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| HINTS FOR CAT OWNERS |
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How do I look after my new kitten?
Kittens require a series of vaccinations for protection against cat diseases. The first vaccinations are usually given at about 7 weeks old. If your kitten has not been vaccinated prior to purchase you should arrange with your local veterinarian to start the vaccinations series as soon as possible. The kitten should be kept inside until the vaccinations are completed.
A young kitten is should be confined to one room of the house until it has settled in. Most kittens will know how to use a litter tray but if it is a little reluctant place it in the tray after each meal or after it wakes up.
Kittens need a different diet than adult cats and, having small stomachs and big appetites, need up to four or five meals per day. They should be fed nutritionally complete commercial kitten food which is available in both canned and dry forms. They should have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Food and water bowls should be shallow and clean. Cow's milk causes loose bowel movements in many kittens. Low lactose pets' milk is available.
Kittens should be wormed with a kitten worming product, available from your veterinarian, pharmacy or pet shop, every two weeks from the age of three weeks. The mother cat should be wormed with an adult cat preparation at the same time.
How do I make sure my cat is friendly?
Try not to get a kitten from a wild or scared mother. Kittens which are born to friendly mothers will generally grow up to be friendly cats themselves. Kittens are naturally curious, playful and trusting and unless frightened or tormented will grow up to be loving companions. Children should be taught to handle the kitten gently and to allow it to rest when tired.
How do I stop my cat spraying?
Cats which are not desexed will spray to mark territory. If a desexed cat starts spraying or urinating other than in the litter box, it should be taken to a veterinarian to determine if there are any medical problems. If there are no underlying medical problems some solutions are: Prevent other cats from coming around the house. Make sure the litter box is immaculate but do not clean it with disinfectants. Prevent overcrowding in multi cat households and provide more than one litter box. Catch the cat "in the act" and squirt it with a water pistol.
Cats will be likely to return to previously soiled areas so you will need to remove the odour. Never use cleansers containing ammonia as this will attract the cat to the spot. Carpets should be cleaned with carpet shampoo, then soaked with club soda for ten minutes and blotted dry. Enzyme products are available which will help remove the odour. Concrete and timber floors will be more difficult to clean and you should seek advice from cleaning services.
How do I stop my cat from fighting?
Undesexed males are very territorial and will fight other cats. Desexing any cats not required for breeding will reduce the incidence of fights.
How do I stop my cat from scratching furniture?
Catch the cat in the act and squirt with a water pistol. Double sided sticky tape applied to the furniture will deter the cat.
Scratching is a natural behaviour for cats so a scratching post should be provided. A sisal covered post or one covered with carpet underside turned out, is preferable to a carpet covered post which may encourage the cat to scratch your carpet. Praise and reward the cat when it uses the scratching post.
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| Petcare Information and Advisory Service Australia |
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| Last Update: 06/02/07 15:05 |
Views: 855 |
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