How to hold your cat – Most cats enjoy being held, although only on their terms. Usually a cat does not like being held for more than a short time. If you stroke the cat whilst you hold it, it will be reassured. Once it starts to struggle, let it down. If you hold a cat against its will, it may bite or scratch you.
Litter training – Place the litter tray in a quiet corner. When the kitten looks as if it is ready to use it – it will crouch with its tail raised – place it in the litter tray. A natural instinct will tell the kitten to cover up its faeces with the litter. If a kitten relieves itself outside the tray, never rub its nose in the mess – the odour will tell the kitten that this is its toilet area and it will return to it.
Good scratching – To stop your cat ruining your furniture by scratching it, provide it with a scratching post. When your cat starts scratching, place its paws on the post. A post with catnip added is ideal or a piece of bark.
Allowing a new cat outdoors – Keep the new cat indoors for at least 4 weeks, supervise the cat’s first time outdoors, let the cat out just before a feed is due and when it is time to come back in, dish the cat’s food out whilst calling the cat. This will give the cat a routine, this should be done at the same time every day.
Grooming – Although cats groom themselves we advise you groom your cat as well. Shorthaired cats should be groomed once a week. Longhaired cats should be groomed every day. This is beneficial to a cat’s circulation as it reduces the risk of fur balls.
Health Check – Home Medical:
Coat – look for scratches, fleas, baldness, reddening to the skin and increased shedding of fur.
Ears – look for brown wax, discharge, swelling and head held to one side.
Eyes – look for discharge, inflammation of the eye lid and third eye lid.
Teeth – look for drooling, inflamed gums and bad breath.
Nose – look for discharge, listen for persistent sneezing and laboured breathing.
Sickness and/or diarrhoea.
If you notice any of these symptoms consult your vet.
Please remember that if you have any problems we are glad to assist.
We hope you will be very happy with your new friend; remember if the cat learns to be able to rely on you for what he or she needs from life, i.e. clean litter tray and regular food, you will soon be able to rely on your cat.