🐱How To Care For Your Cat
A practical guide to caring for your cat and keeping them healthy
Cats make wonderful companions, but owning a cat is a long‑term commitment. With an average lifespan of 15–20 years, it’s important to understand the responsibilities of cat ownership before adopting or buying a kitten. Speak to your vet and other cat owners to make a well‑informed decision.
Cats should have access to their sleeping area at all times. A cat flap fitted into an external door allows freedom and independence. Microchip‑reading cat doors (available in store) help keep out unwanted neighbourhood cats.
🚪 Access to the Home
🏡 Bringing a New Cat Home
Before your cat arrives, prepare the essentials:
- Cat food (wet and dry)
- Food and water bowls
- Cat bed or basket
- Grooming brush
- Scratching post
- Litter tray and litter
- Toys
- Safe indoor housing
Visit us in store for personalised advice and product recommendations.
Cats don’t need much to feel secure — a cosy chair, box, or basket in a quiet spot is often enough. They will naturally choose a place where they feel safe.
Cats use their claws for climbing, stretching, and defence. Outdoor cats often sharpen their claws on trees, but indoor cats may turn to furniture.
To protect your home:
Provide a scratching post
Redirect your cat gently if they scratch furniture
Say a firm “no”, place them on the post, and reward them for using it
Positive reinforcement helps them learn quickly.
🐾Scratching & Claw Care
🩺 Indicators of a Healthy Cat
A healthy cat will show:
- Demeanour — alert, responsive, calm, and content
- Movement — agile, smooth movement with no lameness
- Appetite — good appetite; no vomiting or diarrhoea
- Breathing — quiet and even
- Coat — clean, glossy, well‑groomed, parasite‑free
- Ears — clean, no discharge or irritation
- Eyes — bright, clear, no redness or discharge
If your cat seems unwell, always consult your veterinarian.
🐾 Cat Health Care
💉 Vaccinations
Speak to your vet about the correct vaccination schedule for your cat or kitten.
💊 Worming
Regular worming is essential for your cat’s health. Common worms include:
- Roundworms
- Tapeworms
Your vet can recommend the right worming routine for kittens and adult cats.
🐜 Fleas
Fleas cause itching, skin irritation, and can transmit tapeworms. To eliminate fleas:
- Treat all pets in the household
- Clean the environment thoroughly
- Use flea sprays or “flea bombs” to remove eggs
- Use monthly spot‑on treatments for prevention
- Visit us in store for personalised flea‑control advice.
🤒 General Illness
Cats can become unwell quickly. Warning signs include:
- Lethargy
- Refusing food or water
- Hiding or unusual behaviour
If you notice these symptoms, seek veterinary advice promptly.
Contact Information
Opening Hours
Principal Pets
184 Telegraph Road
Heswall
Merseyside
CH60 0AJ
Tel: 0151 342 9635
Email: info@principalpets.co.uk
VAT : 178 3864 58
Free Local Delivery
Monday Closed
Tuesday 09:00 to 17:30
Wednesday 09:00 to 17:30
Thursday 09:00 to 17:30
Friday 09:00 to 17:30
Saturday 09:00 to 17:30
Sunday Closed