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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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