If your cat is injured, approach her calmly and carefully. Don't assume that she won't scratch or bite you - injured pets often react negatively at first to any attempt to touch them. Once you get close enough, place a towel over her head to "blind" her. The darkness created by towel has a calming effect. You can also tightly wrap towel around her body to keep her from struggling.

If your cat is bleeding heavily, it is important to slow or stop flow as soon as possible. Use a clean towel or cloth to apply pressure directly to wound. Change towels/cloths as needed, but keep pressure on until you reach a veterinarian. If necessary, you can apply thick gauze pads and use tape to secure them while you transport your cat. It is best, however, to keep pressure on wound and have some one else drive.

If your cat seems to be choking, use a flashlight to see what she is choking on. If you can easily remove it, do so. If not, you will might need to perform a modified Heimlich maneuver.

Here's what you need to do:

* Place pet on its side on a hard surface. * Place both hands behind last rib and press down quickly and firmly - release immediately and repeat rapidly several times. * Try to direct force of your hands slightly forward - this will make your efforts more effective. * Have someone carefully open dog's or cat's mouth wide and attempt to retrieve material from throat as you compress chest.

It is important to get proper training for this, as it can cause serious injury if done incorrectly. Many humane societies and animal welfare organizations offer classes on pet first aid, that include Heimlich maneuver, CPR, and techniques for dealing with serious injury and poisoning.

I would always pick a meat-based cat food over a vegetable-based one. Despite fact that you will pay more for meat food, if you are concerned about health of your cat, this will be a cost worth paying. And because meat-based products are generally of better quality, your cat will be satisfied with less of quality cat food that she would be with a lesser quality product.

Moist, or canned food is usually a favorite - moisture amplifies scent-but make sure your cat also eats dry food regularly. Leave a bowl of dry kibble out for your cat to snack on throughout day; crunchy food helps clean her teeth. If you do feed "wet" food, make it available for about 30 minutes, and throw away uneaten portion. This teaches your cat to "get it while getting is good." Never leave canned food in a dish all day long; it attracts ants, cockroaches, and creates a bad habit in your cat.

In addition to a bowl of dry kibble, make sure your cat has plenty of fresh water in a clean bowl. If your home is large, or has multiple levels, consider putting out more than one water bowl so that she always has access to water and won't need to try quenching her thirst via an "unsafe" supply.

Most people know that cats are carnivores, or meat eaters, and are puzzled when their cats begin eating houseplants. This could be dangerous - some plants are toxic. A plant-snacking cat may be trying to get required minerals that might be lacking from commercial food she eats. Give her access to a planter pot of "cat grass" (available at pet supply stores and garden centers), and she'll leave your other plants alone.