It is week two of National Pet Month, and time for another of our student top tips for responsible pet ownership blogs! This week, degree veterinary nursing student, Georgette, shares her Top Tips for Responsible Cat Ownership:
Top ten tips for looking after cats
1. Get to know your cat’s personality and preferences this is with food, litter, treats and even toys. With my cats one of them absolutely loves to play fetch but the others will refuse to even touch a ball and prefer watching cat tv videos or scratch mats.
2. Know what cats can and can’t be around there are some basic things around your house that can be a danger to them. This can go through Lily flowers around your house, a grape that fell on the floor and electric wires that your kitten might try to chew.
3. My 3 cats are all indoor cats this is due to how dangerous the roads around my house can be. However, cats are curious creatures so I like to take them on little stroller walks when I can, it’s also helpful to have a clear windowsill for them to sit and have a look outside or if you have a garden letting them out now and then can also help with their enrichment.
4. To get your cat used to vet trips it’s also helpful to get them used to things like having their teeth checked and paws touched as some cats can find this quite awkward. So doing this at home casually and often can help them get used to this and help make their vet appointments more efficient.
5. Socialising your cat as early on with things that are constant in your life this could be car rides, train rides, friends, and family. This will help reduce any stress further on in their lives.
6. Make sure your cat’s nail length is suitable to them. Nails are especially important for outdoor cats as they are good for defence and climbing so they should be kept long enough to protect themselves.
7. Have as many safe hiding spots for your cat as possible as this helps that to feel safer as they have a nice safe place to go to avoid stress.
8. Make sure the cat carrier you have is suitable for your cat, some cats prefer to be able to see outside as much as possible whereas some prefer to be able to hide away as much as possible. It is also beneficial to have a carrier that has a removable top and are durable and hard, this is good for vet trips where it may be harder to get your cat to come out willingly.
9. Cats can be quite picky with where they like their litter tray, food plate/bowl and water source. It is advisable to keep those 3 things separate as if they are too close you cat may be put off using any of them.
10. Keeping up to date with flea and worming treatment is important even if your cat is an indoor cat. We as owners are also able to carry parasites into the house through our clothes and shoes. Flea and wormer always comes in both a spot on treatment which is less invasive or a tablet form which can be easier to manage if your cat is happy with taking tablets, the form your treatment comes in and the frequency of it will always be advised by the vet so it is important to talk to the vet and get prescribed treatment as these are the most effective.
During National Pet Month our students are also raising money for StreetVet – we will bring you details of activities that they are organising and taking part in in due course. StreetVet is a charity that provides free veterinary care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness. It is a wonderful cause because it not only helps ensure the health and wellbeing of these pets but also brings comfort and companionship to their owners during challenging times. You can learn more about their incredible work and donate to the cause here.
Happy National Pet Month!