats slow eye blink at each other and at their humans when they're feeling relaxed and loving. You can slow eye blink back at your cat, too, and she'll understand the feline gesture as love. Learn more here: "Why Do Cats Do the Slow Eye Blink?: It's a Kitty 'Eye Love You'!"

Use Interactive Toys to Play with Her

Cats are predators, but they often don't get to use those instincts as much as they need to when they're house cats.

You can allow your cat the outlet of chasing prey by providing interactive toys for her. Spend at least 10 minutes a day playing with your cat using a wand toy. A toy like the Frolicat Cheese Cat Toy can be great, too.

Predator-prey play helps keeps cats mentally and physically healthy.

Give Her Whiskers a Break

Did you know that cats can get whisker fatigue? If you're using water and food bowls that push back on her whiskers when she eats and drinks, you may be unwittingly causing your cat pain.

Get a cat fountain and an anti-whisker fatigue bowl and place them on opposite sides of the room. Cats don't like to eat and drink close to each other, so giving her whiskers a break and separating her food and water sources will let her know that you really get her.

Give Her Comfortable Beds and Plenty of Them

Cats love to sleep and providing great quality, cozy beds is a great way to show yours you love her. Many cats like to be up high, so consider a tall cat tree with a roomy bed on top. That way, your cat can get above her territory and survey it. 

Source: Cathealth.com

The 10 Incredible Ways Your Cat Shows You Love

Even though my cat can’t speak aloud, she is constantly trying to find ways to communicate with me. Whether my cat is “meowing” because she’s hungry, or pawing at my legs because she wants attention, she finds ways to let me know exactly what she is thinking. While I can’t read her mind, I know that she is also constantly finding new ways to tell me she loves me. And just as there are specific behaviors through which a dog communicates love, there are specific, unique ways that our cats are saying “I love you.” This exclusive list of behaviors delves into the incredible ways that our cats attempt to communicate their love for us. And while I knew a few of these already, most of them were quite surprising. In fact, I was shocked by just how often my cat has been trying to show me how much she loves me!

1. Kneading Your Legs

Kneading is when your cat uses their paws to push in and out against a soft surface, such 
as your lap. This is one of the main ways your cat tries to say “I love you.” According to 
PetMD, “If your cat is curled up and kneading your lap while you’re petting him, he’s 
returning the affection and telling you he loves you right back. Unfortunately, this can 
be quite painful, since the happier he is, the harder he’ll dig in with his sharp nails.” They recommend that you ease the painful part of this kneading by “placing a thick, soft barrier between the cat and 
your lap.”

2. Bringing You a Present

You may be familiar with your cat bringing you presents, such as toys or small, dead animals. 
This is your cat’s way of showing love. Certified Animal Behavior Consultant Amy Shojai
writes, “Cats love with gifting. Mighty hunter cats that catch everything from toys to bugs, 
mice or frogs, often share the bounty with those they love. Kitties who present you with this bounty deserve praise.” While it might seem odd, Shojai says, “They wouldn’t bring these 
special gifts if they didn’t love you.”

3. Head-Butting You

Head-butting may seem like an odd behavior, but it actually shows that your cat truly cares
about you. According to Mother Nature Network, “Cats have secret glands concentrated on certain parts of their bodies, including their cheeks and heads. When your kitty rubs her
head or face against you, she’s marking you with her scent and claiming you as part of her
family group.”

They continue, “This scent is a source of both comfort and familiarity for your kitty.”

4. Staring Into Your Eyes

Staring at you and slowly blinking is a way in which your cat shows you great affection.

Dr. Karen Becker writes, “This might be the display of cat love that is easiest for humans to understand. If your kitty first stares at you, then blinks, then opens his eyes wide, then slowly blinks a second time, he’s telling you he loves and trusts you.”

She says this is an extreme sign of affection. “It’s the equivalent of being kissed.”

5. Showing You Their Belly

The flashing of the stomach is one way that your cat is saying “I love you.”

According to IHeartCats.com, “Like most animals, cats do not show their stomachs to
just anyone. If your cat rolls over on its back to give you a flash of that fuzzy belly, this is
an indication that they feel comfortable around you.”

They continue, “Not only this, but they feel loved and protected by you, rendering
themselves defenseless while on their backs.”

6. Curving the Tip of Their Tail

The tail can actually be an incredible barometer into how your cat feels about you.

In an essay entitled, Ask a Behaviorist: How Do Cats Show Affection to People?, Catster
writes, “Kitties express happiness and warm feelings by fluffing out the base of their tails
while subtly quivering them. Simultaneously, they hold their tails upright with a slight
curve at the top.”

They continue that this tail curve “is sometimes called the happy tail dance.”

7. Nipping You

Don’t get mad, because gently nipping at your finger is another way your cat is saying
that they love you.

According to Dr. Karen Becker, “This show of love from your kitty can prove to be a
bit painful... [but] your cat really doesn’t understand her love bite isn’t always
pleasant for you.”

These love bites can also be seen as your cat interacts with other cats. “Kitties nip
each other affectionately, and their skin is tougher than ours.”

8. Rubbing Against Your Legs

When your cat just can’t seem to get enough of your legs, that is likely a sign of true love.

Dr. Karen Becker writes, “Rubbing against another creature is how cats show affection.
If your kitty rubs up against your leg... he’s putting his scent on you as a way of
claiming you as his own.” This is quite similar to the head-butting behavior.

“It’s important to your relationship and bond with your cat to allow him to rub
against you.”

9. Purring

You’ve heard your cat purr before, but you may not have realized that this was a love purr.

According to certified expert Amy Shojai, “Cats love with purrs. Her purrs can mean
a variety of things, from delight to expressions of concern. And kitty purrs range from
soft and subtle to Mack-truck loud.”

In case you had any doubt, she writes, “When your cat purrs in your presence, you
can be sure she’s expressing her love for you.”

10. Following You Around

If your cat can’t seem to get enough of your company, you know you have a loving connection.

According to the Mother Nature Network, “If your feline friend follows you from room
to room, jumps onto tables and counters to be near you, and always seems to be
right where you step, she clearly enjoys your company.”

A good test is if your cat continues to follow you, “especially if it’s not near feeding time.”

Paying attention to these common cat behaviors is the best way to be sure
that your pet truly does love you.

Source: Phil Mutz, writer at LittleThings.com