But there’s one little detail a lot of people forget, and it could turn into a life-or-death situation. Make sure to talk to your vet before you leave.

Tell the vet you’re going away for a while and who’s going to be taking care of your cat while you’re gone. Make payment arrangements in case your cat gets sick while you’re away. Most vets will require credit card information and specific information about what kind of measures or care you’re willing to authorize.

Inform your vet if you want to be contacted in the event your cat gets sick. If so, be sure your vet has a phone number where you can be reached: if it’s a cell phone, make sure you keep it with you and it’s turned on. If you’re in another country where your phone won’t work, give the vet a local message number or an e-mail address that you know you’ll check at least daily.

Make sure you have enough carriers for all your cats, that all the carriers are in working order, and that your sitter knows where they are.

Leave a note for your sitter with feeding instructions, your contact information, your vet’s phone number, the phone number for the nearest emergency vet, and dosing information for any medications your cat is taking.

Do these simple things before you go away and you’ll be able to breathe easy knowing your sitter will have all the information she needs to keep your kitty well and safe.

Cat expert and animal communicator JaneA Kelley is the webmaster and chief cat slave for Paws and Effect, a weekly cat advice column by cats, for cats and their people.

Symptoms of CH include ataxia (staggering, jerky gait), and a tendency to overshoot or undershoot when pouncing or reaching for objects. Because of their lack of coordination, cats with CH can have trouble eating or using the litter box. The good news is that the disease is not progressive, and cats can easily adapt to their condition with a little extra care to meet their special needs.

Cats with CH should never be let outside, because they have trouble avoiding predators or oncoming vehicles. Use dishes that can’t be tipped over, such as rubber-bottomed steel bowls, to help a CH kitten eat more easily. A litter box with high sides and a low opening can make it easier for a CH cat to support himself while using the toilet.

This sweet video shows the story of Charley, a cat with cerebellar hypoplasia. Cats with CH don’t suffer or have pain as a result of their disease. They live long, healthy lives and can fill your life with just as much joy as a non-disabled cat. All a CH cat needs from you is a safe and loving home and some minor accommodations for his special needs.

Cat expert and animal communicator JaneA Kelley is the webmaster and chief cat slave for Paws and Effect, a weekly cat advice column by cats, for cats and their people.

Cats’ personalities, energy levels and preferred environments can vary tremendously. If you want a quiet “lap fungus” cat, an Abyssinian may not be the breed for you. If you live in Alaska, you may want to reconsider adopting a Sphynx, as their lack of fur makes them very vulnerable to cold climates. If you don’t have the time for daily grooming, you might not want a Persian.

Fortunately, there’s a lot of information available about what you need to know before you adopt a purebred cat. If you take an honest look at how your lifestyle meshes with your potential pet’s personality and special needs, you’ll have a much better chance of having a long and wonderful relationship with your feline friend.

Cat expert and animal communicator JaneA Kelley is the webmaster and chief cat slave for Paws and Effect, a weekly cat advice column by cats, for cats and their people.

Flea allergies: Even one flea bite can cause your cat’s immune system to go into overdrive, which can lead to biting, itching, and sores. To solve this problem, make sure you give your cat regular flea preventative treatments.

Food sensitivities: Certain grains such as corn can cause allergic reactions. Low-quality meats or meat byproducts can also cause sensitivity. If you suspect your cat’s food is an issue, feed her a premium-quality food with meat as the first ingredient and grains other than corn.

Chemical sensitivities: Cats can be very sensitive to chemicals and artificial fragrances such as those used in detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and plug-in air fresheners. Try removing these products from your home and see if that helps.

If all else fails, take a look at the article veterinarian Dr. Patty Khuly recently wrote in her blog about using Zyrtec (cetirizine) to treat cat allergies. Talk to your vet and see what he or she thinks about this. Remember, do NOT give your cat any medications without veterinary supervision!

Cat expert and animal communicator JaneA Kelley is the webmaster and chief cat slave for Paws and Effect, a weekly cat advice column by cats, for cats and their people.

Dawn dish detergent, the miracle product rescuers use to clean oil-coated birds, will also work for your cat, if you use this procedure: Put the detergent on your cat’s fur before you get him wet. Massage it in for several minutes. By using the detergent before you wet your cat, the oil will get bound up in the soap rather than just causing the soap and water to slick off without touching the oil. Rinse your cat’s fur with warm water until no more suds come out.

My reader reported that this technique worked like a charm, and her kitty’s fur was clean after the first try.

Cat expert and animal communicator JaneA Kelley is the webmaster and chief cat slave for Paws and Effect, a weekly cat advice column by cats, for cats and their people.

Teething can be as uncomfortable for kittens as it is for babies. Although cats do not fuss and cry while their teeth are coming in, they may show behaviors that indicate discomfort such as chewing on inappropriate objects.

PetStages makes a chewing toy called the Catnip Crunchy Chew Stick, which can help relieve the discomfort. The chew stick can be frozen, so it provides a firm chewing surface and the cold that can help ease the pain and irritation of teething. My cats have a bunch of PetStages toys, and they enjoy them very much.

Be sure to check your kitten’s mouth every couple of days and make sure those teeth are coming in properly. If she stops eating or begins to act lethargic, get in touch with your vet right away.

Cat expert and animal communicator JaneA Kelley is the webmaster and chief cat slave for Paws and Effect, a weekly cat advice column by cats, for cats and their people.

First, make sure you and your cat are positioned properly. Let your cat sit on a table, facing away from you. Hold him with your non-dominant hand. You can then use your dominant hand to trim his claws.

Use the right tool for the job. A special scissor designed for trimming cat nails is the best choice, but a sharp fingernail clipper will work too.

Make sure you are calm as well. If you come off as anxious and stressed, your cat will pick up on that and it will make him more upset.

If your cat squirms and struggles, or if he is new to claw trimming, do only one or two claws at a time and reward him with a treat afterwards.

If all else fails, have a professional groomer or your vet trim those nails. They can show you their technique, which might make it easier for you in the future.

Cat expert and animal communicator JaneA Kelley is the webmaster and chief cat slave for Paws and Effect, a weekly cat advice column by cats, for cats and their people.

The most beautiful feline gesture, though, is the slow blink, also known as the “cat kiss.” A cat sending you a kiss will slowly close her eyes, leave them closed for a second, and slowly reopen them.

Try giving your cat a kiss with your eyes and see how she responds. Usually if you give an eye-kiss and your cat is paying attention, she’ll give you one in return.

When you visit a home with a cat, you can try giving the resident cat an eye-kiss. He’ll probably be quite impressed with your good behavior and may even show you some affection.

Most cats won’t respond to eye kisses when there’s a lot of noise and commotion, so it’s best to practice your new kissing skills in a calm and quiet environment.

Cat expert and animal communicator JaneA Kelley is the webmaster and chief cat slave for Paws and Effect, a weekly cat advice column by cats, for cats and their people.

To get your cat out of the habit of charging outside at any opportunity, be sure not to greet your cats at the door. Instead, walk over to a place a few feet away from the door before you greet or pet your cat. If you keep doing this, your cat will realize that this is the official greeting location.

To prevent escape as you’re on your way out, say goodbye to your cat in a specific spot like his favorite bed or his cat tree. If your cat insists on following you to the door, toss a ping pong ball or similar toy. This will distract him.

Cat expert and animal communicator JaneA Kelley is the webmaster and chief cat slave for Paws and Effect, a weekly cat advice column by cats, for cats and their people.

Use only lukewarm water (hot water can be counter-productive and stimulate more dander production) and a mild cat shampoo. Some of the cat shampoos on the market are even soap-free. Bathing every other week will condition the skin and hair while removing dander and saliva. Keep the water flow warm and gentle and eventually your furry friend may even look forward to bath time!

Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible. Click here to follow her on Twitter.