Welcome to our Cat Care section. This area aims to solve some of the most common issues that people have with cat care and if you have any tips or pointers of your own, please email them through to our animal care staff who will consider them for inclusion in this section.
- How to settle your cat into their new home
How to settle your cat into their new home
For the first two days, keep your new cat in one room only, this is to give the cat the security he or she needs and helps them get used to you and your home much quicker. When you go into the room, sit still and talk gently to the cat, but do not force yourself on them as they may be feeling understandable over whelmed! Allow your cat to come and investigate you so there are no feelings of being threatened or cornered and naturally make sure the cat has food, water and a clean litter tray at all times so that they can settle in at a relaxed pace.
After a few days, begin to introduce your cat to the rest of the house slowly, one room at a time. Bolder cats will come out at once and immediately and start exploring without a care in the world, whereas the more timid ones may take longer and if you have adopted a pair of cats one of them may be interested in exploring immediately, whereas the other can take longer; remember to give them both the time they need. During this time make sure doors and windows are kept closed as cats can get through the smallest gaps!
Naturally, it is hard to predict how a cat will adapt to their new home and each feline personality differs a huge amount. However, patience, understanding and a stockpile of interesting treats and toys should make the process go a little smoother!
Diet
Diet
There is a huge variety of cat food available in pet shops and supermarkets, but the easiest way to provide a balanced diet is to combine a half-and-half diet of wet and dry cat food and you can ask Mayhew staff for advice on recommended brands. Never feed dog food, as cats and dogs have different nutritional needs.
Whatever you feed your cat, it is essential that there is an ample supply of fresh, clean drinking water constantly available. Cats have no need for milk after they have left their mother - in fact many people are not aware but milk is not tolerated well by the majority of cats and can cause diarrhoea.
When to let your cat go outside
When to let your cat go outside
Your new cat will need to be kept inside for at least three weeks to give sufficient time to bond with the people and any other animals that may be in the house. He or she needs time to regard your house as a secure place before being allowed outdoor access, or you may find your new adopted cat does not return when you open the door.
Cats must have completed their vaccinations before being allowed outside and kittens should not go outside until neutered. Cats adopted from The Mayhew will have received at least their first vaccination and will have been neutered, unless specific health reasons have delayed the procedure. For more information about why we neuter our kittens from nine weeks of age and why the procedure is so essential. Visit the neutering section of the Our Services area for more on this.
When you are letting your cat out for the first time, if possible, choose a warm dry day to and ensure they are hungry, so delay meal time by a few hours as a method to ensure their rumbling tummy will lead them straight back to your door! Join your cat on their first trip outdoors and stay with them as they have a wander and explore. When you feel they are ready to come back inside then encourage them in with food and give them a full meal.
Once confident, the cat will start to go off for longer periods and eventually you can give free access via a cat flap. Try to keep your cat in at dusk and dawn as these are the times that cats are at most risk of being run over and also when they present the greatest risk to wildlife such as mice and birds. Many cat flaps now have the option of a locking mechanism, which means you can restrict access overnight. If you intend to put a collar on your cat, make sure it is a safety collar that will pull off easily if the cat becomes entangled.
Microchipping
Microchipping
A microchip is a good way of permanently identifying your cat. This is injected under the skin and contains a unique number registered on a database. If your cat is lost and handed in as a stray, the chip can be read with a special scanner and the cat returned to you quickly. All animals adopted from The Mayhew will have a microchip.
Toys and scratching posts
Toys and scratching posts
Play is an essential part of your cat's life and will encourage a bond between you as well as helping to keeping them fit and healthy.
Many different cat toys are available from shops and The Mayhew's shop, but many cats will play with anything that is light and small meaning that you can create a variety of different playthings for your feline friend on a limited budget. Toilet rolls often cause great excitement and you can create toys to chase using old strings and stuffed tights and socks! Toys filled with 'catnip' hold a special attraction for many cats and is an additional way to encourage exercise and play.
A scratching-post inside the house is helpful in protecting your furniture, even if your cat is able to go outside. These should be covered in material that is not found anywhere else in the house (for example, string rather than carpet) so that your cat learns that this is the designated scratching area - rather than your new sofa!
Indoor cats
Indoor cats
It is not really appropriate to keep a cat only indoors, especially when the cat has previously been able to go outside and The Mayhew will only adopt out 'indoor cats' in specific cases and this may be as a result of a medical condition, or disability that means they need to live indoors for their own safety.
Indoor cats will require less food than an outdoor kitty. You will also need to encourage your cat to exercise more by playing with him or her and also rotating their toys and introducing new and different stimulating objects into their environment.
If you have a garden, you could provide the cat with a large enclosed run where the cat can exercise. This may also be a useful option if you own a timid cat that will not go outside through fear of encountering the other cats in your neighbourhood. There are now many specialists available who build or can advise on enclosed, outdoor cat runs.
Scratching-posts are essential to the indoor cat, otherwise the cat will use your furniture to clean and sharpen its claws. You should also ask your vet to check if the cat's claws need clipping when you visit for regular M.O.T's.
Grooming
Grooming
All cats need to be groomed regularly. This keeps fur and skin in good condition and enables you to check for any signs of ill health. Many cats enjoy a good grooming session and this helps build a strong relationship with your new pet.
Long-haired cats need to be groomed thoroughly every day to remove all knots and tangles, otherwise they will quickly become matted and sore. If your cat is not used to being groomed, this activity needs to be introduced gradually. Keep the sessions short until the cat begins to accept it. Start with areas of the body where the cat enjoys being stroked and give food rewards for good behaviour.
There is no reason to routinely bathe your cat as this will cause distress and also may damage the coat. Occasionally your vet may recommend a shampoo to treat specific skin problems - if you need to use a prescription shampoo, follow the vet's advice carefully and use it only as frequently as recommended.
Veterinary insurance
Veterinary insurance
Animal welfare charities receive calls every day from people who cannot afford to pay their vets' fees and who are asking for help. Charities have only a limited budget with which to provide that help so a responsible pet owner needs to invest in insurance to make sure they can keep their pet happy and healthy.
It is easy to suddenly find yourself with a large and unexpected bill if your cat is involved in an accident or requires an operation. It is advisable, therefore, to take out veterinary insurance before your cat becomes ill and the Mayhew recommends Animal Friends Insurance.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations
The three diseases that your cat should be vaccinated against are cat flu, feline enteritis and feline leukaemia. Your vet will advise you on when these vaccinations should be done, and how frequently your cat needs boosters.
Worming
Worming
Roundworms and tapeworms are the most common types of worms found in cats. Routine treatment against these worms is essential to keep your cat healthy. Do not be tempted to buy pet shop worming treatments always consult your vet for advice.
Fleas
Fleas
Prevention is better than cure where fleas are concerned, so consult your vet about routine treatments to keep your cat healthy and free from fleas. Many owners find products to dab on are easier and less stressful to administer than sprays.
If your cat has fleas, you will also need to treat your home to remove flea eggs and prevent new fleas hatching. The cat's bedding should be thoroughly washed or replaced and the floors and carpets of the house should be treated too. Your vet can provide you with a spray for use around the house.
Ear mites
Ear mites
Ear mites are common in cats and can cause intense irritation, although often there are no symptoms. In severe cases the ear canal can become blocked and infection follows. The mites can also be passed on to other cats or dogs in your household so, if you have a dog persistently troubled by ear mites, your vet may want to check your cat's ears as the potential source of the mites.
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