Wait 10 minutes after shampooing before you start a vinegar wash. If you notice your feline friend itching and scratching more than usual, she could have a case of cat dandruff or fleas, or she may simply need some skin conditioning. After a trip to the vet to find out what's causing the itch, try washing your kitty in a vinegar bath. Vinegar can kill fleas, help remove dandruff and soothe your kitten's skin without using harsh chemicals or commercial powders. Diagnosis Before using a vinegar wash, visit the veterinarian so she can establish the cause of your kitten's skin problem. Possible culprits include dry skin or dandruff, a fungal infection, diabetes, poor diet, fleas and mites, sunburn and even pregnancy. The vet might recommend medication or a diet change. Ask her if you can help your kitten relieve her symptoms with a vinegar wash. Bathing Your Kitten Brush your kitten to remove loose hair. Place cotton balls in both ears to keep water out. Fill a sink or basin with about 5 inches of warm water that is 102 degrees Fahrenheit, or 39 degrees Celsius.

Fill a plastic bucket with water and begin gently pouring the water onto your kitten's back and underside. Use a wet wash cloth to wet the face and head. Shampoo using a mild cat-dandruff shampoo. Toy Pomeranian Puppies For Sale In Jacksonville FloridaRinse the coat thoroughly at least twice to be sure to remove all the soap residue, which is an irritant. House For Sale Le Biot FranceUsing the Vinegar Reassure your cat by talking, praising and touching her. Discount Tire Center Palm DesertMix 1 tablespoon of vinegar into 1 pint of water that is 102 degrees Fahrenheit, 39 Celsius. Gently pour it onto her coat, working it into the cat's underside. The vinegar rinse will acidify the cat's skin. Rinse the vinegar thoroughly.

If your kitten's itch is from dandruff, you'll see a soft, shiny coat that is free of flakes after she dries. When fleas and ticks are the culprit, the vinegar could shoo them away. Ways to Keep Kitty's Skin Healthy Veterinarian Jean Hofve has more than 20 years' cat experience and is an adviser to the Association of American Feed Control Officials. She says that in addition to the vinegar rinse, you can add a high-quality cod or fish oil supplement to your cat's diet to keep skin healthy. However, it's crucial that it be from marine animals since they are the only reliable source for EPA and DHA omega-3s. "Cat owners can simply squeeze a few drops of omega-3 from a capsule into their kitten's wet food," Hofve says. "Within weeks, owners will notice how this anti-inflammatory will also help improve a cat's skin and coat." : Pet Care With Apple Cider VinegarJean Hofve, DVM; Denver, ColoradoHealth Guidance: My Cat Has Dandruff! Life With Siamese Cats: Bathing a Cat -- The Do's and Don'tsThe Vinegar Institute: Uses and Tips Photo Credits Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images MORE MUST-CLICKS: How to Comb a Himalayan Cat Natural Ways to Keep Cats From Shedding About Hives and Allergy Symptoms Caused by Cat Dander Excessive Grooming in Cats Do Cats Need to Be Bathed?

How to Treat Seriously Matted Fur on a Cat How to Remove Cat Hair From Laundry Why Do Cats Preen? How to Remove a Deer Tick From a Cat How to Stop Cat Hair From Shedding NaturallyChoosing a cat breed takes time and research, but we've broken down some of the most popular breeds in this article to help make your decision a little easier. Choosing a cat breed should be done with careful thought and consideration. Remember that temperaments and energy levels can vary widely between breeds as well as within them. It is best to spend a little time getting to know a cat before choosing to adopt it into your home. With a little extra forethought, you'll be sure to find a pet that will be a loving companion to your family for years to come. With this in mind, let's explore a few felines that have become very popular as pets. If you want a cat with loads of personality, then this breed might be perfect for you. The traditional Siamese has short, sleek hair, blue eyes and darker points on the ears, tail and feet.

There can be variations in coloring in the breed. Siamese kittens are white at birth and their points (where the color variation comes in) develop shortly afterward. Siamese tend to love people, but some do not get along well with other pets. They are very affectionate and love to be cuddled. Siamese are also vocal when they need or want something, and their loud yowl has been known to irritate the most patient owner. These cats bond strongly with an owner, so it is best to only get one and plan to keep him or her for a lifetime. Siamese need a lot of attention and have high energy, but they also require very little grooming. Calico is not actually a breed but a coloration in cats. Nevertheless, this look has become highly popular with cat owners. Calico cats are almost always female (although there are some rare exceptions). Calicos can have either a long or short coat and are marked with individual patches of three colors - orange (red), black and white. Since calico patterns turn up across many breeds, it is hard to determine temperament in general.

Each kitten will have an individual personality. To make sure the cat is healthy, it is best to choose a kitten that is energetic and playful. You may also want to see how the cat responds to being handled. You might think a hairless cat would require less grooming, but the opposite is often true. Without fur to absorb the skin's natural oils, many hairless cats require bathing several times a week to keep their skin from becoming greasy. Nevertheless, these cats can make wonderful pets for people who like the unusual. They are affectionate, but be prepared to spend a lot of time caring for them. Some of the hairless breeds include: These big beauties are striking in appearance. Their hair is quite long and they make some unusual chirping noises in addition to meows. Many Maine coon cats actually have extra toes. They are quite affectionate and love children and dogs. They are also good hunters. They don't tend to enjoy sitting on laps, but do enjoy interaction with their human companions.

Maines require regular brushing and bathing since their coats tend to become a bit greasy. Marked much like a Siamese, Ragdoll cats are big fluffy and highly affectionate. If you're looking for a cat that loves to cuddle, then this is the breed for you. Ragdolls tend to be extremely docile. It's generally safer to keep pet cats indoors, but Ragdolls are put into extreme danger if let outdoors due to their docility. They don't have any hunting skills to speak of and will not defend themselves against attack. Ragdolls often go limp when picked up. They require moderate grooming, can be trained without difficulty and do not shed much. The diva of cats, Persians are regal, fluffy and beautiful. These cats are short and round, and their heads are larger than most cats. These cats have loving personalities, but they prefer quiet households without other pets or small children. Although white is the most popularly shown Persian, the breed comes in many colors and coat variations. They do require extensive grooming, including daily brushing and regular baths.