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Cat and Kitten Care Guide & Schedule libraRea Posts - Hero Images 

### What is the benefit of having a cat?
Cats help people feel good, stay well, and improve their health. A short time spent with a purring cat calms people even in stressful situations. Cat companions tend to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and resting heart rates. When a child grows up in a home with a cat, he is less likely to develop allergies.
         
### How to raise a cat?
There is no doubt that having a cat is a great idea. Many people are very keen on having cats, even though cats are a big responsibility. So before becoming a cat companion, it is necessary to ensure that they have everything they need. These needs include feeding, vaccinations, exercise, grooming, handling, housing, medication, and other essential equipment and supplies.

### How to feed a cat?
Choosing the cat's food depends on factors that include age, activity level, physical condition, and health history. Cats are carnivores, so in the wild, they eat the prey animals which they hunt, the carcasses of an animal consist of raw meat, organs, bones, and small amounts of vegetable matter present in the gut of their prey. So cats need a source of animal protein to live in good health.

- Newly born kittens under six weeks old should remain with their mother. During the kitten development, the pet companion needs to regularly weigh the kitten and record the weight on a dated chart. 

- From the age of 4-6 weeks old, a kitten may start drinking milk with a bottle. At the age of five weeks old, the kitten owner gradually introduced soft and wet kitten food mixed with equal parts of a Kitten Milk Replacer. 

- At six weeks old, a kitten can eat canned food alone. At the age of 6 weeks, feed the kitten Three or more small meals, regularly separated throughout the day. 

- At the age of 12 Weeks, increase the amount of each meal, and gradually space them out to three meals a day.

- At the age of 6 months, gradually space out their meals to twice daily with more significant portions. At the age of one year, the cat deems an Adult to be fed maintenance food twice daily. There are many choices to feed a cat, canned, dry, or homemade food. Cats on dry food diet should consume an adequate amount of clean water. 

> Before deciding how to feed a cat, consult with a veterinarian to choose the best food for the cat. 
              
### How to vaccinate a cat?

Some say cats have nine lives; however, cat vaccination is a must to protect the cat from severe and even fatal diseases. Of course, to vaccinate a cat, consult a veterinarian first. 

According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, cat vaccinations divided into two main categories;
1-Core vaccines: all cats should receive this group of vaccines. These vaccines protect cats of highly infectious and dangerous diseases.
2-Non-core vaccines: these are appropriate for some cats depending on their lifestyle, health status, current prevalence of certain diseases, and exposure to other cats.

#### Core vaccines:
**1-Rabies**
A zoonotic disease that is transmissible and fatal to humans. Cats are not considering a natural carrier for rabies. However, just like other mammals, they can become infected from a bite of another infected animal, and then pass it on. Kittens get the Rabies vaccinations between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks old, followed by a booster dose administrated at the age of one year and repeated annually.

**2-FVRCP** 
Including Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus/Herpesvirus 1 (FVR/FHV-1), Feline Calicivirus (FCV), Feline Panleukopenia (FPV). These vaccines are combined into a single vaccine to avoid injecting a cat multiple times. Administration of the initial dose at six to eight weeks of age. Booster doses scheduled 3-4 week intervals until the kitten is 16 weeks old and repeated one year later.

#### Non-Core vaccines:
**Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)**
Infection occurs through body fluids such as saliva, urine, and feces from infected cats may suffer from anemia, immune suppression, and cancer. The initial vaccination divided into two doses four weeks apart, followed by a booster dose at the age of one year and repeated annually.

**Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)**
Infection occurs by the saliva of infected cats through bite wounds. This vaccine is not as effective as most other vaccines as it contained certain strains of the virus, so give protection against some FIV infections. The initial dose is followed up by two doses (2-4 weeks) apart and then followed by booster dose annually.

**Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough)**
 Infection occurs through direct contact with the nasal and oral discharge of an infected cat. This vaccine is available as intra-nasal.

Chlamydia felis: infection causes conjunctivitis and upper respiratory symptoms in cats. Vaccination is recommended in certain circumstances as the vaccine may make cats sick for several weeks. In some countries, it is part of the FVRCP shot.

### What are the basic supplies a cat will need?
Food and Water Bowls
The cat will need a wide plated and shallow food dish and a water bowl, choose smooth and easy to wash made particularly for cats. Change the food and water daily.

**Cat Scratching Post**
One of the natural instinctive behavior for felines is scratching and clawing. Cats usually scratch when they wake up, so put the Scratching Post near the cat sleeping place.

**Toys**
Hunting is a natural behavior of cats, so they need toys to have some fun. Remember to put away toys with strings after playing to keep the cat safe. A cat needs a variety of toys. Choose toys that change in texture and shape when played with, which will simulate prey.

**Litter Box**
The cat needs a generous litter box for urination and defecation. A fit box is one and half times the size of the cat. Scoop the cat litter from the box every day. A Solid litter box lasts for years.

**Cat Toothbrush**
Start brush cat’s teeth when they are young as dental disease is widespread in cats. It will be better to use a soft-bristled toothbrush once a day.

**Metal Cat Comb**
Usually, cats like their head and body brushed. There are a wide variety of good brushes and gloves available. Start slowly grooming the cat when they are a kitten.

**Bed**
Most cats seek a warm, safe place for rest and sleep.

**Cat Nail Clipper**
Remember, the cat needs trimming nails to prevent injury and damage to housewares. Ask the vet which type of clipper is best or leave it to the vet during visits.

**Cat Collar and Tags**
A collar and identification tag is necessary for all cats even they stay indoors.
To protect the cat of escaping from home. Be sure of putting the collar tightly enough to avoid loos of it.

### How to keep the cat clean?
Cats spend about 1/3 of their waking time in self-grooming. Brush the cat at least once a week. Grooming is essential for many reasons as it removes loose hair and smooths cat coat, regulates body temperature in the hot season, keeps cat coat waterproof through stimulating hair glands, and removes parasites. Remember that bathing the cat is unnecessary if the cat is clean and healthy because many cats do not tolerate it well.

Cat Care Guide

Finding The Right Vet - libraRea Posts - Reapet


Finding the right vet is an important responsibility not to be taken lightly. Just like the family doctor, the right veterinarian has a direct impact on the pet’s quality of life.
Understanding the pet’s needs, and making sure the veterinarian can serve these needs is important. 

Whether the pet is chronically ill or a classic case of ‘the dog ate the child’s toy,’ a good relationship between the pet and the vet is always an advantage. One should not wait for an urgent moment, when the pet is in health crises, before searching for a vet. Rather, be ready with contacts for a reliable vet, and with a good understanding of how the clinic works so the pet can get the best care

**Here is Reapet’s guide on how to pick the right veterinarian near you, what to look for, and what to avoid**

# 5 Steps every pet owner needs to learn

### 1. Know the pet needs

Pet comes first, so before searching for a vet, get to know the pet’s needs. Each species and breed has special nutritional, behavioral, and medical needs. Age also is a factor; younger pets will need vaccinations and periodic services. Older pets will need urgent care, geriatric care, palliative care, as well as pain management protocols.

### 2. What veterinary services to look for

Whether a new pet parent or relocating to a new city for work, consider the veterinary services needed to make a smart choice. After-hours, overnight, and emergency veterinary services are important. They are the assurance needed to prevent an emergency from becoming a problem

Medical tests and in house x-ray machines are important as well. Pets should not have to go to two different places to fix one health issue. If there is more than one pet to be taken care of, then search for a clinic that provides service for both species.

Inquire about the clinic’s involvement in animal welfare. Whether through a registered organization, in-house programs. Positive findings will put the mind at ease to their commitment to the pet’s welfare.

### 3. Look for recommendations



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After considering the pet’s needs and listing the veterinarian services required by the clinic of choice, it is wise to reach out to friends, neighbors, or work colleagues to ask them for recommendations. 

Inquire about red flags, such as messy waiting areas, bad smells, outdated magazines, long waiting time, unfriendliness to people or pets alike. There will be direct feedback regarding their experiences with the veterinarian and the clinic.


### 4. Figure how the clinic operates

After getting all the recommendations and reviews, and before booking the first appointment, take some time to understand how the new veterinary clinic works. Visit, call, or browse their website -as some of the information might be on their online portal, and check their policies, like billing, working hours, and available services. Doing so will give the staff a chance to demonstrate their work and showcase their ability to provide the necessary veterinary care.

### 5. Ge to know the vet





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Build a relationship with the veterinarian and the clinic by keeping with the pet’s vaccination schedules, periodic check-ups, and physical exams. Clinics are also a good source for local animal welfare pamphlets and care guides. The relationship between the pet and the vet is invaluable, and mutual understanding with the vet will give better access for veterinary services for the pet.



>  Frequent visits to the vet will grant you a favorite seat in the waiting area, but more importantly, will comfort the pet during visits and smoother subsequent vet check-ups.

Tips For Finding The Right Vet

Before Choosing Your First Pet

Having a pet is a fantastic and rewarding experience. Since each animal and its needs are entirely different, how can you make sure that you are ready for a new addition to your family and home, and how to choose the right pet? 

**Ask your self the following questions:**

### Are you an active person?

Are you a committed early morning jogger? Or are you a dedicated late night binge-watcher? You should consider your lifestyle and future goals when choosing to add a pet to your equation.

If you are active and ready for a run, you should go with an energetic dog breed such as the Retriever, Vizsla, Husky, or the Labrador. Do you prefer to be cozy on the couch in the winter with hot tea, and in the summertime, you relax with sweet ice tea then a cat would be a right choice, or even one of the dog breeds that are known for their slower pace such as the Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, or the Pekingese.

### Do you or anyone in your house members have any relevant Allergies?

Allergies are common among people, and they vary in symptoms and severity. If you or one of your households suffer from this, it is crucial to conceder when thinking about getting a new pet.
One could look into certain breeds of cats and dogs that are known to not cause allergic reactions or choose other types of animals like fish, tarantulas, and reptiles. 


### Do You Have Time? 

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If you work full time and have children, then crate training a puppy might not be the ideal commitment to add to your plate. In this case, senior dogs and retired service dogs are a superb option worth considering, they are a joy to have and just as ready to love and be loved as any puppy. But just as puppies have their own particular needs, senior dogs do as well, so be prepared to meet a new friend and enjoy their company for years to come.


### What type of pet do you connect with the most? 

Would you like a pet that is always with you, or would you prefer one with a little more independent character? While most cats like to cuddle, they also do like some alone time and sleep a lot. On the other hand, when it comes down to spending time with their person, dogs are happiest and more attached. Or is it an Iguana that you need? Maybe, if you are a laid back person who is looking for an exciting option. 

Beekeeping is an excellent option if you have space, time, and discipline. Taking care of a queen and her kingdom of armed honey makers is a great choice. If you like to be more grounded, then an Ant kingdom by your desk could be a daily reminder of our place in this universe.

### To get one, a pair, or more?

It is a frequently asked question from new pet owners — should I get two, so they have each other's company? If two pets can be accommodated by your household, budget, and schedule, bringing home a couple could be a great move to cover their social needs while you are away from the house. 



Reapet supports pet adoption and animal welfare

ADOPT, DON'T SHOP

If it is your first time to care for a pet, or if you are hesitant that it might be overwhelming, there's nothing wrong with raising a single pet only. Make it up to your solo pet by paying a lot of attention to your pet while you are at home. When you are more comfortable, you can bring in a sibling, but this must be done with considerations. For example, old cats can misunderstand introducing a young kitten to the equation. On the other hand, a young adult dog can get short with the new puppy, or be rough while playing.


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