CATS

The Older Cat

So many people want kittens. Please consider the following:

  • A kitten is only a kitten for a short time period.
  • Older cats often adjust quickly and easily to new situations, walking in like "been there, done that".
  • Older cats don't climb your curtains or run the Indy 500 in the middle of the night.
  • Older cats are more affectionate - the older they get, often the more lap time they want.
  • Older cats have developed a good immune system.
  • Older cats have a stronger stomach tolerance and don't get the upsets as easily as kittens.
  • Older cats don't require constant supervision - kittens do.

    Older cats are TRULY appreciative that YOU have deemed them worthy of love - kittens will love everyone.

    New Cat In The House

  • A new cat needs time and attention when acclimating to a new environment. The best place to start is a small room fully equipped with bedding, litter box, food and water, and a good place to hide (box, carrier, or closet). When the cat is relaxed and comfortable in this area, gradually introduce the other rooms in the house for a few hours at a time. If there are other pets in the house, rotate them between rooms for a few days until they are familiar with each other's scent. Rotate items of your clothing around as well. Introduce your new cat to resident pets gradually and only under your complete supervision.
  • Take it slowly and don't expect immediate friendships. Relocation is stressful for cats and it takes varying degrees of time for them to form bonds with new people, places, and animals. Try to make the first few days as quiet and comfortable as possible.
  • Keep children under close supervision, move and speak quietly, and don't force the cat to interact. All the "first" experiences should be positive ones. If you encounter any problems, back up a step. Be patient and reassuring.
  • It is EXTREMELY important you keep your new cat 100% indoors. Keeping a cat indoors greatly increases their life span and greatly decreases your vet bills and stress levels.
  • Buy your cat/kitten a collar and license or I.D. tag immediately. Buckle the collar tightly with just two fingers of space between collar and skin, and insist that the cat ALWAYS wear the collar. Take a picture of your new cat as soon as possible for identification purposes.
  • Make an appointment to take your cat to a veterinarian for an exam and vaccinations. This is part of responsible pet ownership and a wise investment.

    The Indoor Cat

    While many cats enjoy being outside where they can hunt prey and explore their surroundings, it's a myth that going outside is a requirement for feline happiness. Playing regularly with a cat easily satisfies her stalking instinct, keeps her stimulated, and provides the exercise she needs to stay healthy and happy. In fact, the indoor cat who gets lots of attention and playtime is likely happier than the indoor-outdoor cat who is generally ignored by her human companions.

    Here are some tips for safely confining your cat and making the great indoors an interesting, feline-friendly environment that meets all of your cat's needs.

  • Start young. Kittens who are kept indoors usually show no desire to venture outside when they grow up.
  • Provide a screened porch or other safe way for your cat to experience the outdoors. Consider building or purchasing a "cat fence" or similar enclosure. Such an enclosure can allow your cat to experience all the pleasures of the great outdoors without the risks. However, a fence may not prevent animals from entering your yard, so you should always be present when you allow your cat outside. And be sure to cat-proof the yard by checking that the fence has no escape routes and by making toxic plants, garden chemicals, and other dangerous objects inaccessible.
  • If you live in a peaceful neighborhood in which you can walk without encountering loose dogs, consider buying a harness and training your cat to walk on a leash. This training takes time and patience, for both you and the cat, and it's easiest when your cat is young. Some cats can even be trained to sit on your lap while you are on the deck or patio, or harnessed and tied to a stationary object to enjoy the outdoors while you are gardening nearby (but be sure to never leave your cat alone while she is tied to a stationary object).
  • Install a perch near a sunny window; padded perches can be purchased at many pet supply stores or through catalog retailers. Another option is an enclosure that sits in a window frame (much like an air conditioning unit) and provides a secure space in which your kitty can "hang out." Larger options are available that attach to the side of a house or ground-floor apartment patio. It's best to allow your cat access to these when someone is home to supervise.
  • Buy a ready-made cat tree (often called a "kitty condo"), or make your own. A cat tree may stretch from floor-to-ceiling or be shorter. It provides great climbing opportunities and, in multi-cat households, creates more play and rest areas by taking advantage of vertical space.
  • Play with your cat each day. Try different types of toys that recreate "fishing," "chasing," and "flying" prey. And leave "toys" such as paper bags and cardboard boxes out when you are not home.
  • Give your cat a feline friend—they can provide one another with companionship and entertainment.
  • Plant cat grass (available from pet supply stores) in indoor pots so your feline can graze.
  • Clean the litter box regularly. Have multiple litter boxes for multiple cats.

    Even cats who are protected from roaming free should still be outfitted with a collar and visible identification. The occasional open window (make sure your windows have secure screens) or door offers a tempting opportunity for your cat to explore the outdoors. And your cat may become frightened and make her way outside if strangers come to work on your house or if there is a fire or similar disaster. The collar and visible ID could help someone get your pet back to you. For extra insurance, consider having your cat microchipped. If you do lose your cat, go to your animal shelter immediately to file a report.

    What the INDOOR Cat Misses

  • Owls
  • Fleas
  • Ticks
  • Fights
  • Worms
  • Raptors
  • Abscesses
  • Dog attacks
  • Becoming lost
  • Being tortured
  • Leg-hold traps
  • Being hit by a car
  • A shorter life span
  • Being stolen for profit
  • Being eaten by a coyote
  • Skin cancer and sun damage
  • Being mangled in a car engine
  • Exposure to FIV (feline AIDS)
  • Exposure to Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
  • Becoming trapped in a shed or garage
  • Poisoning by food, pesticides or antifreeze
  • Exposure to Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
  • Exposure to Upper Respiratory Infections (URI)
  • Relocation by jumping into a car or moving van

    Cat Links

    HSUS Cat Tips
    ASPCA Cat Care