Cat Care

To maintain your cat in good health, you should regularly worm and check for ticks and ear mites. Paralysis tick first shows as a nasal congestion and the cat may be killed within 24 hours so it is critical to get the cat to a vet as quickly as possible. There are products on the market which, when given regularly, can minimize the effects of paralysis tick – see your vet. Ear mites appear as dirt in the ear and, if untreated, can kill. Revolution can fight this or your vet can advise the best course to take.

Annual vaccinations are particularly important for cats that are allowed outside as they are susceptible to picking up diseases from other cats, particularly if they are in a scrap. Consult your vet.

A few bowls of water should be left around the house to encourage your cat to drink as the kidneys are often a weak spot with cats.

Do not feed your cat cow’s milk as cats can not digest lactose – milk gives cats diarrhea and causes eye cataracts.

Cats also should not be given any foods of the onion family – onions, leek, garlic – and chocolate should be off the menu. Cats can not survive on tinned dog food (although dogs can survive on tinned cat food).

If your cat is kept indoors all the time, grass should be brought in periodically for the cat to chew.

You should not be alarmed if your cat brings up a fur ball – this is natural but may cause some discomfort to the cat. Adding a little cooking oil to food or certain cat biscuits can make this easier for your cat.

If your cat suddenly stops using the litter tray and soils other areas of the home, this often indicates the cat is under duress – usually being bullied by another cat. Try putting down two or maybe three litter trays in different places around the home. This should stop this unsociable behaviour.

To control your cat, use a water spray (or water pistol). This can be effective when teaching the cat the house rules. Rattling a tin with stones in it is another method of control and shouting can help but hitting will have very little effect.

When moving to a new home or when receiving a new cat, keep the cat in for at least a week so it can get used to its new home and will not then stray. During transportation, using Rescue Remedy (a floral concoction from vets or chemists) is recommended to calm the cat as it is highly effective without the bad side-effects of drugs.

The Care of Your New Cat

Dos and Don'ts - Adults

DO Provide a litter tray and litter for your cat’s toilet. Clean it at least once a day and leave it in one place, moving it around will distress your cat and may cause little accidents! 
DO Feed your cat twice a day – morning and evening. Raw chicken wings are an excellent way to clean your cat’s teeth 
DO Leave plenty of fresh water around the house at all times 
DO Stay with your cat when you first allow it outside and stay with it while you walk your boundaries 
DO Worm your cat according to your vet or the instructions on the wormer you buy. 
DO Vaccinate according to your vet’s instructions 
DO Keep your cat in at night. There is a danger from snakes and other predators 

DON’T Allow your new adult cat outside for at least 3 days, maybe a week, in order for it to get to know you and its new home 
DON’T Give your cat any chocolate, any food containing garlic or onion or any milk (special pet milk may be bought but just water is fine), The consequences could be death!

Dos and Don'ts - Kittens

DO Provide a litter tray and litter for your kitten’s toilet. Mother cats toilet train their kittens and they will automatically use the litter. Clean it at least once a day and leave in the same place as moving it may distress your kitten and cause little accidents!
DO Worm your kitten according to your vet or the instructions on the wormer you buy.
DO Vaccinate your kitten according to your vet’s instructions
DO Feed your kitten twice a day, morning and evening, with kitten food. Raw chicken wings are excellent for cleaning your kitten’s teeth!
DO Leave plenty of fresh water around the house.
DO Provide toys for your kitten eg a cardboard box, ping pong balls, a piece of string tied to a stick to chase, a dead leaf, a feather
DO Have your kitten desexed at 5-6 months old

DON’T Allow a kitten outside on its own – it is too young. You should always stay with the kitten until it is old enough to venture outside alone and do not leave your kitten outside at night as there are snakes and other predators which are dangerous
DON’T Give your kitten any chocolate, any food containing garlic or onion or any milk (special pet milk may be bought but just water is fine), The consequences could be death!
DON’T Leave your kitten alone with young children, always supervise their playtime in order to avoid either being hurt