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Owning a
cat or a kitten can be a new experience for some and this page is a
direct result of the most commonly asked questions we get from cat
lovers and potential cat lovers who are looking to home one of our
rescued cats or kittens
To
download these FAQ's and and other useful pieces of information click on
the fact sheet links
Fact Sheet 1 : Things to consider before
you home a cat
Fact Sheet 2 : Toxic substances for cats
Fact Sheet 3 : FAQ's
Q:
Why do I have to have my cat
neutered?
A:
This is one of the most important
things you can do for your cat, and other cats too:
-
Your cat will be more
calmer and not go roaming, where it might get run over, or catch
diseases from other cats, such as sexually-transmitted diseases
-
It will keep the cat
population down. We, at The Cats Whiskers Rescue, are inundated with
cats just dumped because they are “excess to requirements”. Just
have a look at the “Soap Box Gang” on the News and Events page of
our website.
Q:
Why does my cat sometimes vomit?
A:
A cat will occasionally vomit to remove hairballs its swallowed while
washing itself. These hairballs form in the back of the throat or in the
small intestines.
To help prevent this a cat
needs to groomed at least 3 times a week, although long-haired cats will
need a daily groom. If your cat vomits regularly, and the grooming has
no effect, then you should consult the vet.
Q:
What do I do if my cat has diarrhoea?
A:
Many factors can contribute to diarrhoea. These include: Germs,
parasites, toxic substances, food, or even emotional upsets.
The best way to deal with this is to monitor the cat.
If the cat continues to have diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, then vet
treatment is necessary. However, if the stools contain blood or a lot of
water, don’t wait 24 hours, but seek vet advice immediately.
Q:
My cat is finding it difficult to urinate, and spends a long time
in the litter tray, but only does a little drop. What is the matter?
A: This is a
very common and serious problem. The lower urinary tract has become
infected, and this could be fatal. It may be due to decreased water
intake, viral infection, or diet. Other symptoms include: frequent
licking of the genitals, blood in the urine and listlessness. Urgent vet
treatment is required.
Q:
My cat is
urinating all over the house. What can I do ?
A:
Hopefully you have had your cat neutered, as this can be the way males
mark their territory. If your cat has been neutered, then stress may be
the culprit. Try and find the cause of stress, and remove it if you can.
We use a few drops of pure lavender oil on the bedding, or a drop on the
head where the cat can’t lick. This can also work wonders on Bonfire
Night, or in the carrier while transporting the cat.
Q:
Why does my cat scratch all the time?
A:
An infestation of fleas or mites is possibly the reason. Effective
treatments are available at your vets. This really does need treating,
because apart from the fleas feeding off you too, they cause physical
and emotional distress in your cat.
Q:
My cat has black bits in her ear, and is often scratching them.
Why?
A: This is
probably due to an infestation of ear mites. It is easily treated with
medication from the vets. But be warned, leaving the condition untreated
can cause permanent damage to your cats hearing and long-term health.
Q:
I have just brought a new cat into our home. He is hiding away, and
won’t respond to us at all. How can I encourage him to join the
family?
A: Cats need
time to get used to their new home. They need to get used to the new
surroundings and scents. It will take at least a week for the cat to
settle in. Just leave the cat and don’t “force” your attentions on him.
When the cat is ready, he will approach you. Then you can lavish your
affection.
Q:
Is it alright to give my cat milk?
A: In one word
NO. Cats simply can’t digest cows’ milk. It can irritate their digestive
tract. In our experience, cats live much longer if given only water to
drink.
Q:
What is the best way to introduce my dog to my new cat?
A:
Introducing cats and dogs to one another is something we have all done
at The Cats Whiskers Rescue. We are dog-lovers too! Getting them used to
one another usually takes at least 2 weeks, and the method we use is as
follows: do not keep them physically separate, unless you are going out
of course. Keep an eye on any potential “arguments”, or unwarranted
attention.
I managed to introduce my
lively boxer dog to my rescue cat. Once the dog understood I wouldn’t
allow her to chase the cat up the stairs, then we all settled down
nicely. They sleep together now. A few firm “NO’s” worked
wonders.
Q:
How long should I wait until I can let my new cat outside the house?
A:
It takes 2 weeks for a cat to realise that your house is its new home.
If you leave the house in the first 3 days, don’t give the cat the run
of the house. Confine it to 1 room, with a litter tray and water (and
obviously food if its dinner time). Put the radio on. Only let the cat
have the run of the house when you’re there.
Here at TCWR we are proud to recommend
Pool House Veterinary Group
Fosseway Lane, Lichfield,
Staffordshire, WS13 8JY
01543 262464/262433 enquiries@poolhousevets.co.uk
24/7 emergency veterinary care available
and thank them for their valuable input to this page and for the support
they give to TCWR in caring for all of our rescued cats and kittens
For more
information on the services they can provide for your animals and their
new
Pool House Veterinary
Hospital please
click on the picture above to visit their web site
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