RESTRAINT Unlike well-trained and frequently handled dogs, most cats cannot be commanded to sit, stand, or lie quietly while unpleasant nursing procedures are performed. So to be successful in caring for your cat’s health at home you need to learn the best ways to provide restraint when necessary to avoid injury to yourself and your … Read more
EAR TREATMENT When your cat’s ears become inflamed a more thorough cleaning than you give them routinely is often necessary. In most cases inflamed ears should be examined by a veterinarian, and if cleaning is necessary it should be done by a veterinarian who will have the necessary tools for observing the ear canal and … Read more
EYE MEDICATION Ophthalmic ointments are most easily applied into the conjunctival sac. Use your thumb or forefinger to roll the lower eyelid gently downward and squeeze the ointment into the space exposed. Approaching the eye from the outside corner helps prevent the cat from seeing the tip of the tube and can facilitate instillation of … Read more
FOODS FOR HAND-FEEDING SICK CATS For calorie content of commercial cat foods. Any of the above foods are suitable for making hand-feeding mixtures for sick cats unless the illness requires a special diet. If a mixture must be fed longer than two or three days strict attention must be paid to nutritional balance. Therefore commercial … Read more
FORCE-FEEDING Since lack of appetite (anorexia) accompanies many feline illnesses, coaxing or force-feeding is often necessary to insure that sufficient calories and nutrients are consumed and to maintain the nutritional health necessary to the vital functions and repair of injured or diseased tissues. The effects of one day without food, of course, are not irreversible, … Read more
LIQUID MEDICATION The simplest way to give your cat liquid medication is to squirt it into the back of the mouth using an eyedropper or syringe (hypodermic or infant ear type). For most liquid medicines your veterinarian will provide you with the tool necessary to administer the medication; if not, request the necessary item and … Read more
PULSE, HEART RATE For how to take your cat’s pulse and measure the heart rate. HOW TO GIVE YOUR CAT A PILL The only way to be sure your cat has really swallowed medication in pill, capsule, or tablet form is to administer it in the following way: Place your cat on a table or … Read more
TEMPERATURE Use a rectal thermometer to take your cat’s temperature. An oral thermometer can be used in a pinch, but the bulb is more likely to break off. Before inserting the thermometer into the rectum, shake the mercury column down below 99° F (37.2°C) and lubricate the tip of the thermometer with any nontoxic, greasy … Read more
NURSING AT HOME Although the average cat has few illnesses requiring prolonged hospitalization during his or her lifetime, many minor illnesses can become severe if proper home care is not provided. Most veterinarians are anxious to have your cat recuperate at home if you can provide adequate nursing. It also saves money and will draw … Read more
EUTHANASIA It would be nice if all old pets who died did so peacefully in their sleep with no previous signs of illness. This doesn’t always happen, though, and sometimes you must decide whether to end your cat’s life or allow a progressive disease to continue. This is never an easy decision. A mutually close … Read more