Healthy Feeding for your Cat
To maintain your cats health and well being it must have a balanced diet. Contrary to popular belief, meat alone is not sufficient for cats. Cats and kittens fed on an all meat diet will develop nutritional deficiencies and growth problems. The most reliable and convenient way to provide a balanced and palatable diet is to feed high quality prepared cat food, both canned and dry.

Kittens have different nutritional requirements to adult cats and for this reason it is preferable to feed your kitten with specially formulated kitten foods in canned and dry forms.

Kittens need frequent small meals. Follow the feeding instructions on the labels of the prepared kitten foods. Adult cats often prefer to eat several small meals per day but will do equally as well if fed one meal at the same time each day. Cats prefer their food at room temperature. For details of amounts to be fed refer to the feeding guides on the packaging of the prepared products, or be guided by your veterinarian.

Milk is unnecessary for cats and may cause diarrhoea in those which have an intolerance to lactose in milk. Commercially prepared cat milk with low lactose is available from most supermarkets in the UK.

Water is essential to your cat's well being and clean water must be available at all times.

Feed and water bowls should be shallow and clean and be placed in a familiar and safe feeding place.

Cat Health Care
Cats are hardy animals but require a few precautions to ensure they remain healthy. When you purchase your cat ask for its vaccination certificate which will be signed by a veterinarian. If your cat or kitten has had no previous vaccinations or if you are unsure whether it has been vaccinated, you should take it to your local veterinarian to receive a health check and vaccinations for feline enteritis, cat flu and Feline Leukemia Virus. Kittens require the first vaccinations between 6 - 9 weeks with the second at 12 - 16 weeks old. All cats require a "booster" vaccination every 12 months.

Cats and kittens need to be wormed regularly to control roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms which live in the intestine. This is easily done by using one of the many available preparations, either as tablets, liquids or pastes.

Fleas and ticks are often a problem during the warmer months. Attempts must be made to kill not only the adult fleas on the cat using either sprays, powders, rinses or flea collars, but also to treat any other pets and the environment, especially the cat's bedding. Cats can be particularly sensitive to flea control products and precautions and directions on the packaging of flea control products must be followed exactly. Only use products which are specifically designed for cats.

Paralysis ticks occur in some areas of the UK and can be fatal to cats. If you live in an area where there are paralysis ticks you should check your cat daily and remove any ticks. If a tick is found consult your veterinarian.

Abscesses are common in cats due to fighting and can show up as a swelling or discharging sore anywhere on the cat. Veterinary attention is required for abscesses.

Cats should be prevented from chewing plants as many common garden or indoor plants are poisonous. Aspirin and paracetamol are also poisonous to cats. Consult your veterinarian if you are concerned.

Dental Hygiene
Clean teeth are important for healthy gums and a fresh breath. Some cats' teeth need more attention than others. Ask your veterinarian for the best approach for your cat. It may be a regular check up and cleaning or feeding raw chicken wings or necks.

Grooming
Cats spend a great deal of time grooming themselves but long haired cats require brushing and combing several times per week. Pay particular attention to the cats underline and tail.

Pethood
If you are not planning to breed from your cat it is advisable to have it spayed/neutered by the age of 6 months.

We also have compiled a list of (Serious and not so serious!) frequently asked questions related to cats: What kind of cat is Top-Cat?   What is wrong with my cat?   What kind of cat should I get?   What is the largest breed of cat?  How to make homemade cat food?  

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