One-Stop Cat Maintenance - How to raise and maintain a cat.

Cats

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Cats

One-Stop Cat Maintenance

General Topics

The Vaccination Conundrum : Factors to consider before going along with that annual booster vaccination recommended by the drug manufacturers. You may decide to continue it, but you will be making an informed choice		Identify Your Cat : Even indoor-only cats escape once in a while. Statistics show that only three percent of lost cats that end up in shelters are reunited with their human companions. Give your cat the edge she needs with collar/tags, tattooing, or a microchip.

Disaster Preparation : In times of earthquake, tornado, flood or fire, we may be too panicked to think coherently about saving our pets. Advance planning and an emergency kit can make the difference between life and death for your cat.		Spay and Neuter : Next to vaccinations, spaying or neutering is the single most important veterinary visit for your cat, for health, behavioral and societal reasons.

Cat Food Labels : The legal discrepancies allowable in labeling cat foods can create a "can of confusion" for unwary consumers. Learn how to read the labels to ensure the best nutrition for your cat.		Kitty is What Kitty Eats : Here's a different viewpoint: Veggies for cats! Read how and why to put life back into your cat's "dead diet," from Guest Author Donna Watkins.

Litter-ally Speaking : Here's the true scoop on kitty litter and litter boxes from About Cats Forum members who have left no stone unturned in their quest for the best.		How Does My Cat Garden Grow : Gardeners generally fall into two categories: those who enjoy watching their cats sniffing and luxuriating in the greenery, and those who would be happiest if cats just gave their gardens a wide berth. This article addresses both sides of the garden fence.

Declawing : About the best thing that can be said about declawing is that sometimes it is preferable to euthanasia. Here are some reasons why it isn't a good idea, and a suggestion for consumer education.		Feline Owners Manual and Maintenance Guide - Ch. 1 : In a purrfect world, all cats would come equipped with an instruction manual, but if yours did not, this will fit the bill. Chapter 1 deals with warranty, maintenance schedule, accessories, and fuel.

Feline Owners Manual and Maintenance Guide - Ch. 2 : Chapter 2 introduces "Diagnostics: Breakdown," or important information you need to know about your cat's health, and how to handle that trip to the "shop" (veterinarian).		Feline Owners Manual and Maintenance Guide - Ch. 3 : Chapter 3 covers "Diagnostics: Erratic Performance," for those times you think your cat isn't operating as guaranteed. Many times it's just a case of "operator error."

More Maintenance Resources

Cat Management 101 : Though some may question who manages whom in a cat's house, there are a number of things humans need to know about raising a cat: things like clipping claws, bathing, buying toys, and cat-proofing your home. These resources cover all these and more.		How Tos : Step-by-step instructions for everything from How to Assemble a First Aid Kit to How to Trim Your Cat's Claws.

Q &A's : Real questions and answers gleaned from my mailbox, covering almost every aspect of cat management.		Shelter Sheets : Shelter Sheets were designed for use by shelters and other organizations offering cats for adoption, as printed handout material for new cat adopters. They are also available for the "end user" at no cost. These are printable Word Doc sheets.

Health and Safety : Original articles and links to other web pages on every subject from anesthesia to zoonotic diseases.		Behavioral Issues : More original articles and net links covering sections on aggression to shyness and fear.

Managing Geriatric Cats : Aging cats have special needs and are prone to several diseases. These resources help you know the causes, signs, and treatment for the conditions unique to older cats.		Kitten Care : Although everyone is encouraged to spay/neuter their pet cats, and breeders to breed responsibly, there often comes a time when one needs to know how to raise a kitten. These resources will help in that situation.