Cat care

Site open - NCC Weather line

Site open - NCC Weather line

The National Cat Centre is now open as normal to staff and visitors. *Updated 10 February 2012.

Site is open warning triangle
Further info

Cat news

Charity Greetings cards – Valentine offer

Charity Greetings cards – Valentine offer

**Offer now extended until 14 ...

Felbridge Hotel and Spa declare Cats Protection its Charity of the Year

Felbridge Hotel and Spa declare Cats Protection its Charity of the Year

We are pleased to announce that the Felbridge...

Homer's Olympic Odyssey

Homer's Olympic Odyssey

A Cats Protection mascot has a chance of ...

Cats Protection to host conference on cats and dogs

Cats Protection to host conference on cats and dogs

Cats Protection is to host the 2012 ...

Purring the blues away

Purring the blues away

According to Cats Protection, purr therapy is...

Podgy puss Smokey needs a new home

Podgy puss Smokey needs a new home

Cats Protection is appealing for a new home ...

Gosport kittens land on their super-sized paws!

Gosport kittens land on their super-sized paws!

They may appear to be all fingers and thumbs ...

Leave a gift to Cats Protection and benefit from a tax break

Leave a gift to Cats Protection and benefit from a tax break

Cats Protection is asking cat lovers to ...

How you can help

Find Us

find us
Find Us
You are here: Home > Cat care > FAQs > Routine cat care

Routine cat care

  • What is the best way to identify my cat?
  • How do I toilet train my new kitten/cat?
  • What is the best way to hold a cat?
  • What are worms and how can I stop my cat from getting them?
  • How do I guard against fleas?
  • How do I spot ear mites?

    Did you know that... ?
    Regular combing and brushing, especially for long-haired cats, will remove loose hair, dirt and dust. Grooming is vital to prevent furballs, which can form in a cat's stomach when hair is constantly licked. Daily grooming also ensures that you spend some quality time with your cat.

    Please note:     If you have any concerns about your cat’s health or behaviour please contact your vet as soon as possible.


    What is the best way to identify my cat?
    We recommend mircochipping as the best means of identifying your cat, as a chip is permanent and will not cause injuries like collars can. Read more about microchipping here

    Back to top


    How do I toilet train my new kitten/cat?
    Cats are naturally clean animals, but a new kitten will need to be shown how to use a litter tray and toilet correctly. Start by providing a litter tray, filled with a commercial cat litter. Keep it in the same place, somewhere that the kitten can easily get to it. Make sure that the tray is regularly cleaned and that it is somewhere private.

    Take the kitten to the litter tray after every meal and when he wakes from sleep, so that he gets used to a routine. Wiping his bottom with a moist tissue can encourage toileting to take place (this action mimics the way a mother cat would lick her kitten's behind to make him toilet).

    Back to top


    What is the best way to hold a cat?
    It is best to hold a cat or kitten by putting one hand under his chest and supporting the rest of his weight with your other hand. Kittens, in particular, must be handled gently as their bones are fragile. Contrary to popular belief, picking up a feline by the scruff of the neck can be painful.

    Back to top


    What are worms and how can I stop my cat from getting them?
    There are two main types of worms that infect cats - roundworm and tapeworm. Most cats will suffer from roundworm at some point in their lives and infection is not always visible. It is advisable to treat for roundworm in adult cats and for kittens.

    Tapeworm, if present, will be noticeable as segments are passed in the cat's faeces and can be seen clinging to the animal's legs. When dry, the segments are cream coloured and look like grains of rice. Good treatments for both tapeworm and roundworm are available from veterinary surgeries. Please consult your vet for advice on treatment frequency, as this depends on the preventative product used.

    Back to top



    How do I guard against fleas?
    Fleas often affect cats, even meticulously clean ones, because the eggs can survive in the environment for a very long time. Fleas can be present all year round especially in milder climates. The good news is that they are easily prevented and treated using the very effective flea treatments now available from vets.

    Back to top


    How do I spot ear mites?
    An infected cat or kitten will scratch his ears, shake his head and sometimes damage the skin on his ears and temples. Ear mites live on dead skin inside the ear and brown wax will be seen in the outer ear. Treatment is required to eliminate them so it is best to take your cat to the vet.

    Back to top