Caring for Cats

Kittens

For the first few nights of your new kittens arrival, a hot water bottle tucked under its bedding and a clock with a loud tick (such as a wind-up alarm clock – be careful it doesn’t go off, you don’t want to give your baby kitten a fright!) will act as a substitute for the warmth of its siblings and the tick will give the same sort of pulse as its mother’s heart beat to provide a further sense of security.

Grooming your cat

Different types of cats will need different amounts of grooming for their coat. In general a longhaired cat will require more maintenance. Regardless of the length of their coat it is advisable to brush your cat on a regular basis, this should help decrease the formation of hairballs in the stomach when the cat grooms itself.

Cat Influenza

We have all heard of the ‘Cat Flu’ and if you are getting a cat you should make sure you know about this disease. It can become a real problem if not properly managed. It is highly contagious among cats and is spread by a cat simply inhaling the virus from the atmosphere.

The symptoms of cat influenza can include lethargy, loss of appetite, discharge from eyes and nose and they may run a temperature. If you find your cat has the flu you must isolate straight away to ensure the disease does not spread and give them time to recover. You need to make sure your kitten/cat receives the necessary vaccinations from your vet to keep them safe from disease. They will also need to receive boosters, you can get all the necessary information from your vet.

Vaccinations

Your cats need to visit your vet and receive their necessary vaccinations. When you get your new kitten/cat try to find out if they have any vaccinations. If you have a stray cat you should bring them to your vet and have them checked out, the vet will also advise on what vaccinations are necessary.

Your cat will need to be vaccinated against the following:

• Distemper (Feline Infectious Enteritis)
• Feline Infectious Enteritis
• Influenza (Flu)
• Panleukopenia (Feline Infectious Enteritis)
• Parvovirus (Feline Infectious Enteritis)

If you ever feel there is something wrong with your cat the best thing you can do is bring them along to your vet. Your cat will also require regular worming.