Responsible Pet Ownership

Caring for a Cat

A cat’s basic needs include:

• Identification (micro chipping)
• Housing
• Nutrition (high protein/high fat diet)
• De-worming
• Grooming
• Flea/tick control
• Routine vet visits
• Holiday boarding arrangements
• Affection and cuddling interspersed with alone time

• Cats should be kept indoors; roaming increases the risk of disease, parasites, eating garbage/poisin, attack by animals, traps, impounding, traffic, cat fights, getting lost, and exposure to weather.
• If you want your cat to get some 'outdoor time', consider building a cat run.
• Do not get a kitten unless you are home during the day. Adults cats are a better choice--not only are they litter-trained, most have graduated from the rowdy ankle-attacking stages of adolescence.
• Cats are wonderful companion animals. They are good for people who don't want the responsibility of exercising their pet but still want companionship. They are less work than a dog but need your attention, care and time. There are many books available to help you have a better understanding your cat.
• Diet: Cats are carnivorous. Commercial cat food has all the nutrients cats need.
• Time:  Cats though fairly independent do require your time. The minimum time required for a cat is 30-60 minutes a day.
• Grooming: Though cats are impeccable self-groomers they do require some assistance. Longhaired cats should be brushed regularly and all cats need their claws trimmed. You may want a professional to do this but with care and patience most guardians should be able to do this themselves.
• Play: A stimulating indoor environment for your cat allows him/her to express natural behaviours. Interactive toys that move and jump like imaginary prey stimulate their natural curiosity and instinct to stalk and pounce. A game of chase or peek-a-boo around doors and corners is a good way for you to play with your cat.
• Outdoor options: Ideally cats should be kept indoors. They lead longer, healthier lives. Supervised outdoor activities can enrich your cat's experience. Training your cat to be on a harness and leash or providing an outdoor enclosures are ways to provide outdoor access.
• Identification: Cats require identification in case they get lost. There are special cat collars you can buy. Remember to have your cat spayed or neutered.

• For more information on the care of cats click here.

Cat Run: