OUR SERVICES
Cat Care
at Gladstone Vet Clinic
Comprehensive Cat Care Guide
Cats can make excellent companions and are wonderful pets. However, with an average lifespan ranging from 15-20 years, owning a cat is a long-term commitment, and their needs must be carefully considered.
Before bringing your cat or kitten home, it’s advisable to contact your local council to inquire about regulations such as night curfews, compulsory containment within your property, desexing, and microchipping.
When it comes to housing, a cat’s needs are relatively simple. While they will usually find a corner that suits them best, whether indoors or outdoors, it’s important to provide them with a basket, box, or chair in a place where they feel safe and protected. Increasingly, cat owners are opting for cat enclosures to offer a safe outdoor area. Placed in a weatherproof location, these netted enclosures help keep cats safe from fights with other cats and protect local wildlife from their natural hunting instincts.
Additionally, for indoor cats, providing a scratching post can be beneficial. This helps keep their claws in good condition and reduces the chances of your furniture being scratched.
After purchasing your cat there are several
important aspects of their care to consider:
Toilet Training
Cats naturally prefer to be clean, which makes toilet training relatively straightforward. By providing a litter tray filled with suitable cat litter, your cat can easily learn where to go. Therefore, it’s important to clean the tray daily to remove feces and to change the litter frequently in order to maintain hygiene. Additionally, the tray should be placed in a quiet and private location where your cat feels comfortable. If you have more than one cat, it is recommended to have one tray per cat, plus an extra, to avoid any territorial issues.
Exercise and Enrichment
All cats need regular exercise, and they naturally have a tendency to climb and perch in high places, such as trees and fences, if they have access to the outdoors. However, indoor cats may resort to climbing furniture. Therefore, it’s essential to provide alternatives like a scratch pole or indoor cat gym. Additionally, offering higher perching spots will help create a more enriched environment for your cat, thereby promoting their mental and physical well-being.
Grooming
While most cats groom themselves, they still require some assistance from their owners to remove excess hair, especially in the case of long-haired breeds. Regular grooming is crucial as it helps prevent furballs, matted fur, and tangles, which can lead to health issues if left untreated. For instance, long-haired cats need daily grooming, whereas short-haired cats can manage with less frequent grooming. However, during the moulting season, daily brushing becomes essential. Additionally, providing food designed to reduce hairballs can further help your cat process shed hair more effectively.
Feeding
Cats are natural grazers, so it's best to offer small amounts of food throughout the day. Young, healthy cats require a diet high in protein and fat to meet their energy needs, while older cats or those with specific health conditions may benefit from a prescription diet. It's advisable to consult with us to determine the most suitable food for your cat's individual nutritional needs. Proper diet and feeding habits play a crucial role in maintaining your cat's overall health.
Hydration
Ensuring your cat has access to fresh water at all times is vital, particularly if their diet includes dry food. It's important to avoid giving your cat cow's milk, as it can cause digestive issues and upset their stomach. Keeping your cat well-hydrated is essential for their health and well-being.
Health Checks
Regular health checks are essential for your cat, with at least one visit per year recommended. These routine visits help us detect, treat, or even prevent potential health problems before they become serious. Basic care includes vaccinations, worming, and flea control, but we can also provide additional guidance on nutrition, behavior, and life-stage treatments to ensure your cat's long-term health.