Cats are highly intelligent, amusing inquisitive creatures. They make great companions and stroking a cat had been shown to reduce stress and lower blood pressure in humans. They require less time input generally than dogs, as they are more independent and do not require walking, but they often like a warm lap to sit in.
Cats are carnivores and so have a more restricted diet than dogs, needing a diet with a high level of protein in it. Most cats will only eat what they need and will regulate their own weight, but some (especially indoor cats) may eat more than required and so you will need to control the amounts or they quickly become overweight and this can lead to many medical problems (diabetes, arthritis, liver problems). Cats can eat both wet and dry cat food. Dry cat food can sometimes offer benefits of tooth cleaning and is more energy packed if your cat needs to gain weight or doesn’t eat much. It also has the benefit of not attracting flies on warm days if the bowl is not emptied immediately. However, it is important that your cat also drinks enough water if they are on a dry food. Wet diets can be very useful to increase the amount of water that your cat takes in. This is especially important in cats that suffer from bladder problems (cystitis). Wet food is also helpful in weight reduction and it contains less calories. Some cats on wet food only diets will be more prone to developing tartar on their teeth and so brushing teeth is advised where possible.
Cats are long lived (often reaching their late teens or even early twenties) and it is important to keep them active and stimulated. This will lead to less signs of boredom and stress and behavioural problems like inappropriate urination. If you are planning on letting your cat or kitten outdoors, then ensure your garden is a safe place for them to explore and play in. When first letting them out, take them out with you when they are hungry, let them explore supervised for 10-15 minutes then bring them in and feed them, repeat this several times. Generally wherever they explore on their first few visits will become their territory and that is what they will patrol every day. If they think your garden is their territory they are less likely to wander too far and get in to trouble. If they do jump over the fence on those first few outings, have some treats to hand to encourage them back.
Some cats spend their lives as indoor cats. While this does protect them from traffic and fights with other cats, it is important to ensure that they have enough stimulation in their environment and don’t get bored. Having cat trees with different levels of perches offers them a scratching post and a different view of the world. Toys to play with are important as cats are mischievous animals and enjoy play and interaction with humans. There are many available to buy but they can be as a simple as a bit of paper tied to a length of string (although do not leave string with your cat unsupervised) or a ping pong ball.
If you are thinking of getting a kitten, consider getting 2 litter mates if you can. Not only is it great to watch them play together, but it also means that you are not the only provider of entertainment to them. If you already have a cat and are thinking of introducing another one into your family, it is critical to think of the impact this will have on the family dynamics. While some cats won’t mind, others will find a new addition very stressful. Kittens are much less of a threat than an adult cat and so can be integrated much more easily. We are always happy to offer advice on their best way to expand you cat family while minimising the stress on those already resident.
Cats are engaging throughout their lives. From the fearless kittens climbing your curtains and balancing on the tops of doors, through the adults who are busy out hunting (bringing back presents of anything from moths and spiders to pigeons and squirrels) returning to a bowl of food and a warm lap. To the geriatrics, who spend more time in our company and really show their personalities. Through these stages they have different needs from their owners.
As a kitten we should be ensuring they grow and develop properly. Giving them good quality kitten food, vaccinating them to protect them from killer diseases and worming them to ensure they are free of any roundworm that they could have picked up from their mum. It is at this time we also have to think about microchipping and neutering.
During adulthood most cats are healthy and require little more than a good diet and regular flea and worming preventative treatment. It is important to keep up with annual health checks (just in case your cat is not as robust), booster vaccinations and dental care, and insurance cover is always helpful, especially for some of the more adventurous kitties.
As your cat gets older, it becomes more important to keep a closer eye on things. Arthritis is common in cats >10yo, and something as simple as an anti inflammatory liquid medicine can allow them to resume their normal activities. Senior health checks involve the normal health check your cat would have every year, but also include blood, urine and blood pressure checks. These tests can allow us to detect diseases such as hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), diabetes, kidney disease and liver disease. With early diagnosis and treatment a lot of these diseases which used to kill cats prematurely can be cured or controlled, allowing your cat to spend his twilight years with you in comfort