Cats were worshipped as gods in Ancient Egypt, and it’s clear to see why, when most of them rule us!  Whether sporting sumptuous long hair, coarse short hair, no hair, or anything in between, our feline companions are independent yet demanding. Although many are capable of looking after themselves, they choose to come to us – when it suits them!

 

Different cat breeds will have different medical problems as they age. However, to keep your pussy cat looking and feeling like a star, here are some basic tips for looking after them.

 

It is worth noting that ferrets are very similar to cats in several ways, so we have included them in this information set

 

1. A complete cat food is essential for your pet’s health and well-being.

Wet or dry food is acceptable: if using wet food, you will need to brush your pet’s teeth frequently; if using dry food, remember that it will expand in your pet’s stomach, so avoid feeding large volumes and always make sure fresh water is available.

We recommend Royal Canin and Hills but many brands are acceptable – just make sure it suits your companion.  Some cats may prefer meals, some may prefer to graze: either is fine!

 

2. Food bowls must be provided.

These must be kept clean between meals to prevent build-up of bacteria and moulds that can be detrimental to your pet’s health.

 

3. Fresh water must be available at all times.

Ensure that the bowl is cleaned regularly to avoid build-up of debris and bacteria.  Some cats can be very fussy and may prefer to drink from garden water sources e.g. puddles and ponds – if your cat prefers this, ensure no algae is growing in these areas, or try leaving the water bowl out for 48 hours before changing the water.

Tap water has fluoride added to help with our dental health, but it can be an unpleasant taste for our feline companions! Fluoride breaks down readily and will be almost gone after 24 hours of leaving water to stand.  Other cats may prefer to drink from a source of running water, and a cat fountain can be invaluable in these cases.  Others may only drink from a glass or a cup of water.  Ensure that you watch your pet closely to find their preference, and do not be afraid to try lots of different methods!  If your pet prefers wet food, they may not drink a great deal because most of their water will come in their food.

 

4. A comfortable bed should be provided.

This should be one that can be easily washed, ideally at a high temperature (for those unfortunate occasions when your pet is ill).  Try to avoid sharing a bed with your cat – although it can be warm and comfortable for you both, bedrooms are very dusty places and if you or your pet suffers with asthma or allergies, you will be best off sleeping in separate rooms.

 

5. Legislative requirements for identifying cats will be in place from April 2024.

We strongly recommend having a microchip placed if your cat will be going outside at all, even if just in the garden.  It only takes a loud noise to spook them, and if they run away and get lost, there is no way of identifying your pet or reuniting you with them if they do not have a microchip. Microchips will be mandatory for all cats from April 2024.

 

Collars are a controversial subject: if you decide your cat will wear a collar, please only purchase the quick release style collar.  Collars may become caught on trees, items of furniture etc., and if there is no quick release, your pet may be strangled.  If your pet is wearing a collar, please ensure you purchase the right size and that it is not too tight – the collar should not cause the fur to be rubbed away.

 

6. Litter trays:

Even if your cat is an outdoor cat, he or she may well prefer not to have to go outside when it is pouring with rain and cold, especially if you have a geriatric pet.  Outdoor cats are unlikely to use the litter tray for the majority of the year, but cats suffer with (and very effectively hide) stress, which can be brought on simply by not having enough options.  Cats can be fussy with litter, so try out several types before selecting a final brand for your companion.

 

Bear in mind that cats do not like to eat and drink in the same place, but they detest having toilet facilities next to their dinner plate – who wouldn’t?  Litter trays must be kept in a separate location to the food and water bowls.  If you have more than one cat, the general rule for a happy household is to have one litter tray per cat, plus one spare.  These should be placed in different locations: cats are largely solitary beings by nature, and even a dearly loved sibling can be a trying individual to tolerate when sharing a toilet!

 

7. Scratching positions:

Cats like to keep their claws sharp (and contrary to popular belief, they are sharpening their claws on these, not filing them down) but need appropriate materials to do so. Outdoors, they may well use a tree, but indoors some of the best material is carpet.  If you have stairs, consider covering the end of the banister with an off-cut to protect your furniture!  Many scratching post toys are commercially available.

 

8. If your cat will be travelling in the car:

Please ensure that they are secure to prevent them being launched through the windscreen in case of an accident, or escaping from an open window.  Cat carriers are commercially available and can easily have a seatbelt fed through them to keep your friend safe.  Alternatively a small pet crate may be used.

 

9. Regular health care:

Your cat will need vaccinations every year and will receive a full health check at this time. However, we recommend six monthly check-ups – particularly in our older companions or those with on-going conditions – as a minimum to keep up-to-date with your pet’s health.  Ensure that you bring your pet in whenever a problem presents itself – we wouldn’t wait to go to the doctor ourselves, and would dread to make our children wait, so please apply the same thought process to your cherished companion!

 

10. Cat toothbrush and toothpaste:

It is essential to brush your pet’s teeth on a daily basis to keep their mouth free from disease and pain.  Many cats tolerate this well if introduced to this from a young age.  Be prepared for dental treatment as needed, which could be on an annual or even six-monthly basis if your pet is not amenable to having its teeth brushed or has an on-going condition!

 

Some cats may develop an auto-immune condition that causes their body to attack their tooth roots. This is extremely painful but will not cause your pet to stop eating, so may be difficult for you to spot.  We will always check for this during an examination, and if found, will very likely be recommending removal of the affected teeth.

 

11. Regular exercise:

Obesity is a clinical condition that falls well and truly within the remit of the five freedoms.  It is very difficult to make a cat exercise in the way that we would a dog, although some cats are very amenable to wearing a harness and going for a walk!  Cats spend a lot of time sleeping, but many love to play with toys such as light sources (please ensure these are never shone directly into their eyes) or toys on the end of a string (please ensure they never eat the string).

 

Dedicating an hour of your day to play with your pet will dramatically increase their energy levels and help to prevent weight gain, as well as providing quality time for you to enjoy each other’s company.  If you are struggling with getting your cat to exercise, please contact us for advice and suggestions.

 

12. Be prepared to deal with any emotional problems your pet may demonstrate.

Frequently encountered examples include fear of thunder or fireworks, and stress related to living with other pets (even a seemingly loved sibling).  There are many strategies for dealing with these things, including calming medications, pheromone emitters, strategies for feeding time and litter box placement, and sedatives. Please contact us for advice if you are worried about your pet.
Ferrets

The points for cats are applicable to ferrets, but it should be noted that it is normal for a ferret to sleep for eighteen hours a day!  However, they should be very active for the remaining time and are extremely sociable animals so must have company and a variety of toys to keep them occupied.

Please ensure you have a well secured area for them to play in: they are intelligent, dextrous and extremely good at escaping!  Ferrets do not need so many litter trays as domestic cats do, but keeping several per group is still a good idea to minimise competition and stress.