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HELP
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Cats Protection is very grateful to Karen-Anne Smith BVMS, MRCVS who has helped in the preparation of this information 1.
NEUTERING
Cats Protection advocates the neutering of all cats not required for breeding to keep down the number of strays. One female cat can, in five years, be responsible for 20.000 descendents and many of these must inevitably become homeless, with a life that offers only misery, hunger and disease Both male and female cats can be neutered from six months old (please be guided by your vet). although general anaesthesia is required for male and female cats to be neutered this normally only necessitates a day's stay at the surgery. Females normally have stitches that would either need to be checked a few days after surgery or removed about ten days later Neutering promotes a more satisfactory and enjoyable pet. A neutered male should refrain from spraying around the house and leaving an unpleasant smell. He should also be disinclined to wander or to fight. On humane grounds, a female cat should not be allowed to have a litter before being neutered. a cat only recognises a kitten when it squeals at her the first time she gives birth. The first experience provides the memory so therefore it would seem kinder to spay her before the first pregnancy Neutering also decreases the risk of acquiring FeLV (Feline Leukemia virus) and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus). Both these diseases can be transmitted at the time of mating. FIV is also commonly seen in males that fight a lot (transmission via saliva). Making them less territorial will therefore decrease the risks off disease To
underline the importance of neutering, Cats Protection runs a scheme to
help those in financial need to have their cats neutered.
If you are on a low
income Contact Us for details of our neutering scheme. Cats can be protected against some of the most serious feline diseases by vaccination, which can start from nine weeks or as soon as an older cat has settled in his new home The routine vaccinations protect against feline infectious enteritis, cat 'flu and feline leukemia and there is now a combined vaccine where all three can be given at once. Two doses are given three weeks apart and a yearly booster is essential. Your veterinary surgeon will advise you on the best regime for your cat and will give you a certificate when the course is completed. Keep this in a safe place as all good catteries insist on proof of full vaccination Feline infectious enteritis is a very serious and frequently fatal disease causing a variety of symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea and sometimes sudden death. The vaccine gives very good protection. Cat flu is a common type of viral respiratory disease, it may make the cat quite ill but is rarely fatal unless he is very young or old or suffering with another disease that affects the immune system. the vaccine protects against the most common strains of the viruses that cause cat 'flu, the feline herpes virus and the feline calicivirus. The vaccines are not 100% effective as there are many different strains of 'flu but they are still worthwhile Feline leukemia is the most common infectious cause of death in young cats and causes problems such as suppression of the immune system and tumours. Vaccination gives a good degree of protection There is also a vaccine against the micro-organism Chlamydia which causes respiratory symptoms and persistent conjunctivitis. It is not given routinely but may be used in households or catteries where Chlamydia is a problem Click INDEX to return there 3. WORMS, TICKS, FLEAS AND EAR MITES Worms Tapeworms, if present, will be noticeable, as segments are passed in the faeces and can be seen clinging to the cat's trousers. when dry, the segments are cream-coloured and resemble small grains of rice. Treatment for all types of worms is available from veterinary surgeries Ticks Fleas The best products are available from veterinary surgeons and it is worth asking their advice regarding the most suitable anti-flea control for both your pets and the house Ear
mites For more information on parasites request our Information leaflet on Cat Parasites Click INDEX to return there Your cat should remain perfectly healthy on the better quality cat foods, but at your discretion and dependent on your lifestyle, you could perhaps give a fresh food meal of meat or fish, but not too often. Both tinned and high-quality complete dried food give the best balance of minerals, vitamins and other nutrients and should therefore be the basis of your cat's diet. However, do not let your cat dictate to you just which brand or flavour he will eat. Remember, a normal cat will not starve himself and a faddy cat is made, not born. Present a variety of brands and flavours, interspersed once or twice a week with a little fresh food such as boiled fish or chicken, ensuring all bones are removed, and serve it in it's own juice, which cats love. Perhaps once a week, oily fish could be given as this is very good for the elimination of fur balls. Most cats also like a softly-boiled egg if they are introduced to it as kittens but it must be stressed that the egg (and indeed chicken) must be cooked to eliminate the risk of salmonella poisoning. Most cats are also partial to a little cheese, which could be given as a treat. Fresh water should be available at all times For more information please request Information leaflet on Feeding Cats Cats like to eat a little grass, and, if none is available in a garden, grow a pot of Cocksfoot grass in your house Click
INDEX
to return there 5. FEEDING KITTENS, SLEEP, TOILET TRAINING, AND HANDLING Feeding
kittens Remember kittens are like babies. Good hygiene needs to be maintained. It is also possible to allow kittens to graze (having food available all the time) but it is better to use dry kitten food for this type of feeding Use a good quality commercial tinned or dry kitten food. Cat food is not suitable due to the different requirements for energy, protein and other nutrients. Cow's milk will cause diarrhea in some cats and kittens and is best not given. There are specialised cat's milk powders available through veterinary surgeons if you have to give it to very young kittens. However, if they are eating kitten food this is not necessary. At six months old, if your kitten is well grown, the number of meals may be gradually reduced to two a day, usually given about 12 hours apart Sleep Toilet
training Handling
6. GROOMING, EXERCISE AND FRESH AIR Grooming Exercise Fresh air and sunshine are necessary to us all and, if your cat or kitten is confined to a flat without an enclosed balcony, fit a wire frame into one window to admit air and sunshine without the risk of his falling from a height It
is unsafe to allow cats out on narrow ledges or open roofs several
floors above the street. Many animals are injured and killed every year
through lunging at a bird or butterfly and missing their footing. It is
not true that a cat will always land on his feet Click INDEX to return there Cats should never be shut out at night. Apart from the callousness of picking him up from a warm, comfortable snooze on the hearthrug and putting him out in the cold, there are the risks of road accidents. Most road accidents involving cats take place during the hours of darkness. Keep your cat safely in at night and provide him with a litter tray A
cat or kitten makes a very worthwhile pet, providing that he is properly
cared for. If you have taken, or are about to take a stray or rescued
feline into your home, then you are actively helping such organisations
as Cats Protection in their work. But before
you take on the responsibility of owning a cat or kitten please think
carefully about what it will involve
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