Cat Guide

• • Cat and kids
  • Your cat's language
  • Finding a lost pet
  • Good habits
  • Neutering - the facts
  • Settling your cat into her new home
  • Spraying - the facts
  • Taking care of older cats

Set yourself the aim of getting into regular good habits. These should include a vet visit diary, logging routine and preventative treatments. It’s also a good idea to check your pet insurance is up-to-date.

Diet 
Occasionally, you may want to change the brand or type of food you feed your cat. Remember she may not be so keen. So keep changes to a minimum and if you choose to change, do so gradually. Mix in new food with the old, increasing the percentage of new each day until the transition is complete. Try to keep feeding times regular, this will help with her toileting behaviour.

Keep to the manufacturers recommended quantities and don’t be tempted to show your love by adding just a little bit extra. Fat cats are generally unhealthy and you can look forward to bigger vet bills. Avoid treats, particularly if they belong on your plate rather than the cat’s bowl.

Exercise 
Outdoor cats should really look after themselves when it comes to exercise. Just watch her weight, if it’s creeping up she’s probably spending to much time sun bathing or supplementing her diet with prey or dinners elsewhere.

Indoor cats need more of a hand. They certainly require fewer calories. Try and provide jumping platforms, scratching posts and toys to keep her moving.

Teeth
Your cat should be used to the routine of brushing by now. However, some cats will avoid anyone touching their mouths at all cost. Crunchy biscuits will help, but you may need to think about using some specially formulated dental diets, or even a visit to the vets who can remove plaque and check for other problems.

Grooming  and nails
Cats spend much of the day doing this for themselves. But longer-haired cats in particular will benefit from a helping hand from you. It also gives you the chance to check for fleas and any lumps or bumps. Some cats may also require an occasional visit to a professional groomer for a cut. They may also trim her nails, preventing any deformities from developing.