Picking The Right Cat For You

First of all, get your cat from a reputable source. Contact the ASPCA.  Whether you want a pure or crossbred cat or kitten, be very careful if you are getting it from a store, or anywhere large numbers of cats are kept for sale. It is not unusual for animals on sale from these place to have received no veterinary examination and, therefore, they may not be healthy. Never get a kitten that looks like it is ill.

Housing

Not very much is needed to house a cat comfortably. The only thing a cat truly needs in the house is a good bed which may be any cozy chair, box or basket.

Cats are the neatest animals and are very easily housetrained to use a litter box filled with sand or cat litter. Litter trays should be situated near the cat’s sleeping area and should be cleaned as soon as possible after the cat uses it.

Cats use their claws for climbing and defense and usually keep them very clean. Typically, cats sharpen their claws on trees in the yard, but some choose furniture in the house and the results of this can be quite damaging. It is better to simply provide a scratching post for the cat which you would place near his/her usual exit from the house.

A cat should be able to get into the house and its sleeping place at all times, day or night. A cat door fitted into the door of the house is ideal but not always possible.

There are types of cages that are an excellent and safe way for cats living in apartments or near busy streets to be outside and have exercise. The ASPCA can provide further information.

The ASPCA recommends that cats be kept indoors from dusk to dawn.

Exercise

All cats need to be able to have exercise and the best place is in their yard. It is necessary for kittens to learn how to climb and also how to get down from trees. Most of the bad things about free exercise: i.e. cat fights or auto accidents - happen at night and it is better to have cats indoors at then.

Grooming

A routine of combing and brushing of long-haired cats is necessary and most owners find that this is a daily need. Short-haired cats are able to groom themselves except at molting time when help is needed from their owners daily.

Cats swallowing hair results in the formation of a hair ball in the stomach known as a “fur ball” and during the molting season you may need to give your cat a teaspoonful of paraffin oil mixed in their food, or a store-bought product meant for this problem once a week to prevent this from occurring.

Cats can have a bath when they are real dirty, but you must be very gentle to prevent them from being scared of this.

Feeding

Diets for cats are very specific due to their high protein and fat requirements. Cats can quite easily become finicky which leads to dietary deficiency diseases, so they should be taught very early on to eat a variety of foods. The rules are:

Choose a complete and varied diet.

Feed small amounts often.

Don’t leave leftover food in the cat's dish.

Keep their bowls very clean.

Never give them liver. It causes problems with their bones.

Never feed your cat raw meat as it's main diet; problems with bones can result as well.

Don’t give your cat dog food.

Most canned CAT food is specially prepared with added vitamins and minerals. Feeding dried foods requires a bowl of water also at all times, otherwise the cat may develop a urinary tract problem. Cats should have ready access to clean fresh water all of the time. Cats should not be given milk because milk lactose is indigestible to most cats and can cause diarrhea.

The Healthy Cat

Demeanor: Alert - even at rest; quickly responds to sounds; quiet and content.

Movement: Agile; no lameness.

Appetite: Good; no vomiting.

Breathing: Even and very quiet, no coughing.

Coat: Clean, well-groomed and shiny; no parasites or dirt.

Ears: Pricked to catch sound; no discharge or redness.

Eyes: Clear; no discharge or redness.

If your cat appears ill at all, consult your veterinarian. 

VACCINATIONS Feline Enteritis is a virus which is usually fatal and a shot is essential. Feline Respiratory Disease is a viral disease also which results in the usual “flu” symptoms, but is not typically fatal, however, vaccination is recommended.
Humans cannot "catch" any of these diseases. The first shots are usually given from 6 to 8 weeks old. Booster vaccinations are needed and you should talk to your Vet for advice on the Correct schedule.

WORMING Kitten roundworms are not infective to humans, but your cat requires regular worming. Tapeworms can also infect cats. Your Vet will help you set up a worming schedule.

FLEAS Fleas are a common parasite of cats. They cause severe itching and redness of the skin leading to dermatitis. Regular use of insectide powders or baths or the use of a flea collar, together with active control of the fleas in the cat’s surroundings will control the problem.

Typical Illnesses: Cats and kittens can become sick quite rapidly, usually characterized by lethargy and not wanting to eat or drink. Call your Vet for advice.

Neutering/Spaying

Female cats are spayed to prevent seasonal cycles which occur from spring to autumn, attracting many male cats, who typically fight, and to prevent unwanted pregnancies then your having to find proper homes for the kittens.

Tomcats are neutered to prevent fighting, roaming and other bad habits such as spraying urine to mark territory.

Your cat can be neutered/spayed from four months of age. Your Vet can advise you on this.

All cats that are not going to be bred should be neutered/spayed.