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| | The Smart Healthy Toxic-Free and Organic/Green Living Network is not currently active and cannot accept new posts | | Healthy Coat Care For Your CAT | Views: 322 | | Mar 04, 2005 11:01 pm | | Healthy Coat Care For Your CAT | # | 
Connie Clark | |
"My active and curious 4 year old son was playing with silly putty while I was trying to put down the baby. After I came out, I asked him where it was so I could put it away. He handed me a tiny piece the size of a fingernail. I asked him where the rest was, to which he replied "It just ran by." Confused, I asked him what he meant, and he fessed up that it was on the cat. Apparently he had tried to attach the cat to the couch using the silly putty. There was gooey icky putty all over the couch cover and wadded on the cat. For anyone that has ever tried to get silly putty off anything, you can imagine what it's like on cat hair. After my husband and I teamed up with the cat and a pair of scissors, our only result was two screaming kids (they thought we were hurting kitty) and a few cat scratches. I was ready to try anything…" -Erin Kent (TellMeTheStory.com)
For most cat owners the need for bathing and coat care remains neglected as they are known for being cleaner than most domestic pets. However, if you are like Erin and have kids or prefer for your cat to be free to roam indoors and outdoors, you will quickly discover that care and upkeep are essential to keeping your feline friend healthy and beautiful.
It can be quite difficult to submit such an independent animal to regular care but it is well worth the task. Many health problems such as a sluggish liver, diabetes, food allergies, kidney and thyroid disorders manifest themselves in the coat and skin of a cat - not to mention parasites and fleas or ticks. If you have a young cat and begin a weekly grooming schedule it will be much easier to handle and they will adapt much better than more aged cats.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Matted fur (or sticky fur if you have young children)
When examining your cat check his mouth and make sure its teeth are a healthy pink (pale gums indicate a health problem) and its eyes are clear and bright
Lumps or wounds
Shedding
HEALTHY TIPS
Brush your cat at least once a week but avoid excessive grooming (Cats are naturally pretty clean and groom themselves often). This helps reduce the amount of shedding around your house, keeps the coat looking sleek and free from parasites, and lessens hairballs when the cat licks itself.
Use brushes with natural bristles. This reduces static and broken hair.
For a short-haired cat: use a narrow toothed comb and/or a bristle brush. Brush from the head to its tail. Note: it is a good idea to often brush cats that shed a lot.
For a long-haired cat: use a wide toothed comb and work against the way the hair naturally lays. Brush upward from the legs up to the head. Note: it is recommended to brush long-haired cats daily or at least several times a week to prevent matting of the fur and tangles. Regular bathing may also be a good idea.
Comb your cats for ticks and fleas especially if you live in rural areas where your cats are outdoors often. This is also a great time to check the overall health of your cat - the condition a cat's coat and skin is the best indicator of its internal health.
Most cats rarely need bathing but if it is necessary, use a mild shampoo, rinse well, and dry quickly with towels and a blow dryer.
Don't neglect mats in your cat's coat. Pull it apart gently and remove before bathing (soaking a mat will only make it tighter).
Keep your cat's bedding clean and dust free.
Make sure that your cat's diet is healthy. Food with sulfur containing amino acids, B complex vitamins, zinc, minerals, and essential fatty acids help keep skin and fur healthy.
Vitamin E, vitamin A, aloe-vera gel and calendula are wonderful herbal healing compounds for the cat's fur and skin. Sweet basil and turmeric are also gentle and soothing on their skin.
RESOURCES
http://www.thecatsite.com/index2.php?option=content&task=view&id=44&pop=1&page=0
http://www.geocities.com/heartland/prairie/2431/meow.html
http://www.talktothevet.com/ARTICLES/CATS/catcarecoatskin.HTM
http://www.petspourri.com:8080/catarticle04.htm
22 Feb 2005 12:53:24 PM
Warmly,
Connie
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