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Routine cat care
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Regular combing and brushing, especially for long-haired cats, will remove loose hair, dirt and dust.
Grooming is vital to prevent fur-balls, 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
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).
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.
What are worms and how can I stop my cat from getting them?
There are two main types of worms that infect cats - roundworms and tapeworms.
Most cats will suffer from roundworms at some point in their lives and infection is not always visible. It is advisable to treat for roundworms in adult cats and for kittens.
Tapeworms, 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 tape and roundworms are available from veterinary surgeries. Please consult your vet for advice on treatment frequency, as this depends on the preventative product used.
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.
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.
