Cat - FAQS

If you are thinking about getting a kitten, here are a few thoughts to take into consideration before you make a final decision. Pointers on what's ahead, care, temperament, choosing a doctor and general information. It is not intended to be taken as an absolute guideline. Talk with a qualified veterinarian!
Never had a cat before and don't know much about them?


One of the most important facts is this: cats are not a pack animal! Dogs are a pack animal. Think about your own personality. If your personality tends toward control and you want to be king of the mountain, leader of the pack, do consider getting a dog. You will never "rule" over a cat, the cat will only become afraid, distant, may shy away at your approach and may even avoid you altogether. With a cat, it's co-existence, co-operation and trust.
Also, the cat is a nocturnal animal, which means they are, more often than not, active at night.


Cats are famous for their curiosity!

Not a bag, a package or parcel comes through the door without a cat's inspection and approval. Open a kitchen cupboard, the cat will be looking inside to see what is in the cupboard. Leave the cupboard door ajar and the cat will open it, walk right inside and check it out first hand. Forget a necklace or tie-tack on the dresser and by morning it has vanished. Cats are incredibly intelligent, they watch our every move, know our every routine, even emulate us, so is it any wonder that there seems to be something mysterious and phycic about them.


Where do you live? Do you have room for a Cat?

Do you live in a home or apartment, or are you rural, maybe a ranch or farm. Do you want an indoor cat or an outdoor cat.


The outdoor or rural cat:

Do not let a small kitten out alone, unless it is with another of your cats, it's mother, or you. They can become easily lost or injured without supervision. The biggest concern for free-roaming cats would be the increase in the risk to disease, injury, or predators. If you intend to let your pet roam free, be responsible enough to have it fixed. The cat may stay out for 2-3 days at a time, maybe longer, then return, usually these cats develop a schedule of a sort. When your cat wonders home to visit, this is the time to examine the rural cat for fleas, ticks, any lesions, scabs or scratches. Check the mouth for loose teeth, ears for any infestation or injury. It's also important that you try to check the cat's stool for worms. It is a fact that cats survived for centuries in the wild from what has evolved into the now domestic cat, and they are just what man has made of them: "domesticated!" They are wonderful at keeping the barn free of those pesky field mice, just don't neglect giving them the health care they deserve.


Feral Cats:

These cats are the homeless, abandoned, dumped, left to fend for themselves, once upon a time "pets" and their offspring that revert to living in colonies. It's heartbreaking. But, there are good people out there working to offset the cruelty of others. Alley Cat Allies and Feral Cat Coalition are two organizations dedicated to helping end the cycle in a most commendable, compassionate way.


The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 

Founded in 1866! It is the oldest humane organization in the Western Hemisphere. CatBrat is a member!


The indoor home or apartment cat:

Cats are very adaptable, especially if you start with a kitten. They do need enough room to run! It's the chase that cats love. Cats are predators by nature. Hunters. Giving chase to anything that moves, and when nothing seems to move, they chase air molecules for fun.


The indoor cat often becomes very territorial of it's habitat. Take this into consideration when friends or family visit and want to bring along their own pet. Unless these animals have met previously without altercation, or are young, it could be a traumatic experience.


Prepare the Welcome Mat.

Get a standard size litter box, even for one cat. What type of litter you use will become personal preference by both you and your cat. There are many brands and mixes available. Choose a place to put the litter box so that it is out of the way of traffic, accessible for the cat, and DON'T MOVE IT. Most kittens come already litter box trained, by their mothers. You are going to want to show this nice new litter box to your new kitten, aren't you!


There will always be a few sprinkles of litter around the box and keeping a little whisk broom and dust pan stored nearby is essential. By the way, using the litter box is a private matter for most cats, so do the clean-up when your cat isn't around. Harassing a kitten around the litter box, will only invite a behavior problem that you started.


Accept that cleaning the stools from the litter box will be a daily routine. Once a week you will have to empty it completely, wash it inside and out with a household disinfectant, rinse thoroughly and dry. Replace with fresh, clean litter. Many cats will use the box immediately to mark is as their own.


Make a cozy bed.

Usually a cat will sleep; if, when, and where, they please. But this is going to be a new environment for your kitten and you may want to offer a cozy, warm place to curl up. Don't spend a fortune on a nice big bed with a designer cushion because chances are that later on, they won't even notice it. Any low sided basket will do, or a low sided box even. But what you put in it matters too, an old house-coat, t-shirt, something that has your scent on it. If you have a large family, have everyone wear an old pair of socks around the house for a day and use one from each individual. Socks tossed in a little basket can make a very comfortable, comforting bed for a new pet. It also serves to re-orient the kitten, learn the scents of the family and it's new home.


Nutrition

Weighted bowls for food and water. However cute those double dish, plastic pet plates seem, they aren't very functional, unless they detach and are weighted. You will need to give fresh water at least once a day and if you live in a dry climate, every morning and every evening. Having separate dishes allows you to change the water without disturbing the kittens food source.


Some cats attempt to bury their food, hiding it for later. This doesn't work well on tile floors, but they will still go through the motions. Don't over-stock on any one brand of cat food. A few cans of food made just for kittens and a box of kitten dry food will tide you over until kitty's check-up. Then ask the veterinarian if he or she recommends any brands, ask when and how much to feed your kitten if you don't know. Because your kitten will grow into a young adult in it's first twelve months, think nutrition!


Cat Proofing your home!

Do not give a kitten or cat vitamin or herb supplements unless directed to do so by a veterinarian. Never leave any human medications laying around (out of bottle) where a curious cat may eat them. There are also certain foods that can cause health problems for any cat, kitten or adult and they should be avoided: chocolate, milk, dog food, onions and table scraps. If you have house plants, many can be toxic to cats if accidently eaten. Lock-up the household cleaning products. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers more information on this subject. A Pet Owner's Guide to Common Small Animal Poisons.


Scratching Post

It doesn't have to be elaborate, unless you want and can afford it. They range from a single cone shape, to big and little houses, to tall climbing posts. Whatever your choice, make certain it is weighted and won't tip over when kitty scratches or climbs. When you see the kitten sharpening it's nails on the chair, don't alarm your kitten, just gently take it to the post and show your kitten how to use it. That's how kittens learn from their mothers, is through emulation, they soon learn that to copy whatever mother is doing, works just fine. The mother cat doesn't yell or throw things. The mother cat is just persistent and consistent in her gentle corrections.


Cat's adore high vantage points to survey their domain, from the top of the bookcase to the top of the refrigerator. Cats will mark territory, by rubbing the cheeks of their faces across furniture, it doesn't leave a stain nor can you smell it. Do not attempt to un-train this natural instinct. When a kitten rubs it's cheek against your neck or face as you hold it, it is marking you as it's territory. Think of it as a kitty-kiss. Do NOT confuse this gesture of affection for the spraying of urine. In the later case, consult your veterinarian.


Grooming

Cats are very clean animals, and do not normally need regular baths. They are very fastidious about grooming themselves, the result may be the regurgitating of hair balls. There are remedies available, ask your vet. When grooming, start with a soft brush and don't over do it, a kittens skin is tender. When you see your kitten grooming itself, gently assist your kitten. Continue this practice and as your kitten matures, the routine of a thorough regular brushing will come naturally. When a cat has had enough, it will let you know by it's actions, by attacking the brush or by simply walking away from you. In time, don't be surprised if your cat comes to you, when you show the brush and invite a grooming session.


This and That

There are over 40 kinds of cats, many with certain characteristics dependent on origins. A few good books from the library can give you information on each. Also read about male and female cats, and decide which you would be more compatible with. The average life span is 10 to 18 years. Having your home ready for your kitten before hand, will help to make it a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for both of you.

 
The Veterinarian

The American Veterinary Medical Association offers more information on this subject. Regardless of where you purchase or acquire your kitten, take it for a check-up. It will set your mind at ease knowing kitty is starting out with a clean bill of health. Aside from the recommended vaccinations only your Vet can diagnose and treat parasite infestations, from Ear Mites to Ringworm. Internal Protozoa Coccidiosis, Toxoplasmosis, Roundworm, Tapeworm, and Hookworm. Your Vet will give you a Health Record where your cat's vaccinations will be written down. Requirements vary from state to state, but will probably include: Rabies, Feline panleukpenia (feline distemper), Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), Feline calicivirua (FCV), Feline pneumonitis, Feline leukemia and FIP. The veterinarian will give you the most current list and answer any questions you may have.


Try to return to the same Veterinarian, it's a plus all around. Your cat will be less traumatized by the visits and the doctor knows your animal and can readily see how it is progressing. You may want to have your cat "fixed", females are spayed, males are neutered. Your Vet can recommend at what age it should be done and the procedure involved for your cat.


Cats are amazing, wonderful creatures!

The love and care you give them, will be returned ten-fold!

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