Responsible pet owners make sure their cats are properly cared for. We’ve put together 20 points to consider for quality feline care.
- Fresh water. Make sure your pet has a bowl of clean water available every day. Rinse the bowl and wash it with warm water and soap every other day.
- A balanced diet. Feeding your cat a quality diet is the first step to good health, and will go a long way toward preventing obesity. If you’re unsure what your cat needs, speak to your veterinarian.
- Neuter or spay your cat. If you aren’t a registered breeder, have your pet spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted litters. Shelters are full of unwanted pets. Don’t backyard breed!
- Vaccinations. Ensure that your kitten has her full set of initial vaccinations.
- Internal parasites. Cats do get roundworms and tapeworms. Your cat may not show any symptoms of worms, but this doesn’t mean she isn’t infected. Ask your vet for deworming advice.
- Flea control. A good flea control programme goes hand in hand with deworming, as some worms use the flea as a host. If your cat scratches herself quite a bit, see your vet about a possible flea allergy. Never use dog flea products on your cat.
- Regularly groom your cat. It’s therapeutic for you and your pet and you can use the opportunity to check for lumps and skin conditions that may need veterinary attention.
- 8. Safe environment. It’s up to you to kitten-proof your home correctly. Chemicals, medications and small objects should be safely packed away. Close the doors of washing machines and tumble driers.
- Check your plants. Some house and garden plants are toxic to cats. Obtain a list of toxic plants and check the plants in your home and garden to make sure they are safe.
- Litter trays. A general rule is that you should supply one litter tray per cat in your household. Remove solid waste a few times a day and replace the litter regularly. A little baking soda, sprinkled at the bottom of the tray before you add the litter, can help reduce smells
10 other tips appear in the October issue of Animaltalk.
Text: Gina Hartoog
