the essential guide for new kitten owners4 introduction congratulations to you and your new bundle...
TRANSCRIPT
A PUBLICATION OF THE CAT BREEDERS ASSOCIATION
THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR NEW KITTEN OWNERS
THE CAT BREEDERS ASSOCIATION
THE CAT BREEDERS ASSOCIATION
3
INDEX
Introduction page. 4
Collecting your kitten page. 5
Equipment page. 7
Feeding page. 8
Vaccinations and Worming page 10
Safety and First aid page. 12
Training page. 14
Discipline and Identification page. 15
Insurance page. 16
Cat Breeders Association page. 18
Personal details page. 19
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INTRODUCTION
Congratulations to you and your new bundle of joy!
To many, owning a kitten is like having a baby. In many ways it is, but
remember with all the joys and fun that you will undoubtedly have, come the
added responsibilities and pitfalls!
Like most things in life, being well prepared for the new arrival is essential.
This booklet aims to give you some insight into what to expect from your new
kitten and how to go about bringing him/her up to be a happy, healthy cat.
For more detailed information there is a vast array of books that are available
that give advice on rearing kittens and being a responsible cat owner. Your
vet or breeder would also always be ready to assist in any way they can, so
make the most of them!
5
COLLECTING YOUR KITTEN
If a kitten is healthy and eating well, a breeder will normally allow him/her to
go to their new home between eight and twelve weeks old.
Make sure you have a suitable box or cat carrier lined with an old towel with
you when you collect your kitten. Also, be sure to have plenty of kitchen roll
to hand for those little unforeseen accidents!
Normally, breeders will give you a pack to take with you that will contain:
• details of what your kitten has been fed and how often;
• when they have been wormed and when it is next due;
• when they should be vaccinated;
• your kitten’s pedigree certificate;
• certificates of any breed tests that have been performed;
• a diet sheet;
• details of any special requirements your breed may have;
• your purchase receipt.
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COLLECTING YOUR KITTEN
Remember that being taken from their mother maybe a very traumatic
experience for your kitten. It is essential that in the early days you devote as
much time to your kitten as possible. Your kitten needs to feel safe and
reassured within their new family. Try to have your kitten’s bed somewhere
near to the family in a warm, quiet place. Kittens tend to sleep rather a lot
and should be settled down at your bedtime after the last feed for the day.
If you already have another pet, the best time for them to meet the new
kitten is at mealtime. It is probably wise to keep your other pet confined
while your kitten explores its new surroundings. If your existing pet is a dog
you may want to keep him on a lead until the two have been properly
introduced! Remember, if you have fish or birds as pets, it may not be your
kitten that needs protecting so be sure to take the necessary precautions!
A new kitten needs time to settle into their new surroundings. During their
first weeks in your home, they should be allowed some quiet time to explore
each room thoroughly. Only after they have grown accustomed to their indoor
environment and have adjusted to a regular feeding schedule should you
allow them to venture outdoors. If you acquire a kitten during the winter, you
should wait for warmer weather before allowing them outside.
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EQUIPMENT
In all the excitement of getting your new kitten, it would be easy to go mad
and spend a fortune on equipment.
However, there are some essential items that you will need to get in advance
to make sure you are prepared when you bring your kitten home.
Your kitten will need:
• A bed - by all means buy a bed for your cat if you wish: but do not besurprised if it settles for its own choice of sleeping place. Most cats donot feel secure at floor level - you could try a cushion somewhere warmbut high up that your cat has easy access to.
• Food / water - please see page 8 for feeding advice.
• Food and water bowls - these should be heavy enough to avoid beingtipped over while your cat is feeding or being knocked over by largefooted adults!
• Toys - Make sure the toys are safe for your kitten. Many commonly usedcat ‘toys’ such as string, rubber bands, aluminium foil and cellophanecan be dangerous if they are swallowed.
• Grooming brushes and combs. Grooming should be a regular part of yourcat’s routine. Take the opportunity to give your cat a quick health check.
• Scratching posts - A scratching post, bought or homemade, will give yourkitten somewhere to exercise, as well as helping to keep claws and yourfurniture in good condition! Show your kitten how to use its new toy assoon as possible.
• Basket or carrier - choose a good quality carrier that is well ventilatedand easy to clean. Try to accustom your kitten to the carrier from an earlyage, it will make trips to the vet etc. far less stressful for both you andyour cat in the future!
• Collar - a collar should be elastic or have a breakaway section, so thatthe kitten can escape if the collar catches on something. The collarshould carry an identification tag in case your kitten gets lost.
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FEEDING
Once you have found your sturdy feeding bowls, place them in a quiet spot.
Try to ensure that your kitten is not disturbed while it is eating.
Your breeder will tell you what your kitten has been fed up to now and it is
wise, at least for a few days, to use the same food. Once you feel that your
kitten has settled in, you could try him on a different food if you wish. Do not
switch to the new food all at once; try mixing it with some of the food your
kitten is used to, increasing the amount of the new food over a period of
days.
Cats are carnivorous, they become mature at about 7 to 8 months old. Up to
this time its protein requirements are higher and the protein should be of
animal origin. Cats cannot survive on a vegetarian diet! Cats also have
specific nutritional needs and reputable brands, either canned or dry food,
cater for those needs. Remember if dry food is fed, water must be available
at all times.
Do not feed your cat chicken bones or skin. Do not feed fish all the time and
do not feed liver alone more than once a week. Most cats will only eat what
they need.
Your cat is a natural hunter. Don’t assume that they are hungry and hunting
for food. If your cat does bring you a ‘gift’, accept it - it is meant as a
contribution to the larder!
9
FEEDING
When feeding your kitten, keep the following in mind:
• Do not disturb them while they are eating.
• Provide fresh water at all times and encourage them to drink frequentlyby having the water dish at least six feet away from the food so that theydon’t associate water only with eating.
• The amount of food your kitten needs will vary with age, weight, breed,temperament, environment and activity level. Your breeder can adviseyou. Up to six months of age your kitten may have three meals a day.
• Do not substitute milk or other liquids for water. To a cat, milk is food -an important one for kittens. It is not necessary to give milk to adult catsbut many enjoy it occasionally. Remember though that most cats cannotproperly digest the lactose in milk which can cause upset stomachs.Therefore special cat milks are available.
• Do not give your cat raw egg white or more than 2 eggs a week.
• Never feed them dog food, the protein balance is not suitable for them!
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VACCINATIONS AND WORMING
It is important to register your kitten with a vet as soon as possible. They will
give you information on vaccinations, worming, diet, neutering and even
insurance.
As the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure. One of the best ways
to control the diseases that are found in cats is by vaccination.
In the UK, cats are normally vaccinated against; Feline Enteritis,
Chlamydiosis, Cat Flu and Feline Leukaemia Virus. These diseases can be
killers or they can cause permanent damage. They are endemic in the UK –
i.e. found within the pet population. Vaccination is vital to prevent, and in the
long term hopefully eradicate, these diseases and the suffering that goes with
them. Cat Flu vaccines need boosting annually.
Rabies is another disease controlled by a vaccine. Although it is not endemic
in the UK, if you want to take your pet abroad under the Pet Travel Scheme,
a rabies vaccination is obligatory.
Although kittens get some immunity from their mothers, they and young cats
are especially vulnerable. It is important that they are regularly vaccinated
and that this continues throughout their life. The kitten’s first course of
vaccinations is normally given at about six to nine weeks old. These are
usually repeated yearly, but your vet will advise you as to what is necessary.
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VACCINATIONS AND WORMING
Some people worry about vaccinating their cats, but it should be
remembered that serious side effects are extremely rare. Also, the decreasing
incidence of these diseases is due, to a large extent, to owners arranging for
their cats to be routinely vaccinated.
You may be surprised to learn that most kittens are born with roundworm.
They are infected by their mother before they are born and afterwards via her
milk. Roundworm, or Toxocara, causes diarrhoea and a distended abdomen.
By three weeks of age it’s possible for a kitten to contaminate its
environment. It is essential that they are regularly wormed. Your breeder
should have already wormed your kitten, but you must continue with the
treatment once at home. Your vet will advise you on the frequency of
worming required to control infestation.
There are many worming treatments available. Choose one that tackles both
the migrating larval and adult stages, your vet will advise you. There is a
section at the end of this booklet where you can record details of your vet
and your kitten’s vaccinations and worming treatments.
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SAFETY AND F IRST AID
Accidents happen all too easily, but with care you can keep your kitten safe.
Below are some of the steps you can take to try and avoid accidents. Use
your common sense and think of your kitten as a very lively toddler running
around your home, fascinated by and wanting to play with everything!
Look around your home, possibly on all fours! Be aware of anything which
may pose a danger to your kitten and wherever possible put it out of reach or
in a safe container – electric cables, medicines, disinfectants, bleach,
cleaners, paint / paint stripper, mouthwash, soap, even cosmetics.
Remember that stairs and stairwells are potential hazards too. Aim to make
your house kitten-proof!
Unfortunately, people are often unwittingly the cause of injury to kittens.
Many cats have sustained broken legs by getting under their owner’s feet,
children can cause injuries if their play becomes at bit rough – they should
be shown how to handle kittens properly.
Outside the home, the garden, shed and garage can be dangerous places for
kittens. Keep insecticides, slug pellets, weed-killers, petrol, paint, cleaning
fluids and sharp tools out of reach. Ideally, stop your kitten from gaining
access to the shed or garage at all.
Be aware that many garden plants and shrubs are poisonous, so to avoid
temptation do not have them in your garden. The plants to be avoided
include: foxgloves, lily-of-the-valley, deadly nightshade, rhododendron,
laburnum, hemlock, daffodil bulbs, monkshood, ivy, rhubarb, mistletoe, yew,
holly. This is just an example of some of the plants that you are most likely to
come across. There are a number of other plants that are poisonous or have
poisonous berries. Good gardening books will tell you which these are or you
could ask for help at a garden centre.
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SAFETY AND F IRST AID
If you think your kitten has swallowed something poisonous, quickly phone
the vet for advice. Be ready to explain in detail what has happened. Do not
do anything unless your vet has specifically told you to do so. If your kitten
has eaten something, it would be useful to take a sample or the container
with you to the vets.
As with humans, shock can be a major problem so try and keep an injured
cat as warm as possible with a blanket whilst taking it to the vets.
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TOILET TRAINING
Most cats are fastidious about cleanliness and most kittens are house-
trained by their mothers. But, it’s better to be safe than sorry! Here are some
handy hints on using litter trays:
• Place the litter tray in a quiet spot quite near to the kitten’s bed.
• If your kitten forgets to use the tray, a noise, such as a clap, will stopyour kitten in its tracks giving you the opportunity to carry it to the tray.
• Do not punish your kitten if it has a little ‘accident’ it will not understand.
• Avoid using strong smelling disinfectants to clean the tray.
• Do not do anything to your kitten that it would find disagreeable while itis in the litter tray.
• If you change the brand of litter, change it gradually over a 5-day period.
• Notify your vet of any ongoing problems - persistent house-soiling overlong periods of time can be very difficult to overcome.
• Unless you intend to use your cat for breeding, neuter them soon afterthey reach 6 months old.
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DISCIPLINE & IDENTIF ICATION
As a rule, cats are far more independent than dogs. As a cat owner yourself,you like many others, may find this independence more appealing.
You can however train your cat not to do certain things, such as scratchingthe furniture, climbing on kitchen surfaces, eating house plants etc.
If you are experiencing behaviour problems, try using a spray bottle filled withwater. Try not to let your cat see you when doing this, otherwise they couldassociate you with the unpleasantness, rather than the activity. This way, onlytheir feelings are hurt and no physical damage is done.
You could also try throwing something near to your cat to startle it, such as abunch of keys. Again, make sure they cannot see you.
If your cat has taken a liking to nibbling on your houseplants, try spraying thefoliage with diluted lemon juice.
Your vet or an animal behaviourist can help with any ongoing problematicbehaviour.
Once your kitten has had the necessary vaccinations, you may decide thatit’s time to let it venture outdoors. Cats however do like to explore and cancover very large areas in short periods of time. Clearly it would be devastatingif your cat should stray, get lost or even worse be involved in an accident.
It is therefore very important that you can be contacted if your cat is found orin an emergency.
There are many different ways that you can identify your pet, from microchipsand tattoos or if you prefer something less invasive, pet discs or tags.
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INSURANCE
No matter how careful the owner, cats do have accidents and they do
become ill. Each year one in three pets need veterinary treatment.
With continued improvements in veterinary science, vets are able to offer far
more sophisticated treatment than in the past. Great for the pet and owner,
as successful treatment is more likely, but not so great for the owner’s wallet!
Vet’s fees are increasing at over 10% per annum. More and more, the bill
comes as an unwelcome surprise to owners, particularly if treatment is
ongoing for a period of time or an operation is required. Nowadays, it is not
unusual for the total cost to reach thousands of pounds!
Most people could not afford this kind of outlay on their own and no-one
would want to be faced with having to make a decision on whether or not a
treatment can be undertaken because of the cost.
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INSURANCE
The only real answer is insurance. It is important to insure your kitten as soon
as possible.
Most insurance policies are fairly comprehensive in the cover they offer. It is
important to ensure that you are covered for a reasonable amount of vets
fees, at least £1500. As a rule, the higher the vet’s fees limit, the higher the
premium.
Often, there are many other areas of cover, including death or theft and
straying so that should the unthinkable happen you could replace your pet.
Insurance may not be one of the most exciting things about owning a kitten,
but as a responsible cat owner it’s certainly one of the most important.
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THE CAT BREEDERS ASSOCIATION
The Cat Breeders Association Limited is dedicated to the promotion of cat
welfare and responsible cat ownership, via education and by offering services
which benefit animal welfare, to breeders and owners alike.
We hope you have found this booklet useful. If you have any comments or
suggestions for future re-prints please feel free to send them to:
The Cat Breeders Association Ltd., P.O. Box 100, York, YO26 9SZ.
While every care has been taken to ensure that the information detailed in
this booklet is accurate, neither the publisher nor The Cat Breeders
Association Ltd can accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies
appearing or for any consequences arising there from.
Copyright: The Cat Breeders Association Ltd. All rights reserved.
Published by: Thorpe Underwood Services Ltd.,
P.O. Box 100, York, YO26 9SZ.
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PERSONAL DETAILS
Vet’s name & address:
Vet’s tel. no.
Vaccination details:
Date: Details:
Worming details:
Date: Details:
THE CAT BREEDERS ASSOCIATION
THE CAT BREEDERS ASSOCIATION