Before you bring your cat to its new home, there are a few items you need to

acquire in preparation for its arrival. These include:

• Selection of food (wet and dry).
• Water and food bowl.
• Basket or bed.
• Grooming brush.
• Scratching post.
• Litter tray with litter.
• Toys.
• Housing.

Come and talk to us in store to see how we can help.

It doesn’t take much to make a cat happy. All they need is a comfortable chair, box or basket in a place where they feel safe and protected. They will usually find a corner that suits them best no matter how carefully you plan.

The cat uses its claws for climbing and to defend itself, and usually keeps them in immaculate condition. Cats with access to the outdoors sharpen their claws on trees in the garden. Some however, prefer household furniture to tree trunks, and the resultant damage can be severe. To prevent your favourite sofa being scratched, it is best to provide them with an alternative. A scratching post can be purchased in store for your cat to use. If you do see your cat scratching furniture, it is a good idea to pick him up with a firm 'no’, place him on the scratching post and reward him for scratching on the post. Animals learn through positive reinforcement, so rewarding them for using the scratching post will soon change their habit of using the sofa.

In general, a cat should have access to the house and its sleeping quarters at all times, day or night. A cat door fitted into an external door of the house is a very useful aid, and if properly installed is burglar-proof.  We also stock cat doors that read your cat's microchip, keeping out unwanted visitors.

• Demeanour: watchful - even at rest; quickly responsive to sounds; quiet and contented.

• Movement: free movement and agility; no lameness.

• Appetite: good; no vomiting or diarrhoea.

• Breathing: even and quiet.

• Coat: clean, well-groomed and glossy; free from parasites and dirt.

• Ears: pricked to catch sound; no discharge or irritation.

• Eyes: clear; no discharge or inflammation.

• If your cat appears unwell for any reason, consult your veterinarian.

Vaccinations

Talk to your vet about the vaccination schedule for your cat.

Worming

Worming is important to keep your cat in good health. Kitten Roundworms and Tapeworms can infect cats.

Fleas

Fleas are a common external parasite of cats. They cause severe itching and inflammation of the skin leading to dermatitis. Their occurrence will vary depending on the cat's lifestyle, the number of animals in the household, and the time of the year. Preventative programs are best achieved using “spot on” products that have a prolonged residual effect; usually 30 days. If fleas are a problem, it is necessary to treat all animals, both cats and dogs, to clean the environment. You may also want to ‘flea bomb’ the house to remove any eggs and to stop the flea-egg cycle. Come in store for further help and advice in dealing with fleas,

General illness

Cats and kittens can become ill quite rapidly - this is usually characterised by lethargy and a failure to eat or drink. If this occurs, seek veterinary advice.