Cat Care Guide
Owning a cat is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. To fully enjoy the benefits of having a cat, it’s important to take steps to keep them healthy and happy.
Owning a Cat
If your cat is under 12 months old, refer to EPLA Kitten Care brochure for specific guidance. Bringing a new cat home is exciting, but remember that the new environment can be overwhelming, causing stress and fear. Stay calm and give your cat space to explore at their own pace. It’s normal for them to be shy or avoid interaction for a few days—don’t worry, they’ll warm up to you when they’re ready.
Create a warm, soft, and cozy area where your cat can feel secure.
Feeding Requirements
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need more protein and other nutrients than dogs, so don’t feed them dog food. Wet food is acceptable, but it’s important to include dry food in their diet as it helps maintain healthy teeth.
Feed your cat once or twice a day with premium adult cat food, which provides the proper nutrients in the right proportions, unlike many supermarket brands. Be sure to measure their food portions and avoid topping up their bowl whenever they ask, as this can lead to weight gain.
There’s no need to give your cat milk—fresh water is much better for their digestion.
Scratching
Scratching is a natural behaviour for cats. Providing appropriate scratching resources is essential, especially for indoor cats, to prevent future destructive scratching.
Ensure Your Cat Is Vaccinated
Cats are susceptible to serious diseases, including feline enteritis, feline respiratory diseases, and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), which is similar to the AIDS virus in humans.
FIV is particularly concerning for outdoor cats, as it’s spread through biting and scratching. In some areas, up to 25% of outdoor cats may carry FIV. Vaccination is highly recommended if your cat has outdoor access, as this disease can be prevented with the right vaccines. Ask your vet for more details during your next visit.
Vaccinations are crucial in protecting your cat from these life-threatening diseases. If your cat was vaccinated as a kitten, yearly booster shots should be enough. However, if you’re unsure about their vaccination status, they may need an immediate two-dose course, four weeks apart (except for FIV vaccines, which require three injections spaced two weeks apart).
Worming
Your cat should be wormed every three months throughout their life. Common intestinal worms include roundworm, hookworm, and tapeworm. Worm treatments are easy to administer and come in the form of tablets, pastes, or spot-on treatments.
“All-wormers” are a great option to protect your cat from all types of intestinal worms. Keep in mind that some worms can transfer from cats to humans, so staying diligent with worming is important.
Flea Protection
Fleas can transmit tapeworm and cause severe itching or allergic reactions, known as Flea Allergy Dermatitis. Protect your cat by using a high-quality flea control product on a monthly basis, year-round. Ask an EPLA team member to recommend a suitable product for your cat.
If giving tablets to your cat is difficult, flea and worm combination spot-on treatments are an excellent alternative.
Heartworm – Is It Necessary?
Cats are about 2,000 times more resistant to heartworm than dogs, so heartworm prevention is generally considered less essential for cats. However, since heartworm disease can occasionally lead to sudden death in cats, preventive measures are available and recommended.
Microchipping
Microchipping is a permanent form of identification, allowing your cat to be quickly returned if they ever get lost. Microchipping is mandatory in most areas, so check with an EPLA team member or your local council to see if it’s required in your area.
Your cat can be microchipped at any age, but the sooner, the better. The procedure is quick and causes minimal discomfort.
In addition to microchipping, consider getting an ID tag for your cat’s collar with their name and your contact details. This will further increase their chances of being found and returned home if they go missing!
Spraying Behaviour
Spraying is a common behaviour in adult male cats, typically when they are marking their territory or feeling stressed.
The first step is to ensure your male cat is neutered. If he does spray, clean the affected area thoroughly using a biological detergent or specialized cleaner.
If the spraying continues, consult your vet for advice. There are pheromone sprays and diffusers available that may help reduce this behaviour.
Desexing
To prevent various health and behavioural issues, it is strongly recommended to have your cat desexed at five to six months of age. Desexing will not affect your cat’s personality. Female cats can become pregnant as early as five months, so it’s important to keep them indoors until they are desexed.
Keeping Your Cat Indoors at Night
The majority of traffic accidents involving cats occur during the night. Keeping your cat indoors after dark can help protect them. Cats are naturally nocturnal and tend to be most active at night, when they may hunt or get into fights with other cats. Abscesses from fighting are one of the most common illnesses in cats and are a primary way FIV is transmitted. To keep your cat safe, bring them indoors from dusk until sunrise. Additionally, many councils impose fines if your cat is found roaming at night.
Cat Checklist
- Vaccinations
- Microchip
- Flea & tick control
- Worming
- Premium food
- Bedding
- Litter & tray
- Food & water bowls
- Treats & toys
- Desexing
- Collar ID tag
- Grooming brush
- Council registration
- Secure cat carrier
- Scratching post