Cats have a dry skin just like humans. The fur on their
body protects them from exposure to elements such as dirt. For pet cats that
have dry skin, it is advisable to use moisturizing or soap-free products. Cats
normally develop skin problems such as Seborrhea. The best way to treat this disorder
is to use medicated shampoo.

Sensory Organs:

Congratulations on adopting your new cat! As you are preparing to bring your cat home, here are a few items to remember to create a safe and fun environment.

Cat proofing your home is similar to child proofing your home with a few additions. Did you know that almost all house plants are poisonous to cats? Tulips and tomato plants (green fruit, stems and leaves) can be hazardous to their health. Make sure you are aware of the boundaries and pay attention to your cat as they are meandering across the mantle. Not only do you not want them to tip the vase, you don’t want them to eat the contents!

Declawing your cat is a subject that is debated widely amongst the cat community. Many people feel that it is inhumane and that it can lead to behavior problems. More and more veterinarians are now educating cat owners that declawing your cat should only be done if nothing else works. With this in mind here are some alternatives to declawing your cat.

One possible alternative is to buy a declawed cat from the humane society. The operation has already been performed, so your cat has already been through the trauma. The only catch is that often times, the reason why a declawed cat is given to the humane society is because of the common behavior problem of biting.

An important part of keeping your cat healthy and happy is checking and cleaning their ears. Because the ears are one of the few parts that cats can not reach themselves they need a little help from a loving owner. Keeping your cats ears clean is extremely important because any unremoved dirt, debris, or wax can clog the ears and cause infections. Regular ear cleaning at home augment’s your cats own natural grooming habits.

Obesity is the most common health problem for cats. A cat is considered obese if it weighs 20% more than its optimal weight and if the extra weight is a result of the accumulation of fat. If a cat is anywhere from 1 to 19% heavier than its ideal body weight, then it is considered overweight and not obese. In order for a cat to maintain good health and have a long and happy life, the cat must maintain a healthy weight.

Determining If A Cat Is Overweight Or Obese

1. Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a common concern among Ragdoll owners. Although there are no recorded cases, the possibility is high because of the Ragdoll’s bulk and weight distribution. It’s important to get a written health guarantee from your breeder to make sure your cat is safe.

2. Feline hypertrophic myopathy

A more serious condition is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a thickening of the heart muscle common in many cat breeds. Feline HCM is potentially life-threatening, and in many cases the disease is only discovered when the cat dies at a young age. Studies have shown that HCM is inherited, and runs along several Ragdoll lines. Although it can occur at any age, it is more likely to occur in older cats who would otherwise have passed the disease on to offspring.

Having a disabled cat is far from uncommon and is certainly not a reason to have them put to sleep. Most disabled cats can lead a full and happy life if given a chance, it just takes a little more consideration and time on the owner’s part.