Housing And Handling

Housing and Handling your Cat

Cats are popular because they are so easy to keep with the busy schedules we all have these days. They are very independent so do not need constant supervision and walks outside.

They adapt quickly and easily to a litter box and will groom themselves.If you have more than one cat, they will groom each other.  Below are some examples of how to have a happy, healthy cat.

How To Lift A Cat

Approach a cat cautiously. Do not grab it; ideally, let it approach you.Begin your contact with gentle stroking. When the cat is used to your touch, pick it up.

Hold the cat with one hand under its chest and the other under its hindquarters. Lift the cat gently, drawing it to your chest, giving full support to its hindquarters.

Litter Box Training

Place the litter box in a quiet corner. When the kitten looks as if its ready to use it, it will crouch with its tail raised- place it in the litter box. A natural instinct will tell the kitten to cover up its feces with the litter. If a kitten relieves itself outside the box, never rub its nose in the mess- the odor will tell the kitten that this is its toilet area and it will return to it.

Establish Routines

You can not train a cat in the same way that you can train a dog, but establishing routines, will make life easier on yourself and more enjoyable for your cat. It is important for your cat to recognize its name; by calling it at feeding and bed time, it will soon learn to respond.

Indoor Cats

Indoor cats are still prone to parasites that are brought into the home from the outside. These include fleas, roundworm, and heartworm. It is important to maintain parasite protection and treatment even for an indoor cat.

Keep A Indoor Cat Happy

Cats can live indoors quite contentedly, especially if they have never known any other life. If you keep your cat inside, make sure it has plenty of toys for amusement and exercise. Alternatively, buy two kittens at the same time, so they can play with each other.

Allowing A New Cat Outdoors

Most cats want to go out side and explore as soon as possible, so for the first few weeks,you will probably have to restrain your cat from rushing outside every time you open the door. Once your cat is familiar with its new home, you can let it out under supervision.

When You Move

Cats have a strong homing instinct, so when you move, help your cat get used to its new surroundings . Do not place your cat in the moving van, but take it with you in your car. On arrival, provide it with food, water, and a litter box. If your cat is traveling by air, road, or sea, place it in a approved carrying container. The container should be strong, light, and well ventilated. Mark instructions for feeding and watering and the owner’s name and address clearly on the carrier.

Quarantine Your Cat

Rabies is a potentially fatal virus for both humans and animals. It spreads though the saliva of an infected animal. Most rabies-free countries enforce strict measures to prevent the spread of the virus. A cat taken abroad may have to spend a period of time in quarantine either on its arrival or return home.