Your new kitten

Before you bring home your new kitten, please remember that this is a lifetime commitment, since the lifespan of a cat is 15-17 years. Kittens are full of energy and if you are particularly keen to protect your curtains, sofa or other furniture, then you may like to consider adopting an adult or older cat.

 

Kittens should have access to fresh water and be given commercial kitten food to ensure their nutritional needs are met. Your kitten will grow up very rapidly and will be very active, so it will need a higher amount of calories than an adult cat. If you decide to feed your kitten homemade food, you should take this fact in consideration.

A common reason for cats showing aggression towards people is due to learning at a young age that this is a good way of interacting. People often make the mistake of playing with kittens with their fingers or by moving their feet around under the duvet. Although this may be fun with a young kitten, it can start the predatory behaviours towards the owner, which may be painful as the kitten becomes an adult cat.

 

Be consistent in your approach to a kitten, particularly with regard to what you will and won’t allow, and make sure everyone in the household works to the same rules. For example, don’t let him in a room one day, but not another – it will confuse him and may lead to behaviour you don’t want.

Remember there are certain behaviours inherent to a cat, such as hiding, climbing, hunting or predatory-style playing, toileting and scratching. Ensure you give your cat opportunities to express these which are acceptable to you both or he will find options you may find less appealing, such as shredding the curtains or the sofa.

 

When it comes to litter training, most cats are quick to learn. Usually they just need to be shown the litter tray and they know what to do. The location of the litter tray is crucial for ensuring that cats are able to find and access it easily and feel safe when using the tray. It is best to place it in a secluded corner of the room, which is away from their bed, food and water bowls. Avoid busy walkways. It is important that your kitten is not disturbed while using the litter tray.

Whether you have a short-haired or long-haired kitten, it is important to gently groom him regularly so he gets used to the feeling of being brushed. Grooming will help to keep your kitten’s coat and skin healthy.

 

Kittens should be vaccinated from eight or nine weeks of age and they require a second vaccination from 12 weeks of age to protect them against some serious infectious diseases. Even if your kitten is kept indoors, it is recommended that he is vaccinated as he may be at risk of disease from other animals in the household or infections that have accidentally been transferred in from outside on an owner’s hands, shoes or clothes. The vaccine should be repeated annually afterwards. .

Caring for your adult cat

Cats should be fed a complete, balanced, good quality meat based food. They cannot be vegetarians. Fresh wet food should be replaced at least twice daily and dry food at least once daily. Once neutered, cats typically have reduced energy needs, so consider reducing their daily amount accordingly or feeding them the “light” types of commercial food. Food should be placed in an area where the cat feels safe and away from their litter tray. Many cats like to eat grass, which may help to clear furballs.

Cats that have free access to the outdoors will often engage in hunting activity, including playing with fallen leaves or grass blowing in the wind if there is no access to prey. The drive to hunt is not triggered by hunger. Each part of the hunting activity – the stalk, pounce, play and kill – releases hormones called endorphins that makes the cat feel good. It is important that our pet cats are given frequent opportunities to play to keep them mentally stimulated.

Keeping your cat amused with toys can help to keep him happy, provide good exercise and strengthen your bond with him. Toys don’t have to be expensive. A cardboard box with holes cut into it provides a fun hiding place. Even a ball of tin foil makes a perfectly adequate toy, as long as the cat can’t swallow it. You could use fishing rod toys with feathers on a string to mimic their prey! Allow them to catch and ‘kill’ the toy periodically to avoid frustration.

 

It is important to provide your cat with a place to hide which will help to make him feel safe and secure. Cats feel safer if they can view their surroundings from a height. This is another important coping mechanism for cats that feel anxious or fearful.

A scratching post will provide exercise, claw maintenance and a focal point for your cat to express this natural behaviour and it will help protect your furniture too. Cats like to stretch and scratch after they wake up so try placing the scratch post near where they sleep.

 

Your aging cat

During the aging process the activity levels decrease and muscle tone reduces, appetite and/or fluid intake may change, vision and/or hearing may not be as acute, bowel and urinary system functions may change, the immune system may weaken, light sleep may increase but deep sleep decreases, coat condition may deteriorate, age-associated disorders may develop, such as arthritis, diabetes, hyperthyroidism or renal impairment, psychological and behavioural changes can occur, such as senility, aggression, increased dependence or excessive vocalization.

 

Elderly cats usually need to be taken to the vet for a health check more often than younger, healthier cats, particularly if they have any age-associated symptoms or diseases. Keeping up regular booster vaccinations is important because cats’ immune systems can weaken with age.