Buying or Adoption
Cats can either be purchased from a pet shop or adopted via a re-homing charity such as the RSPCA.
Pet shops normally have access to a wider choice of breed at varying prices.
Adopting from a charity will normally be a cat that has been abandoned or given up by their current owner for various reasons.
Sometimes these cats can be a little frightened and can take more time for them to feel comfortable and safe with you. It all depends on their previous experiences. So PATIENCE is a must!
Feeding
Adult cats should be fed two meals a day with a balanced good quality diet. Kittens should be fed four meals a day using special kitten food available in any supermarket of pet shop.
Plenty of fresh water is also a must to prevent your cat from finding water in other places that may not be quite so fresh.
And of course, most cats love a saucer of milk!
Treatments
Neutering
This is essential to prevent unwanted kittens, reduce spread of disease and prevent territorial problems.
Cats adopted through charities such as Cats Protection or RSPCA will almost certainly have been neutered.
Vaccinations
These are available from your vet to protect against cat flu, feline parvovirus, chlamydophila and feline leukaemia.
This is very important, not only for the responsible welfare of your cat, but also, many catteries will not accept a cat that has not been vaccinated.
Flea and Worm Treaments
The most effective treatments are available through a vet. Worm treatment is normally through a tablet and flea treatment via a liquid applied to the neck.
Treatments are also available through pet stores and supermarkets, but we would always advise following the instructions from a qualified vet.
Toilet Training
Toilet training should start at an early age, and you must be patient and expect accidents in the learning process.
It is very important to provide a litter tray and to clean this out every day. Often, kittens and cats will realise immediately that the litter tray is the place to go. With some cats, however, it is necessary to stay on ‘toilet watch’ and when they look like they are about to go in the wrong place, calmly lift them into the litter tray.
Remember it is like teaching a baby. Give them praise and they will learn quickly.
If you decide to have a cat-flap fitted, and your cat is used to going outside, it is still important to have a litter tray on stand-by. There can be a number of reasons that would prevent them from going in their normal place.
Natural Behaviour
Scratching: Not an easy one to resolve! Scratch post are always worth trying. We found with our own cat that he loves a good mat in the hallway. Spray treatments are available in pet shops and supermarkets to discourage your cat from scratching treated areas.
If you have expensive furniture in a room, it is probably wise to close the door to this room overnight.
Hunting: Your cat will love to bring presents to you as a sign of his/her love.
Eating Grass: Cats often eat grass to aid digestion or to induce vomiting. This is perfectly natural, but if your cat vomits on a regular basis, a visit to your vets is recommended.
Insurance
We would strongly recommend getting pet insurance to cover vet bills in the event of serious illness or accident. In addition, pet insurance will normally cover providing care for your cat in the event that you are taken ill.
It is important to read the policy properly so that you are fully aware of any exclusions, such as dental treatment.
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