CAT CARE
Once you have a found the cat that’s right for you and you’ve met all the requirements for becoming the guardian of a rescue cat, there are a number of things that you need to prepare. You are committing to a long-term relationship so ensure that you consider all of these factors.
THINGS YOU WILL NEED
- A collar with a name tag made for your cat that includes your phone number.
- Stainless steel or ceramic water and feeding bowls. Plastic should be avoided, as they can hold bacteria and may cause infections in your cat’s face.
- Scratching post - you can encourage your cat to use this by sprinkling it with catnip and hanging a toy from the top. This should be sturdy enough to not tip or fall over when your cat climbs on it.
- Carrier crate – big enough so that the cat can stand up and turn around in it.
- Litter tray and litter – different cats prefer different litter boxes. A large cat will be reluctant to use a small litter box, so make sure it’s big enough. Some cats prefer covered litter boxes. You could start with a covered litter box and if your cat isn’t using it, try removing the cover. Your litter box should be filled with 2 inches of litter. Again, if your cat is not using the litter box, try using a different kind of litter. Whatever box or litter you choose, it must be changed regularly and washed. Scoop the dirty litter out daily and wash the box every few weeks with mild soap and water. Your cat will not use a dirty litter box or one that has been washed with strong smelling detergent so don’t use bleach.
- Soft bed, with a roof. Alternatively, you can use a carrier crate with the door left open.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
- Senior cats, kittens or cats with pre-existing medical issues may require some extra veterinary care. We will try and prepare you for what this may be, but some expenses may be unforeseen. Will you be able to cover the vet’s bills? Have you looked at pet insurance options?
- Does the cat currently have a microchip? You will either need to see your vet to have one implanted or have the current one changed into your name.
- Where will the cat be kept initially? Start by introducing your cat to one room, such as a bathroom or bedroom. Once the cat is comfortable allow them to begin to explore the rest of your home with you present, so you are aware of hiding spaces and potential escape routes.
- Where will you keep the cat’s litter box, food and water? Once you have positioned these, show the cat where they are and do not move them.
- If you already have a cat, introduce them slowly. They should be kept separate for several days.
- Introduce their scents to each other by placing a toy or blanket with the cat’s scent on it, in the other’s area.
- After another few days, swap the cat’s areas for a few hours, allowing them to roam in each other’s spaces, still without them actually meeting.
- The key is to do everything slowly. Cats will often hiss and arch when meeting another cat. Do not pick either cat up. If it is necessary to separate them do so, by distracting them. Try throwing a jacket or blanket on top of them and make loud noises. Once they are apart, separate them by a door. More time will need to be spent making them comfortable with each other before their next meet.
- o Contact us if you need further guidance.
- If you have a dog, introduce the dog and cat slowly.
- Your dog should be calm. Try taking your dog on a long walk to work off any excess energy. For the first meeting, have your dog crated and your cat either crated, on a table or in your arms – whichever your cat is more comfortable with. Give both animals praise and treats to create a positive association. If either animal appears uncomfortable, separate the animals. Continue with these meetings as often as necessary until both animals are relaxed in each other’s presence.
- The next step is to have both animals in the room, but with the dog on a leash. Again, provide praise and treats. These meeting should be repeated several times. These meetings should be short and stress-free.
- Once these have been successful, allow the animals in the same room with the dog off-leash. Ensure the cat has means of escaping from the dog should it need to. These meetings should be repeated a number of times until both animals are comfortable.
- It is only after this that the animals should be left unsupervised.
- Any harassment of the cat by the dog should be corrected immediately to prevent a habit forming.
- If either animal appears uncomfortable of distressed at any point, return to the previous step.
- There may be situations where your animals will simply never get along. In these cases, to prevent harm to either animal, you may need to keep them separated to different parts of the house permanently or rehome your new cat.
- Contact us if you need further guidance.
- Adopted cats need to adjust to their new family and siblings. Be prepared to have some teething problems and make sure you address them rather than ignore them. We are here to offer advice and answer questions. We are always here to help with issues that may arise.
FOOD
- Good nutrition is vital to a cat’s health. We will make recommendations on what your cat should eat based on information we have learnt while your cat has been in our care.
- We generally recommend a good quality canned food and that you limit feeding your cat table scraps. Never feed your cat fried foods or sweets. Unhealthy food can lead to a number of dietary issues, at the very least it may make your cat ill.
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE TOXIC TO CATS
Alcohol . Anti-freeze . Baby food . Bones . Canned tuna, regularly . Caffeine . Chocolate . Citrus oil extracts . Crocus . Dairy products . Dog food . Eggs, raw . Fatty foods . Fish, raw . Garlic . Grapes . Human vitamin supplements . Large amounts of liver . Macadamia nuts . Marijuana . Moldy foods . Mushrooms . Onions . Persimmons . Poinsettias . Potatoes . Potato, leaves & stems . Raisins . Rhubarb, leaves & stems. Salt, in large quantities . String . Sugary foods . Tobacco . Tomatoes, green . Tomatoes, leaves & stems . Yeast dough
