Introducing Your Cat
Choosing the Right Cat | Where to Obtain Your Cat | Where You Live | Introducing a cat into your home | Feeding | Milk | Toilet Training | Vaccination | What your new cat needs
Choosing the Right Cat
Before you get your cat, be sure you can give him the home he needs and deserves. Here's a checklist of important questions you need to answer.
Can You?
1. Can you afford the cat's weekly food bill?
2. Can you be at home at least part of the day every day?
3. Can you afford to neuter your cat?
4. Can you afford your cat's vaccinations and booster shots every year?
5. Can you afford to board your cat when away on holidays?
6. Can you afford vet bills if your cat becomes ill?
7. Can you give your time and affection for the rest of its life?
Being the owner of a cat means responsibility, whether you help at home in taking care of the cat or whether you are the sole owner. Although cats are independent, they rely on their owners as much as any other animal does. So the questions you have just read are important. If you can honestly answer yes to all the above questions contact your local cats and dogs home.
Choosing your cat is relatively simple whether you pick a long haired, short haired, male or female cat. If you choose a long haired cat you must be prepared for daily grooming to avoid a matted coat. Choosing a male or female is a personal choice as both sexes are similar in temperament. Vets recommend that all sexes be neutered by the age of six months.
Where to Obtain Your Cat
If you decide to get a pedigree cat be sure to contact a well-known reputable breeder. It's never advisable to buy cats from pet shops, instead contact your local animal welfare society.
Where You Live
By a Busy Road?
If you live on a busy main road think carefully before getting a cat as a pet, as they are frequently killed by cars.
In an Apartment?
While some cats live quite happily in apartments and prefer to stay indoors, other like to roam about outside. If your cat cannot gain access to the outside world you will have to be prepared to cater for all its needs. It will need more attention in a number of ways. For example you will have to spend more time with your cat, or it will get too lonely. And you will have to buy essentials such as indoor toilet facilities litter tray, a scratching post, potted grass and toys. If you can't provide these things for your cat, and you live in an apartment, then your cat will not be a happy cat. So think ahead.
Introducing a cat into your home
First Few Nights
Although a cat does not take long to adjust to new surroundings, it often helps to put a hot water bottle under its blanket for the first few nights. They should be kept indoors for fear of getting lost or injured or being exposed to diseased carried by outdoor cats. It is crucial to keep them indoors for at least three to four weeks to give them time to readjust to their new territory. We recommend you microchip your cat and use a proper cat collar with ID tag. This will help should your cat stray or get lost. Contact your local vet for information on microchipping. Cat collars should have an elasticated insert for easy removal should the cat get caught in branches etc. And remember-take a photograph of your cat, it helps with identification should he go missing.
Feeding
The amount of food you should feed your cat depends on the cat itself, as each cat eats different amounts of food. As a rough guide an adult cat will eat about one tin of cat food, served at room temperature spread over two meals a day (400/450g). A cat has specific nutritional needs, so his diet must be balanced. If you let them, they can become fussy eaters, demanding only their favourite tit-bits like fish or chicken. Never allow your cat to eat dog food! When buying dried food for your cat, make sure it is a complete diet and of good quality. If in doubt seek advice from your vet.
Milk
Most people associate cats with milk. The fact is that the digestive system of most cats and particularly kittens is upset by cow's milk. Vets recommend that you don't feed cow’s milk to your cat because it will cause diarrhoea. If your cat is particularly fond of milk, a small amount, watered down is no harm. You can also try giving your cat goats milk, which is better for them. Remember milk is a food, not a drink.
Toilet Training
Your cat may already be litter trained when you get it, but if not training usually does not cause many problems. Simply place the litter tray somewhere out of the way of human feet and easily accessible for the cat. Show the cat where the litter is by placing him in it. Watch him closely after eating or waking up. If he makes a mistake, carry him quickly to the litter tray and don't punish him. While you are toilet training your cat it may be better to confine him to just one room until you are confident he is trained.
Vaccination
Unless your cat is vaccinated he runs the risk of contracting one of the several serious possible fatal diseases which include;
Infectious Enteritis (Panleucopenia),
Cat Flue (Infectious Respiratory)
And Leukaemia (Felv).
A course of two vaccinations are given to a kitten at about nine weeks and an annual booster is recommended to maintain protection. Keep your vaccination records up to date, it will be needed when boarding your cat.
What your new cat needs
Bedtime
A cat needs a dry, warm, comfortable bed. You can make a simple bed from a cardboard box lined with a newspaper and a blanket, however most people prefer to purchase a ready made cat bed which can be quite cheap. You can buy cat beds in any pet shop. Remember cats are independent creatures and quite often find their own favourite sleeping spots your couch is such a spot.
Litter Tray
A litter tray should be placed in a quiet spot away from human traffic. It should also be kept away from stored food.
Food Dishes
Always use a separate bowl for food and water. Old cereal bowls can be used, or a wide variety of both ceramic or plastic bowls are readily available in pet shops and department stores. Clean the bowls after every feed and change the water daily.
Food
A balanced diet is essential for your cat to remain healthy. Choose only good quality tinned or dried food for cats. Always have a supply of fresh water available for your cat.
Scratching Post
A cat will scratch furniture to sharpen its claws and to mark its territory. If you want to protect your furniture you must provide your cat with a scratching post. In most cases you will have to train your cat to use the scratching post.
Collar & Tag
If you are planning to let your cat outside you will need a collar and tag. There are a wide range of collars to suit every budget. A collar should be adjustable and have a safety feature on it. Some cat's collars have a bell. This will warn birds of a cat's presence and also help you trace your cat. A tag should have the name of your cat and your address.
Cat Carrier
A cat carrier will be needed for transporting your cat to a cattery or vets.