People in the United States love their pets. The vast majority (94%) report that they smile more than once a day because of their pet. Americans spent $60.28 on their pets and $5.41 to board and groom their pets in 2015. Like people, our pets suffer from a variety of health problems that are similar to ours. They can have allergies, illnesses and injuries that closely resemble the ones we have and just about any procedure that people can get, pets can have done. It is not unusual for dry skin on cats to be a real problem, for instance. There are things you can do at home to help your cat feel better when they are not feeling great.
Treat their itchiness with essential oils. Many times, when there is dry skin on cats, the cats also suffer from itchiness that is often associated with this problem. Your cat’s itchy skin can be caused by allergies, dandruff or fleas, among other things. When there is dry skin on cats, the cats affected can be grouchy and generally unhappy animals. You can give your itchy cat a bath with rosemary, pennyroyal or peppermint. These essential oils can make your cat sick if they ingest them so take care to not let that happen. Pennyroyal is the most effective of the essential oils when the dry skin on cats is caused by fleas. Another option is use catnip in a tea bath for you cat. Cat skin allergies are not uncommon so if you find your cat has a real problem, you should ask your veterinarian.
Treat dandruff with a humidifier. Before you break out the pet shampoo for dry skin, you may want to try to moisten the air in your home with a humidifier. You may know this is an issue if you live in a very dry climate such as what is found in Arizona or another dry place. If you live in a humid place like Florida, you already have enough humidity and you cat probably needs that dandruff shampoo for pets. Some cats respond well when they have dry skin to a diet with more wet food in it. If you can, also watch how much water your cat consumes.
You do not have to shave you cat to stop the hairballs. Hairballs are inevitable if you have a cat in your home. To keep your cat’s hairball production to a bare minimum, brush them every day. This will keep the amount of fur they end up ingesting when they groom themselves, which is their favorite thing to do (other than sleep and eat). After you brush the cat, wipe them down with a damp towel. If you give them a teaspoon of either of these things every few days, you can help them pass the hairballs. Make sure their diet has enough fiber as well.
Protect your cat’s urinary tract with cranberry juice. You have probably heard of this as a remedy for urinary tract infections in people but it is also great for cats. Male cats are more likely to have problems in this area than female cats but both can have issues here. One thing that you can do to prevent urethra blockages and issues or problems with their bladder by giving them unsweetened cranberry juice in their water. You can also add cranberry powder to their food. Cranberry juice works by making the urine more acidic and that prevents urinary infections and blockages.
Clean small scratches with saline. Cats, especially female cats, can be very territorial. If yours gets into a minor skirmish with another cat, they may have small scratches. You can buy a first-aid saline at the pharmacy or make your own by mixing salt and water. You can also use a baby shampoo that you have diluted. Watch for any signs they have become infected. That would warrant a trip to the veterinarian right away
Many people do not bathe their cats but if you do, remember you need to use a natural pet shampoo and never use your shampoo on your cat.
