Contents

1. Introduction
2. Eye Drainage
3. Feeding
4. Grooming Tips
5. Health check
6. Vaccinations
7. Teeth
8.Worms
9. Fleas
10. Feeding

Introduction

Cats are territorial by nature, and, unlike dogs, are not pack animals that would normally live in social groups. Cats can therefore happily remain on their own for long periods of time, making them the ideal pet for owners with a busy lifestyle.


Cats are naturally very clean animals. They will always groom themselves when healthy, and are careful in their toilet behaviour. If there are changes in their behaviour it is probably a sign that there is something wrong - physically, emotionally or psychologically. A vet can check if there are any physical problems, In a city where people live in flats and crowded localities, cat should be kept in at night to help them stop roaming.


CATS ARE "NO-MAINTENANCE" PETS. Because cats are litter-trained, some people think that simply giving their cat food and water is enough. Not so. Cats also need regular veterinary care and, just as important, lots of love and attention.


CATS ALWAYS LAND ON THEIR FEET. While cats can often land on their feet after a short fall, falling from heights is another story. Upper-level windows and porches, unless securely screened, should be off-limits to cats, particularly in high-rise buildings.


CATS CAN'T BE TRAINED. Cats will, of course, do things their way if left to their own devices. But most cats can be taught to obey simple rules like not scratching the couch, eating plants, or jumping up on the kitchen counter. Repeated, gentle, and consistent training gets results. Also, if a cat understands the rules and has an approved outlet for her scratching impulses, such as a sturdy scratching post, there will be no need to have her declawed, a painful and unnecessary operation.


CATS AREN'T HAPPY UNLESS THEY CAN GO OUTSIDE TO ROAM AND HUNT. Cats like to play, prowl, and pounce, and they can do all those activities indoors with you and a few toys -- without being exposed to predators, disease, traps, poison, and traffic. Indoor cats are healthier, happier -- and safer!


CATS CAN SEE IN THE DARK. Cats cannot see in total darkness any better than a person can. They can see better than other animals in semidarkness, however, because of their eyes' anatomy.


CATS DON'T NEED TO WEAR A COLLAR AND TAGS. An identification tag is a lost cat's ticket home. Every cat, even an indoor cat, should wear a collar with an ID tag to help him come home if he is lost. Many cat owners believe a collar can injure a cat. But a breakaway collar lets a cat escape if the collar becomes snagged.


CATS ARE ALOOF, INDEPENDENT ANIMALS AND DON'T REALLY WANT A LOT OF ATTENTION FROM HUMANS. Cats are domestic animals because they live in the home. They crave human companionship and establish loving bonds with their human families. They may not always show it, but that's just the feline way. If you toss the cat outdoors, or spend little time with him, you'll never know the rewarding -- and very special -- relationship that comes from making a cat a true member of the family


Basic care

Bathing
Eye Drainage (located in Health Database)
Feeding (located in Health Data
Grooming Tips
Healthcheck
Vaccinations
Teeth
Firstaid
Worms
Fleas
Earmites
Feeding
Bathing

Make sure the cat's nails are trimmed before you get going. Start by brushing out the fur. Fill up the tub or basin with lukewarm water and place the cat inside (be gentle but firm). Wet down the cat completely (don't dunk the head!). Lather up the cat using shampoo that is specially formuated for cats (be sure to follow whatever directions are on the bottle). Completely rinse the cat making sure to remove all soapy residue. Dry out the cat's fur with a towel. Then use a stainless steel cat comb to brush out any tangles. As you blow dry, use low heat and continue to brush the cat's fur. When the cat is completely dry, you're all done! Regular grooming of your cat is advised, especially for long-haired cats. Brushing and combing will remove loose hair, dirt and dust and the occasional flea that he may pick up. Grooming also helps to prevent fur-balls which can be harmful and form in the cat's stomach when he constantly licks loose fur. Daily grooming also ensures time devoted exclusively to your cat, which is important with today's frantic pace of life.

Eye Drainage
"Eye gunk" is just another problem that Persians typically encounter. Due to the shape of the face and head (as well as other factors), Persians often develop sinus problems, such as eye drainage (this is more of an annoyance to the cat than anything). If the cat cannot clean off all of the substance, it falls upon the owner to do so. What works? Wipe a warm washcloth (no soap!) around the cat's eyes once in the morning and once at night.

For problems with staining around the eyes, consult your vet before using any cleansers or solutions. A solution recommended by many breeders that can be mixed up at home is an eighth of a teaspoon of boric acid and 8 ounces of water. Shake it up and wet the cotton ball. Be careful not to get too much boric acid because it can irritate your kitty's eyes.

Feeding
You've heard the saying. "You are what you eat." Your Persian deserves to have a healthy diet. Here are some good cat foods recommended by breeders:

Eukanuba
Hills Science Diet
Iams
Nutro Max
Royal Canine
Grooming Tips
Groom your kitten’s coat daily or at least every other day. Breeders recommend using a natural bristle brush (soft) and/or a comb. Avoid nylon combs because they generate static electricity. If you discover a knot, simply tease it apart with your fingers then brush/comb it. If you need to cut it out, first slide a comb underneath the knot to separate the knot from the skin. Using round-tipped scissors, cut the hair sitting on top of the comb.

Wipe tearing eyes with a damp washcloth (no soap) once in the morning and once in the evening. For problems with staining around the eyes, consult your vet before using any cleansers or solutions.

Be sure to check the skin regularly for cuts, abrasions, or parasites.

Bathe your kitten regularly- once or twice a month. Fill a basin/tub with lukewarm water. Using cat shampoo, work up a lather all over the fur. Be careful around the eyes and ears. Rinse thoroughly and towel dry. Be sure to run a comb through the coat to prevent matting. Let the cat dry in a warm environment- some people even blow dry their cats.

Health check
Always consult your vet if you are concerned about your cat's health. The vet is the expert and is there to help and advise.
A healthy cat or kitten has bright, dry eyes, a nose clear of discharge (but not dry or cracked), lips free from saliva and a glossy, clean coat.
Vaccinations
Feline Enteritis is a rapidly fatal disease of cats which can be effectively prevented by vaccination. This should be done as soon as the cat has settled in or at nine to 12 weeks of age in the case of kittens. Your veterinary surgeon will give you a certificate; keep it safely, for no boarding cattery worth its salt will accept a boarder without it. Booster injections are required every year and need to be budgeted for.

Feline Leukaemia is a common, fatal disease of cats. It may affect cats of any age. A vaccine is now available which involves an initial course of two injections and annual boosters.

Cat 'Flu is another common disease of cats, though much less serious than the other two. Given good veterinary treatment and nursing care, it is rare for a cat to die of cat 'flu. However, if you wish to prevent it, and if your budget will stretch to it after the feline enteritis and feline leukaemia vaccinations, there are two vaccines available; one against the viral forms of cat 'flu and one against chlamydia which causes persistent conjunctivitis.

Cat Vaccination and Health Care Schedule
Cats require vaccinations for the diseases listed below. For rabies, some states require annual revaccinations or revaccinations from 1 to 3 years. The exact schedule may vary depending on the type of vaccines used or your cat’s exposure to potential diseases.

8 weeks:
Pneumonitis
Distemper vaccine
Intestinal parasite screen
Strategic de-worming (for intestinal parasites)

8 to 10 weeks:
Calcivirus
Feline Leukemia Virus/FIV test
Feline Leukemia vaccine (only for cats at high risk)
Panleucopia
Rhinotracheitis
Distemper vaccine
Intestinal parasite screen
Strategic de-worming (for intestinal parasites)

12 to 14 weeks:
Calcivirus
Feline Leukemia Virus
Panleucopenia
Rhinotracheitis
Distemper vaccine

2 to 4 months:
Feline Lukemia Virus
One Year:

One-year Rabies vaccine
Strategic de-worming (for intestinal parasites)
Feline Leukemia vaccine (only for cats at high risk)

Teeth
Many adult cats suffer from heavy build-up of plaque on their teeth which causes them great discomfort when eating and will eventually lead to a refusal to eat and/or loss of teeth.

Plaque can be removed by a veterinary surgeon while the cat is under a general anaesthetic. Brush your cats teeth with a special dental tooth paste which comes with a finger brush. It is easily available at any pet shop.

Worms
Most cats suffer from roundworms at some time in their lives and the fact that you do not see them does not mean that none is present.
A tablet called "Drontal +" may be given to all house cats every two months, which should take care of deworming your cat totally.

Fleas
Even cats in the best circles may pick up fleas when outside the house. To eliminate fleas, not only the cat must be treated but the whole house, e.g. skirting boards, carpets, the base of curtains, furniture, etc., as well as the cat's bedding.
A product called "Butox" is available in india at all the chemist and at your vet. USE IT!

Feeding
No matter how well we provide for our felines in terms of warmth, safety, companionship and health care, the one thing that finally attracts and binds a cat is the food we provide. Throughout his life a cat will have a variety of dietary needs according to its age and state of health. A cat who does not receive a balanced and varied diet may well move elsewhere!