Crate Training a Puppy or Dog with puppy package from pet lovers palace

What to do when Puppy is screaming and whining in the crate.
First make sure your puppy does not have to urinate or defecate and that she is not thirsty or excessively hungry. If in doubt, take him to his designated toilet area before you begin.

Make yourself comfortable because in the beginning this can be a time consuming process, but each repetition brings results faster and faster until the exercise no longer needs to be done. If done properly, it should take no longer than a week for your puppy to feel secure in his crate and no longer howl and whine.

This process will not work if you do not provide your puppy with regularly scheduled exercise and play. If your puppy has excessive, pent up energy because you haven’t provided an outlet for that energy, then this exercise will be futile.

Having previously performed the Chill exercise with your puppy will make this training process infinitely easier. See the video on how to teach your puppy to Chill.

The basic idea is to comfort and sooth your puppy into falling asleep and then once asleep, placing her back into her crate. Sometimes the puppy will stir a bit when you move her from your lap to the crate, but simply stroke and calm her inside the crate before shutting the door. Sometimes, just reaching through the crate with your fingers and gently stroking the puppy will be enough. If the whining continues immediately, then repeat the process and wait until the puppy is more soundly asleep before placing her back into the crate.

Repeat this process until you succeed or each subsequent training session will take longer and longer. I had to do this several times the first night and then once a night for a few nights. After that I only needed to do it for a few minutes before bedtime and occasionally if the puppy woke up in the middle of the night. Each night she felt more secure, she slept longer and longer until she would sleep the entire night through.

However I found that I had to repeat the training when I crated her during the day for naptime. But the process is exactly the same.

Things you need to know about kennel training

2 Select a permanent location in your home with enough space for the kennel and is in a room full of activity so your pet can enjoy his own “special” place while still being part of the family. Also, place an old towel or blanket with your scent on it inside for bedding. These steps will help your pet become comfortable with his new surroundings.

 5 This training may take a few hours or days depending on your pet’s breed and temperament. Once he feels secure in the kennel with the door closed, the pup will eventually sit quietly and sleep in his “new” home.

6 NEVER punish your dog by forcing him into his kennel or reprimanding him while he is in it. This will undermine your pets sense of security in his kennel.

7 Always take your pet outside to potty BEFORE placing him in the kennel.

For non-asthmatic symptoms (sneezing and watery eyes), pet lovers can use non-systemic medications such as Lanacort, Nasacort, Nasal, and other nasal medications that will control symptoms. Claritin, Allegra and other treatments can work against allergy attacks. They work by gradually desensitizing a person’s immune system to the pet allergens. Allergy-causing proteins are injected under the person’s skin, triggering the body to produce antibodies (protective proteins) which block the pet allergen from causing a reaction. Treatment uses .antihistamines, such as chlortrimetron More severe cases are treated with systemic steroids, which can have drawbacks. It is hoped that as time passes, the immune system will become less reactive to the problem-causing allergens. If desensitization appears to help the cat, injections will continue for several years. The last sign of allergies in cats involves the digestive system, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea.
Although dander can irritate your skin, it can also get into your immune system as well, resulting in a variety of symptoms and almost immediate allergic reactions. 
If left untreated, cat allergies can make your cat miserable, and they can even have an effect on your cat’s immune system. Unfortunately, cat allergies are one of the most misunderstood conditions in the world of felines. Because it takes at least 8 weeks for all other food products to get out of the system, the cat must eat the special diet exclusively for 8-12 weeks. If positive response occurs, you will be instructed on how to proceed. You can’t really call it an illness, but more of a defense reflex of your immune system and body. Because allergens can be found in the cat’s saliva, urine and blood, cat allergies can happen very often. An allergic reaction is an immune system response . Allergy symptoms develop when these proteins are carried through the air and come in contact with the lining of the respiratory tract. They do not often die directly from FIV, but rather one of the diseases that they can get when their immune system is impaired. FIV appears to involve three stages acute (swollen lymph glands, fever, depression, bacterial infections), latent (apparent well being, can last months to years); and chronic (cat is susceptible to all kinds of other viruses, fungi, and bacteria). With the launch of the project, ALLERCA has implemented a web-based reservation system for those who want to be first to own and enjoy an ALLERCA hypoallergenic cat. This is an attempt to reprogram the cat’s immune system so it no longer over- reacts to flea bites. If successful, itching no longer occurs or is less intense when the cat is bitten. Chimeric proteins could be used to desensitise allergy sufferers by retraining their immune system. People with pet allergies have super sensitive immune systems that react to harmless proteins in the pet’s dander, saliva or urine. These proteins are called allergens. Cleaning your house and vacuuming will get rid of fleas in your house. And veterinarians can often prescribes drugs that kill fleas or break the flea’s life cycle. Pet allergies fall into three main categories: food allergy, an allergic reaction to an ingredient in a pet’s food; flea allergic dermatitis,

or “flea bite hypersensitivity”; and lastly, atop, an environmental allergy.
The cat allergy question has been asked before, and I do have the standard

itchy eyes, stuffed nose, sneezing, etc. However, I’d specifically like

suggestions regarding cat-induced asthma. Signs of allergies begin with

redness and itching of the face, feet, ears and rump areas. As the disease

progresses the itching can involve most or all of the body. Does getting

close to your furry family member result in itchy, watery eyes and sneezing?

Many cat owners are allergic to their pets, yet feel the benefits of life

with their furry companions outweighs the drawbacks.
In short, histamine is released into the body’s systems and causes swelling,

itching and redness. Antihistamines are taken by many people to counter such

allergic reactions. These allergic reactions usually include itchy eyes and

nose, sneezing, asthma and itchy skin rashes. Animals tend to experience skin

disorders rather than sneezing and watery eyes, and once exposed, they

usually becomes extremely itchy. You might notice the typical signs: licking

the feet, rubbing the face and frequent scratching.
If you’re allergic to an animal, you are probably allergic to other things as

well. By decreasing other irritants, you’ll reduce your overall symptoms. So

if you know that you or another family member is allergic to cats, getting

one, no matter what the breed, is not a good idea. Cat owners have also

claimed that certain other breeds of cats do not trigger their allergic

symptoms. Do you own a breed of cat that you consider to be hypoallergenic?

For example, do your allergy symptoms go away when you’re at work and away

from the kitty, only to start back up when you walk through the door at home?

Have someone babysit your kitty for a week and see if your allergy symptoms

lessen at home. But, I’ve always been allergic to them. For a person who has

a food allergy, it is not the food itself that is dangerous but the reactions

made by the body towards the food. There are no other ways to beat a food

allergy but to avoid foods related to the allergy itself.
The saliva that accumulates on their fur can dry and go become airborne,

causing allergic reactions when it’s inhaled. And cat dander is smaller and

stickier than dog dander, so it’s easy for it to accumulate on porous

surfaces. If the result of the test is positive, the instructions may advise

you to seek medical advice and work with health professionals to manage your

allergy or you can take action yourself to minimise exposure to the allergen

concerned.
Unfortunately, allergies are one of the main reasons people give for giving

up their pet. Most of these people do not realize that there are ways of

reducing or eliminating their allergy problems. Pet allergies are enough to

make pet lovers go nuts! Who can you turn to for relief from dog and cat

allergies? But some still want pets. Allerpet, a well-known brand of liquid

that reduces cat allergen in the air, can be applied to your cats’ coat and

is available from your local veterinarian. Alternatively, you can get a micro

fiber cloth and just damp rub down the cats’ coats to rid it of visible

dander. Get rid of carpets and as many nylon and synthetic fabric surfaces as

you can. Nylon and synthetic fabrics (in furniture and rugs) attract and hold

dust, dander, etc. Honest breeders will tell you that, and reputable ones won’

t sell a pet to people with allergies for fear that it will be returned

months later.
Many pet owners are struggling financially, and providing proper veterinary

care for their pets may be difficult. We know that they are already doing

there part to help there clients afford their pet’s care. The inconvenience

of using these products is arguably worth the many rewards of having a loyal

pet friend. There are many types of allergies, and yours may not be pet-

related. If you turn out to be allergic to cats, your allergist can design an

appropriate regimen of medications, alternative therapies, or allergy shots

to alleviate much of your suffering.
Jeffrey L. New
http://www.petloverspalace.com/Online_Catalog.htm?D=1&RPID={3855E01E-42C2-

4881-ABDF-7ABA78B50666}&G=471ABF5C-9DBE-4803-B122-08C528E917DE&P=1575&RID=469

Pet Flea Control is important if you do not want your pet itching and

scratching himself insane or for that matter, you yourself. If you own a pet

flea control is a must. Fleas and ticks can spread undesirable diseases such

as the dreaded Lyme disease and, as such pet flea control is something that

should be taken in all seriousness.

If your pet spends time both indoors and outdoors fleas are inevitable.

There are over 2400 different types of fleas and thankfully only a small

portion of that population is bothersome to you and your pet. Reason being

as there are numerous individuals that have reported their pets experiencing

adverse reactions. Don’t panic and poison yourself or your pet. Tapeworm

infections are usually diagnosed by finding the segments on the pet.

Prevention for both pets and humans Clean up all feces immediately in the

yard, home and on walks. Keeping your pets on Interceptor, a heart worm

preventative, is an excellent way of preventing heart worms and intestinal

parasites. First, take a fecal sample and your pet to a veterinary clinic

for a fecal exam. Your pet will need to be examined and weighed by the vet

to receive medication. We recommend this because your pet could also have

other types of worms or other organisms that you don’t see. Most intestinal

parasites can only be seen by a microscopic exam so your pet may have

parasites that you have never seen. Putting your pet on Interceptor will

prevent hookworms, whip worms and roundworms, as well as heart worms.

Flea control is a very important step in preventing tapeworms. Fleas and

ticks can spread undesirable diseases such as the dreaded Lyme disease and,

as such pet flea control is something that should be taken in all seriousness.

Fleas are the most important external parasite of dogs and cats world-wide.

The best type of flea control for your dog is not a flea collar – despite

all the marketing hype to the contrary. The best chemical flea control

method is the monthly application of the ointment – the most respected is the

Frontline ™ brand. Genuinely effective flea control includes ridding your

home of them as well. The more comprehensive approach you take towards flea

control the better – because fleas can live for months without food, and can

lay as many as 50 eggs a day. The chemicals recommended by veterinarians

most often for flea control are Advantage flea control, Revolution flea

prevention and Frontline flea control. Combined with the effective control

of adult fleas, this is the latest and most effective method for flea control

available. Controlling flea infestations will help eliminate tapeworms. pet

vaccines, pet dewormer, pet flea control, pet allergy remedies, pet heart

worm medicine, pet supplies and supplements such as pet vitamins all play an

important part in healthy pet regimens. Pet Flea Control is important if you

do not want your pet itching and scratching himself insane or for that matter,

you yourself. Many pets and humans are allergic to flea bites making pet

flea control an important step in a healthy pet regimen. Breaking the cycle

by killing adult fleas and preventing them from laying eggs is the foremost

reason for using pet flea control ointments and sprays on a regular basis. ?

Come summer and pollen, ragweed, grass allergens, dust mites, fleas can cause

allergies and are now common ailments that pets suffer from. With numerous

pet medicines for pet arthritis, pet dewormers such as pet heart worm

medicine, pet flea control, pet vaccines, pet allergy remedy on the market,

your pet need not suffer at all. In addition to just being a nuisance, fleas

are responsible for flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) in dogs and cats, which is

estimated to account for over 50% of all the dermatological cases reported to

veterinarians. Repeated flea bites cause discomfort to pets and humans.

Worms, especially Dipylidium caninum, also known as tapeworm in dogs and cats,

can be transmitted by fleas. Symptoms of fleas include scratching and

general discomfort of the animal. Checking for Fleas The best way to check

whether your animal has been in recent contact with fleas is to check for the

presence of flea feces. If you kill the fleas, your pets cannot get

tapeworms. When fleas bite, they consume a small amount of the host’s blood.

But a heavy infestation of fleas can remove enough blood to kill a small

puppy or kitten. The most common species of flea on both cats and dogs is

the Cat Flea. Cat Fleas will not live on humans, but they certainly will

bite us. When your pet gets fleas, eggs fall off the animal, wherever it

goes in your house. It takes between 5-14 days for fleas to develop inside

the cocoon, after which they are triggered to hatch in response to vibration

or the carbon dioxide exhaled by a passing host. Important Flea Facts For

one animal to catch fleas from another requires that the two animals are in

prolonged, stationary contact. Your pet is therefore very unlikely to catch

fleas from casual contact with an infested animal, like in a park. If you

find fleas on your pet, the most likely reason is that it has visited another

household with fleas, or a visiting cat or dog has brought them into your

home. If you have more than one cat or dog living in the same household,

they must all be treated against fleas at the same time. Just one untreated

pet can act as a ’safe haven’ for fleas, thereby triggering a new infestation,

or preventing you from clearing an existing one. Adult fleas spend most of

their time on an animal, but the eggs, larvae, and pupae are found in large

numbers in the environment in carpet, rugs, bedding, furniture, and grass.

To control the flea population, you need to remove fleas from the indoor

environment, the outdoor environment, and your pet. Cat fleas can infest

over 50 species of animals worldwide.

Everything You Need to Know

 About Catnip!

Catnip is a perennial herb. It is a member of the Mint family Labiatae, it is also a distant relation of marijuana.   It is well known   for it’s ability to get cat’s high. It is native to Europe & Asia, however has become naturalised in America & Canada after being introduced. There are approximately 250 species of Catnip, and this figure doesn’t include hybrid species. Some of the more readily available ones are:

Common Catnip (Nepeta cataria) 
White flowers, grows up to 3 feet. This is the variety most cats enjoy.

Camphor Catnip (Nepeta camphorata
White flowers with purple dots, grows up to 18 inches. Camphor scent.

Greek Catnip (Nepeta parnassica)
White, pale pink flowers, grows up to 18 inches.

Lemon Catnip (Nepeta cataria citriodora)
White flowers, spotted with purple, grows up to 3 feet. The leaves have a lemony scent.

Catmint (Nepeta mussinii)
Purple flowers. This plant has smallish, grey/green leaves. It grows up to 15 inches high.

The name Nepeta is believed to have come from the town of Nepete in Italy. Cataria is thought to have come from the Latin word for cat.

Catnip is also known by the following names:   Cataria,  Catmint, Catnep, Catrup, Cat’s Heal All,  Cat’s-play, Cat’s Wort, Catswort, Catwort, Chi Hsueh Tsao, Field Balm, Garden Nep, Herba Cataria, Herba Catti, Nebada, Nep.

The active ingredient which causes this is an essential oil called nepetalactone, which can be found in the leaves & stem of the plant. Other constituents include Acetic Acid,  Alpha & beta-nepetalactone, Citral,  Nepetalactone,  Geraniol, Dipentene, Citronellol, Nerol, Butyric Acid, Valeric Acid and Tannins.

When a cat encounters catnip, it usually sniffs it, rubs against it, licks it & finally eats it. It’s actually the sniffing that gets produces the high, it’s believed that cats eat catnip to bruise the catnip & therefore release more of the nepetalactone. The high produced will usually last between five & ten minutes.

One interesting fact is that when sniffed, catnip will stimulate kitty, however when eaten it will act as a sedative.

Around 50% of cats are affected by catnip, and those who are, are affected to differing degrees. Kittens younger than 8 weeks old aren’t  able to enjoy it’s effects. In fact, they show an aversion to it.  The response to catnip appears to be inherited as an autosomal gene. It’s not just domesticated cats who enjoy the effects of catnip, many lot of wild species also enjoy it.  Cats can smell 1 part in a billion  in the air. Males & females, entire or desexed, there appears to be no one group who is more readily affected by catnip than another.

Nepetalactone causes a hallucinogenic effect. Some say the effects are similar to LSD, others say similar to marijuana. Because cats roll on the floor, which mimics a female in estrus, it has been suggested that catnip acts as an aphrodisiac, but this is unlikely as males react in just the same way. What is likely is the cat is reacting to similar “feel good” pheromones released during  sexual courtship/activity. However, non sexual behaviour including playing, chasing & hunting can also be observed.  The response to catnip is via the olfactory system. Even cats who can’t smell will can still respond to catnip.

The effects of catnip seem to change from cat to cat. I have one cat who drools & rolls on the floor, I have another one who becomes very hyperactive, a third becomes aggressive, and picks fights with the other cats when he’s had catnip.

Catnip is not harmful to your cat. They won’t overdose on it.  Most cats know when they’ve had enough & will refuse any further offers.

Interestingly, researchers say that nepetalactone is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitos than DEET, which is the active ingredient in most insect repellents. It was also discovered that catnip repels cockroaches too!* Plants aren’t alone in containing nepetalactone, some insects & ants also contain it. It’s been speculated that this protects them from insects.

Rats & mice are also believed to have a strong dislike of catnip & will avoid places where it grows.

If you set it, the cats will eat it. If you sow it, the cats don’t know it.
Philip Miller, The Gardener’s Dictionary

This saying came about because fresh catnip is supposedly more attractive to cats when it is bruised & transplanting catnip bruises the leaves. I don’t know how much truth there is to that, certainly my cats will have a nibble on the catnip I keep in their enclosure, which hasn’t been bruised.

Catnip is usually fairly easy to grow, you should be able to  purchase the plant from your local garden centre. It likes light sandy soil, and grows best in full sun.

Most pet shops either sell catnip toys, or tried catnip. When storing catnip, put it in an air tight container, in the fridge or freezer.

To dry fresh catnip, hang upside down in a dry, ventilated area, away from the sun.

Human uses:

Catnip tends to have a sedative effect on humans. It is most often drunk as a tea.

It is also useful for settling an upset stomach. It has also been used to treat headaches, scarlet fever, coughing, insomnia & smallpox.

Catnip can also be used for cuts, studies show it has a natural healing quality. Crush fresh catnip leaves, damp them & apply to your cut. **

Some other medicinal uses for catnip are: Anaesthetic, antibiotic, anti rheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, chills, cold in the joints, haemorrhoids, toothache.

Keeping Your Cat Healthy and

 Happy Indoors: A CatWellness

 Primer

Catwellness.org features not-for-profit organizations that champion the cat. We are expanding our coverage with this article to highlight both good concepts and toys to keep cats healthy and happy indoors. – The Editor

The following information is courtesy of Dr. Tony Buffington, veterinarian and creator of the Indoor Cat Initiative, which provides the ways to enrich the lives of indoor cats. For more information please visit: http://www.vet.ohio-state.edu/indoorcat.htm.

Personal Space
Like all cat lovers know, cats are very independent animals. They enjoy    hiding under, on top, and/or inside of many locations in the home. They are very curious creatures. A great way to give your cat the space it needs is by getting him or her a perch. A perch will allow them to elevate themselves from the ground level and observe from above. They will feel safe and secure while enjoying their surroundings. Perches are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and you can even attach them to a windowsill so your cat can get a better view of the outside.

A Bed
Cats are most vulnerable when they are sleeping, so it’s important to provide them with a quiet and secure resting place.   For those who prefer that their cat stay off beds and other furniture, providing your cat with a comfortable resting place in a quiet part of the house is the best alternative. This area, however, must be in a place where necessities like food, water, and litter box, are still accessible. Cat beds can be purchased, or a snug blanket or towel will work just fine. Remember, just like you, cats don’t like being disturbed while they sleep.

Scratching/Climbing Post
Cats scratch as a way to stretch their muscles, shed old cuticle, sharpen their claws, and leave scent marks. Providing your cat with something to scratch   will not only keep them happy, but it will save your furniture. When   figuring out where to place a scratching post it’s important to keep in mind where your cat typically likes to scratch. You can place the post near this area in order to keep your cat from scratching that particular object. Keep the scratching post in close proximity to daily necessities and try not to move the post. If you do move it, try to move it as gradually as possible. Lastly, trim the sharp tips of your cat’s nails or purchase nail caps to reduce damage from scratching.

Litter Box
Cats use elimination as a way to mark their territory. So, in order to keep   them from eliminating all over your house, it’s important to provide them   an attractive litter box. First, cats appreciate a clean litter box. So, if you do not regularly clean out their litter box, they will most likely find a cleaner spot which may end up being somewhere in your house. Second, cats prefer a large uncovered litter box. This gives them a large space to move around and stand up straight. Third, most cats prefer fine-grained, unscented litter. Most cats are turned off by a scented litter. Lastly, the litter box should be placed in a quiet, secure and accessible place. This ensures the cat privacy, and eliminates other animals or people sneaking up on it. The “golden rule” is one litter box per cat, plus one. So for those with multiple cats, and/or multiple levels in your house, it is important to have multiple boxes on each level.

Toys
Although indoor cats don’t have to hunt for their food, they still have the urge to pounce. Toys are extremely important to the health and happiness   of your cat. Something as simple as a ball to roll around or a stick with a    string and a toy attached can amuse an indoor cat for hours. Taking a more realistic approach, you can give your cat a fake mouse that moves or makes noise.

It isn’t difficult to keep you indoor cat healthy and happy. All it takes is providing your cat with privacy, a comfortable place to sleep, something to scratch, an appropriate litter box, and most importantly, toys! Keeping your cat happy and healthy will not only increase their happiness, but yours as well.

 Heated pet beds from Pet Lovers Palace. 

 A Heated Pet Bed They Will Love
Low-level therapeutic heat in the Dolce Vita™ heated pet bed provides warming comfort to help reduce sore joints and muscles, stimulate circulation, and improve the activity level of any pet. The patent-pending Flat Screen Heater delivers even heating throughout the bed pad and works with your pet’s body temperature to provide the ideal temperature recommended by veterinarians. A therapeutic foam mattress delivers total body comfort.
Low Maintenance
Messes are inevitable. We planned for them, giving the Dolce Vita Therabed a washable, removable microsuede cover that’s stain and water-resistant.
Recommended by Veterinarians
With these benefits, it’s no wonder veterinarians recommend the Dolce Vita Therabed™.
Safe for Your Pet
Some owners worry a heated pet bed might injure their pet. With the Dolce Vita Therabed you don’t have to fret. We designed this pet bed with your pet’s safety in mind. The Therabed uses a low-power heater, distributes heat evenly without hot spots, and features a slip-resistant bottom.
Your pet is safe in a Dolce Vita heated pet bed.
Comfortable
Even heating is just the beginning. The rectangular Therabed features the same orthopedic foam pad as the oval model.

Litter Kwitter Details

The Litter Kwitter trains your cat to go into the bathroom whenever they need to ‘go,’ and to hop up onto the toilet to do it. The special white seat starts on the floor next to the toilet with the red training disc full of litter just like their regular litter tray. Later, the whole thing is placed on the toilet rim so your cat learns to hop up to go. This take around 2-3 weeks on average.

Click below to view the Litter Kwitter video.

Cats like things their own way – they do stuff when they like, how they like and at their own pace. This is why we love them – it’s their independent streak.  During toilet training cats are likely to progress at different paces depending on their differing natures. This isn’t a problem unless their differences are great, in which case some cats might need a little more help. That’s why we’ve developed Doogie’s MultiKatKit.

The MultiKatKit (a kit for multiple cats – geddit?) consists of additional training discs that smooth out the transitions from Red… to Amber… to Green… to removing the LITTER KWITTER altogether (see how it works).

They are basically additional Amber and Green discs with different sized holes. These help slower learners keep up with the faster ones and can help more nervous felines overcome their fears.

Also, we all know individual cats aren’t usually stubborn (???!), but if yours is one of these rare creatures then the MultiKatKit can help with these too! It’s like having more gears in your car – your cat won’t notice the changes quite as much when they’re picking up speed.

Please Note:
the MultiKatKit can only be used in conjunction with the Litter Kwitter Cat Toilet Training System (sold separately).

Thanks to Angie Davidson for use of pictures of her beautiful toilet-trained Bengal
‘Sophie Cat’

Groom Your Cat

Your feline will look (and feel!) like the cat’s meow after a good grooming session.

By nature, cats are extremely fastidious. You’ve no doubt watched your kitty washing herself several times a day. For the most part she can take care of herself very well, thank you, but sometimes she’ll need a little help from you.

Make Grooming as Enjoyable as Possible—For the Both of You!

Grooming sessions should be fun for the both of you, so be sure to schedule them when your cat’s relaxed, perhaps after exercise or eating. You want your pet to remember grooming sessions in a positive way, so you never want to risk losing your temper. If you’ve had a stressful day or are in a bad mood, it’s probably not a good time to groom your cat.

Keep your first grooming sessions short—just 5 to 10 minutes. Gradually lengthen the time until your pet is used to the routine. You should also get your pet used to being handled. Get in the habit of petting every single part of your cat—including ears, tail, belly and back—and especially the feet!

And keep in mind, a little patience can go a long way. If your cat is extremely stressed out, cut the session short and try again when she’s calmer. Unfortunately, most cats do not like baths, so you may need another person to help. And remember to pile on the praise and offer her a treat when the session is over.

Brushing 

Regular sessions with a brush   or comb  will help keep your pet’s hair in good condition by removing dirt, spreading natural oils throughout her coat, preventing tangles and keeping her skin clean and irritant-free.

If your cat has short hair, you only need to brush once a week:
- First, use a metal comb and work through her fur from head to tail.
- Next, use a bristle or rubber brush to remove dead and loose hair.
- Be extra-gentle near her chest and belly.

If your cat has long hair, you will need to brush every day:
- Start by combing her belly and legs; be sure to untangle any knots.
- Next, brush her fur in an upward motion with a bristle or rubber brush.
- To brush her tail, make a part down the middle and brush the fur out on either side.

Bathing

If your cat’s coat becomes greasy and oily, or if she’s gotten into something sticky or smelly, she’ll benefit from a bath. Use a mild shampoo            that’s safe to use on cats, and follow these easy steps:
- First, give your pet a good brushing to remove all dead hair and mats.
- Place a rubber bath mat in a sink or tub to provide secure footing.
- Put your cat in a tub or sink that has been filled with about 3 to 4 inches of lukewarm water.
- Use a spray hose to thoroughly wet your pet, taking care not to spray directly in her ears, eyes or nose. If you don’t have a spray hose, a large plastic pitcher or unbreakable cup will do.
- Gently massage in shampoo, working from head to tail.
- Thoroughly rinse with a spray hose or pitcher; again, avoid the ears, eyes and nose
- Dry your pet with a large towel.

Nail Clipping 

Most people really don’t handle their cats’ feet until they are about to clip the nails and then…watch out! Some animals can get very upset at this totally foreign feeling. That’s why it’s a good idea to get your cat used to having her feet touched before you attempt a nail trim. Rub your hand up and down her leg and then gently press each individual toe—and be sure to give her lots of praise and some food treats as you do this. Every animal is different, but chances are that within a week or two of daily foot massage, your cat will accept nail clipping with too much fuss. Here’s how to do it:

- Begin by applying gentle pressure to the top of the foot and cushiony pad underneath—this will cause her to extend her claws.
- Use sharp, high-quality cat nail scissors to cut off the white tip of each nail, just before the point where it begins to curl.
- Take care to avoid the quick, a vein that runs into the nail. This pink area can be seen through the nail.
- If you do accidentally cut into this pink area, it may bleed, in which case you can apply some styptic powder to stop the bleeding.

Source: A.S.P.C.A.