Routine Care of Cats

Question 1

List some basic requirements for cats

Answer 1

Human companionship, Regular meals with supply of water, Provide outdoor access or litter tray, Vaccinate against feline disease regularly.

Question 2

What’s the feed amount for different ages? What food is best?

Answer 2

4 meals a day up to 12 weeks, 3 meals p/d up to 6 months and then 2 daily…Dry food is good for teeth and gums

Question 3

Why is grooming important? how is it done?

Answer 3

Social bonding helps grooming and maintaining skin/coat condition. It’s essential to prevent hairballs and matting. Long haired should be groomed daily, short haired weekly

Question 4

Where are hair matts removed from?

Answer 4

the undercarriage, behind ears and legs, under chin

Question 5

Eyes, ears, nails and teeth

Answer 5

Flat faced breeds (Persian) may have excess eye secretions, Excess ear wax can cause ear mites which can be treated with topical acaricide, Indoor cats may require nail trimming, and periodontal disease common so brush teeth regularly

Question 6

Tips for toilet training in cats

Answer 6

Place cats in litter tray after meals, Place tray in area away from food and water, Empty/clean regularly, Gradually move tray towards garden for outdoor cats

Question 7

Cat litter -what to use

Answer 7

Sand, peat or commercial litter is okay to use. Litter should be 2-4’’ deep to allow cats to cover it over. Place tray on newspaper, and clean tray at least twice daily. If not clean cat may eliminate elsewhere

Question 8

Cat vaccination

Answer 8

Primary course starts at 8-10 weeks with booster 3-4 weeks later. Annual boosters recommended.
-Parvovirus, Cat flu, Feline leukaemia virus all becoming common vaccinations.

Question 9

Ecto and Endoparasites

Answer 9

Kittens born with roundworm should be wormed every fortnight from 2-16 weeks.
Twice yearly wormed against roundworm/tapeworm
Ear mites treated with topical creams

Question 10

How long is pregnancy in cats?

Answer 10

63 days

Question 11

When should cats be neutered?

Answer 11

4 months of age

Question 12

When do females become fertile?

Answer 12

16 weeks

Question 13

What problems can occur with elderly cats?

Answer 13

less activity, arthritis, reduced appetite with teeth/gum infections, hyperthyroidism common, prescription diet - high protein less phosphorous

Question 14

Solution to scratching indoors

Answer 14

Provide a scratching post (wipe paws on post to leave scent)