Some tips for how to look after your cat or kitten.

Desexing

All cats adopted from the Society must be desexed prior to rehousing.

Desexing your cat is very important. It will discourage the cat from roaming, fighting, spraying urine and prevents overpopulation. It is helpful in preventing cancer in later life.

It is recommended to have your cat desexed at an early age. The cat needs to be registered at 3 months, so desexing is best done before then to get the cheaper rate.

Diet

Good quality canned and dry foods are nutritionally balanced and your cat will not require additional mineral or vitamin supplements. Fresh meat can be given as an alternative once or twice a week. RAW chicken wings should be given as they are useful for good dental hygiene. Cats should be fed once or twice a day as necessary.

Fleas

Flea control will make you and your cat happy and healthy. Advantage & Frontline are excellent alternative flea treatments to flea collars. They are are available from your veterinarian.

General Health

Illness:

Take your cat or kitten to the veterinarian urgently if:

• Off his/her food
• Lacking in energy
• Is vomiting or has diarrhoea
• Has a nasal discharge &/or running eyes
• Has a cough or is sneezing

If you have any concerns regarding your cat's health or behaviour you should consult your vet.

Bedding:

Provide your cat or kitten with a draught free bed and wash bedding regularly. A grown cat likes to be above floor level and may often prefer the bed to be elevated.

House Training

An important accessory is a litter tray. It may be filled with dry earth, sand or commercial litter. It is important to change the tray contents at least once daily. Cats are very fastidious in toilet habits and if a tray becomes over-soiled (by cat standards) the cat or kitten will seek a clean spot. Choose a convenient out-of-the-way place for the tray and allow it to remain in one spot. Altering its accustomed position may confuse the cat and result in an accident.

Remember, if a cat/kitten soils the carpet it is usually the owner who is at fault and punishment is not only cruel, but of no avail.

Registration

It is a legal requirement to register each animal over 3 months of age.

Please contact your local council or visit their website for current prices and information.

Settling in

Being brought into a new environment can be a bewildering experience, especially for a kitten which may be leaving the security of its mother and litter mates for the first time. At your place there will be strange new smells, sounds and different people.

On arrival pet and stroke the kitten and speak quietly. Avoid frightening it with loud noises and don't allow children to over handle their new pet. Let it explore and get used to one room at a time and if there are already other household pets don't introduce them forcibly as this may result in permanent disharmony. Learning the lay-out of the house gradually is best and do not allow puss out of doors for the first week or so.

Vaccinations

You should always take a new kitten to a veterinarian for a check up and for its vaccinations.

Vaccination schedule:

* Kittens should be isolated after their first vaccination. For other vaccinations, it is also advisable to isolate your cat (kitten or adult) from other cats for two weeks. This helps to avoid infections from other animals.

An annual booster is essential for continued protection.

It is important to keep your cat's vaccination record as this may be required by your vet at a later date, or when boarding your pet in our kennels.

Worming

Worms can effect the health of your cat. A broad spectrum worming preparation is best obtained from your veterinarian. He/She will advise you on the frequency and dosage for the best protection.

Worming should begin at 2 weeks of age, every 2 weeks until 3 months of age. Then monthly until 6 months of age then every 3 months.