caring for cats
Cats’ nutritional requirements change according to their lifestage, from kittens through to adults and senior cats. Cats are obligate carnivores - they cannot be vegetarian. Home-prepared diets are complex and need to be balanced correctly. Feeding a commercial ‘complete’ diet provides all the nutrients in the correct amounts and proportions. So-called ‘lifestage’ diets are available.
Fleas
Most cats suffer from flea infestation at some point in their lives and, while there may be no symptoms at all, the most common symptom to look out for is scratching or chewing most commonly at the tail-base and lower back. Close inspection may reveal either small black insects or more likely the small, black flea faeces, which are passed through the insect after sucking blood from dogs. Flea faeces can be identified by brushing your pet’s coat with a fine-toothed comb and placing the debris you collect on a piece of white paper. Flea faeces will dissolve in water to produce brown/red swirls on the paper.
Dental
You should examine your cat’s mouth regularly for signs of oral disease which include bad breath; reddened, bleeding or swollen gums and build up of tartar. It’s worth checking your cat’s teeth from kittenhood so that he gets used to you examining them. Home dental care kits are available from vets, country stores and pet shops to help keep your cat’s teeth free from plaque.
Exercise
Many of the UK’s cat population are indoor cats, and some cats with access to the outdoors live sedentary lifestyles. Daily exercise is essential to keep cats healthy and mentally and physically stimulated - the level of exercise will depend on their breed, age and health. Exercise not only improves your cat’s wellbeing, but also helps build muscle tone and prevent depression, obesity, joint problems, heart conditions and behavioural issues.
Fleas
Most cats suffer from flea infestation at some point in their lives and, while there may be no symptoms at all, the most common symptom to look out for is scratching or chewing most commonly at the tail-base and lower back. Close inspection may reveal either small black insects or more likely the small, black flea faeces, which are passed through the insect after sucking blood from dogs. Flea faeces can be identified by brushing your pet’s coat with a fine-toothed comb and placing the debris you collect on a piece of white paper. Flea faeces will dissolve in water to produce brown/red swirls on the paper.
Dental
You should examine your cat’s mouth regularly for signs of oral disease which include bad breath; reddened, bleeding or swollen gums and build up of tartar. It’s worth checking your cat’s teeth from kittenhood so that he gets used to you examining them. Home dental care kits are available from vets, country stores and pet shops to help keep your cat’s teeth free from plaque.
Exercise
Many of the UK’s cat population are indoor cats, and some cats with access to the outdoors live sedentary lifestyles. Daily exercise is essential to keep cats healthy and mentally and physically stimulated - the level of exercise will depend on their breed, age and health. Exercise not only improves your cat’s wellbeing, but also helps build muscle tone and prevent depression, obesity, joint problems, heart conditions and behavioural issues.