Sponsors |
|
|
|
|
Pet Health And Behavioral Problems
Chan Chan
Health
As I said, stray cats can make great pets, but they sometimes come with a
number of health and behavior problems. Most will be infested with external
and internal parasites, including fleas, ticks, and numerous types of worms.
In addition, strays usually have not received any vaccinations and can carry
a host of infectious diseases.
These deadly diseases can all be spread from cat to cat through bites, saliva,
or even by sharing food or mutual grooming. Taking in a stray without
bringing it right to your veternarian can, therefore, mean a death sentence
for any cats you may already have at home.
Strays might also have been injured by vehicles or by other animals at some
time. Breaks, sprains, abscesses, eye disorders, internal injuries, or other
structual problems can result, which can end up costing you plenty to treat.
In addition, many strays become very cautious around people due to the
hardships of the street. Often they remain this way for the rest of their
lives, perhaps warming up to only a few people - you being one.
Although this all sounds ominous, don't give up on strays. If you involve
your veterinarian immediately and have no other pets, a stray just might work
out fine. After all, any domestic animal tough enough to make it on the
street deserves a second chance.
For owners who have not had their cats neutered, a bevy of unwanted behaviors
can pop up. Males will want to get outside and roam the neighbourhood in
search of females and to claim and defend what they perceive to be their
territory.
In doing so, they will almost certainly get into fights with other males, and
run the risk of getting injured by a vehicle or infected with one of many
will spray urine all over the home and most likely become quite vocal in his
attempt to tell you he wants out.
Unneutered females allowed to venture outside will almost certainly become
pregnant over and over and may also get into fights with other cats, both
male and female. Like a male, she, too, could expose herself to injury or
infection, possibly leading to death. If kept in the home, she will cry and
perhaps mark with urine and leave spots of blood - all in all, avery unhappy
owner-pet relationship.
The drive to breed is a strong one among all unneutered cats. By the time a
male or a female cat is 6 to 8 months old, it will begin showing an
instinctive need to find a mate and will also become less playful and more
competitive toward cats of its own gender.
Article submitted Monday, September 08, 2008
This article has been viewed 0 times.
Most Popular |
|
|
|