Cats make great companions and pets. They can be affectionate, comforting and playful, whilst also keeping the mice away. If you are thinking of adding a cat to your family here are some important tips about being a responsible cat owner.
Contact your local council
Before you bring your cat home, get in touch with your local council to ask about their regulations regarding areas such as night curfews, compulsory containment within your property, registration, micro chipping and de-sexing. Each council has different laws so get in touch with the council in your local area for full details.
Find a local vet
One of the first things you should do when you get a new cat is to find a local vet and book a health check. Our vets will not only check your cat’s general health but will also discuss a preventative healthcare routine including vaccinations and parasite control. Our vets can also check if your cat has been micro chipped or de-sexed and discuss these options with you. It is also a great time to ask about any questions you might have such as nutrition, exercise and obedience concerns.
All pets require a minimum of one health check per year. Regular health checks are a great way to keep your pet in top shape. They also help your veterinarian to identify and treat any health concerns before they become serious.
Suitable bedding and home
Although your cat may want to share your bed, they will need their own comfortable, dry place to rest in your home. A cat bed, chair, box or basket with a soft, washable blanket or towel is ideal.
Cat enclosures are becoming increasingly popular for outdoor cats. Placed in a weatherproof area, they allow your cat to experience the wonders of the great outdoors, while keeping them safe and sound. Indoor cats generally live longer, healthier lives than outdoor cats.
Diet and nutrition
Nutrition is an important part of pet care. A complete and balanced diet is essential for your cat’s health and wellbeing.
At WoofPurNay, we offer a wide range of premium pet food products to suit your cat’s individual needs. Different diets can be offered based on your cat’s unique lifestyle, age, size or health requirements. Our vets can provide you with the best advice about what diet is most suitable for your cat.
Clean, fresh water must be available to your cat at all times. Be sure to wash food and water dishes regularly.
Scratching
Cats need to scratch. They do this instinctively to keep their nails in good condition. Provide a scratching pole or mat to help prevent your cat from scratching your furniture. If they do starting scratching your furniture, place protective material over the area and ensure a scratching pole or mat is placed nearby to divert their attention. Make sure the scratching pole is stable enough that it won’t wobble during use and you may need a few around the house depending on your cats needs.
Grooming
Most cats stay relatively clean and rarely need a bath. Bathing can be quite stressful for a cat so should generally be avoided unless recommended by your vet for medical reasons.
Regular brushing and grooming is an important part of pet care, particularly for medium to long-haired cats. It helps to keep your cat’s coat in great condition by removing loose hair and preventing the formation of knots and hairballs. How often you brush and groom your pet will differ based on their coat type, length and recent activities.
Grooming your cat is a great opportunity to check for fleas, ear mites, cuts, lumps or bumps and is also a great bonding activity between you and your pet.
Grooming should always be comfortable for your cat. Be gentle and reward your cat for allowing you to groom them. This way they will associate grooming as a positive experience, making it easier for both of you.
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you insure your cat. Pet insurance is becoming more popular in Australia as it offers peace of mind and covers some or all of the treatment costs if your pet was involved in an accident or suffers a sudden illness. There are several companies that offer pet insurance and we can help you find the one that best suits the needs of you and your pet.