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Long
known as great apartment pets, kittens are playful, entertaining and
cuddly. While adult cats
become independent, when given plenty of attention as a kitten.
They
tend to remain affectionate.
When selecting your pet, remember your local shelter has a
large selection of cats and kittens available for adoption.
Once you have chosen your new addition, the most important
thing is to take your new pet to the veterinarian for a check-up and
shots. This is important for the future health of your new pet.
Click on our Events button for a listing of low cost vaccination
clinics at your neighborhood Petland Discounts or consult with a veterinarian
in your area.
Following is a list of suggested items for the care of your new
pet.
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Petland
Discounts offers a variety of premium pet food
to meet your cat's nutritional requirements from kitten through
adult. You may
choose from Hill's Science Diet, Triumph, Iams, Eukanuba or
Nutro. Ask
your sales person to assist you in selecting the proper food
for your pet. |
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A
necessary item that attaches to your pets collar for identification
should you and your pet become separated. |
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A
wide variety of collars, safety collars, harnesses and matching
leads are available.
Select a collar with enough room for growth but not
so large that the excess can get caught on objects in your
home. Safety collars,
generally with elastic or quick snap, provide protection for
your cat by expanding should your cat get stuck on something,
allowing it to slip out of the collar and escape danger. |
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Pet
bowls are made to facilitate easy cleaning.
You may choose from plastic, ceramic or stainless steel.
Sturdy shallow bowls are best suited for kittens and
cats. Wash your
cat's bowl daily to prevent bacteria from forming. |
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Kittens
by nature are very active.
A selection of toys will keep your kitten occupied
as well as mentally stimulated.
Cat toys that resemble mice or other small creatures
will appeal to your pet's predatory instincts while wind up,
spinning or hanging toys will provide your cat with hours
of entertainment. Teasing
toys are designed to create interaction between owner and
pet thus strengthening the bond and keeping your cat socialized. |
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Who
wants to eat the same thing forever?
Treats are a great way to supplement your pet's diet
and prevent boredom. |
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Food
supplements containing additives as linoleic acid and vitamins
provide the essential fatty acids and other ingredients that
will help to make your cat's coat shiny and reduce shedding.
For breeds that are prone to skin problems a supplement
added to the food can help to alleviate dry, flaky skin that
causes excess scratching. |
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During
the natural grooming process cats ingest hair which can cause
digestive problems. Hairball remedies aid in the prevention
and elimination of hairballs. |
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Regular
brushing will prevent matting and help reduce shedding and
hairballs. |
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Shorthaired
Cats: |
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Brushing
your shorthaired cat will stimulate coats oils and reduce
shedding and hairballs.
For single-coated breeds, a rubber curry or soft bristle
brush works best. A
fine-toothed flea comb will remove dead hair from shorter
coats and will reveal any evidence of flea infestation on
your cat. |
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Longhaired
Cats: |
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For
longhaired cats the first rule is brush, brush, brush.
Slicker wire brushes are best for this type of cat.
The mats on this type of coat can be painful, pulling
against the delicate skin and impeding the cat's movement.
If matted using a flip comb, which has wide and narrow
teeth will work well.
Use the end of the comb to gently work out the mat.
Once the mats are removed, systematically brush your
way around the cat's body. Dental brushes and pastes are available
to care for your cat's teeth.
Brushing your cat's teeth on a regular basis will prevent
future problems. |
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Be
sure to use flea products designed for use on cats only.
Flea and ticks can make your cat's life miserable,
as well as being a health risk.
The traditional flea sprays, powders and collars are
available as well as newer drops
and flea pills. Whatever
method of flea control you select remember to also treat the
environment using home sprays and outdoor yard and kennel
sprays. |
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Many
types of litter boxes are available.
Covered and ventilated pans work best because they
give your cat/kitten privacy and will lower external odors.
Be sure the litter box is big enough for your cat to
turn around and to be able to scratch litter over their waste.
The use of liners, scoops and filters makes cleaning
your cat's litter box a breeze. |
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There
are several types of litter available for your cat.
Litters made of clay, cedar, recycled newspaper, clumping,
deodorized or non-tracking all will do the trick.
A Petland Discounts salesperson can assist you in selecting
a litter that is appropriate for your pet.
Deodorizers available in spray, pellet or powder form
will extend the life of your cat litter reducing frequent
litter changes. |
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A
cat, like most of us, needs a bed or a place to call it's
own. Most prefer
a closed or covered, warm and comfortable place to sleep.
A variety of wicker and soft beds are available to
suit both your pet and your home décor. |
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Cat's
claws grow in layer; scratching is necessary to remove old,
flaky, beat-up top layer of claw material to reveal the new,
smooth claw underneath.
Rather then suppress this urge to scratch, you may
choose to provide a piece of furniture specifically for this
purpose. Scratching
posts and kitty condos will give them something of their own
to scratch and to climb on. |
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Cat's
claws grow in layer; scratching is necessary to remove old,
flaky, beat-up top layer of claw material to reveal the new,
smooth claw underneath.
Rather then suppress this urge to scratch, you may
choose to provide a piece of furniture specifically for this
purpose. Scratching
posts and kitty condos will give them something of their own
to scratch and to climb on. |
Remember:
A
properly cared for cat will provide many years of love and companionship
for the entire family.
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