Friday, May 21, 2010

I am getting a baby cat soon!!?

my friend's cat just had cute little kitten...she is offering me one !!! so i need to know how i should take care of a cat?? any web sites will help. thnx !!!
ps: i am getting a boy
Answers:
Cats are very clean and make good companions for many people. But they can damage carpets and furniture with their claws and may not always want to be stroked and handled.
What do cats need?
Companionship - to be with other cats or people for at least part of the day.
A balanced diet - make sure there are no bones in your cat's food.
A constant supply of fresh, clean water.
A garden or safe place to play and exercise every day, away from busy roads.
Somewhere warm and cosy to sleep.
To be brushed regularly, particularly when shedding their coats. Long-haired cats need to be brushed every day.
A scratching post.
Help to clean their teeth. You can brush or rub their teeth with special toothpaste. They also need to have their teeth checked regularly by the vet.
To come and go as they please - a cat flap is ideal.
To be trained to use a litter tray.
To be microchipped in case they get lost.
Cat neutering should be carried out as early as possible in order to avoid unwanted litters. Most cats are sexually mature at six months, but some cats can become pregnant as early as five months. Therefore, the ideal age to neuter your cat is between four and five months.
To be taken to a vet if they are ill or injured.
Injections to prevent certain serious diseases.
Worming and regular flea treatments.
To be looked after when you are away on holiday
Life span
On average cats live for 12-14 years, but they can live for up to 20 years.
Behaviour
Cats like to be alone and will look for companionship when they want it. They spend a lot of time resting but must have access to a garden where they can play and climb. Cats should be house trained and will usually respond to some very basic behavioural training.
Handling
Place one hand beneath the cat's chest and the other round its back legs, so that all its weight is supported. Never pick up an adult cat by the scruff of its neck or front of its body

Health
Kittens must be vaccinated against cat flu, feline enteritis, feline leukaemia and given regular boosters (further injections) throughout their life. Your vet will be able to advise you on any other necessary vaccinations.

Cats may suffer from parasites (tiny living things that live on other creatures). These will show up as breaks in the cat's skin or discharge in the ear. Treatment is available from your vet.

If your cat has bad breath and difficulty eating, it may need to have its teeth scraped by a vet.

Cats often eat grass to make themselves sick, if they have a minor digestive disorder or if they need to bring up a hair ball. This is nothing to worry about, unless the vomiting is persistent or the cat shows any other symptoms.

The fungal disease ringworm can be passed to other cats and to people, but the characteristic breaks in the cat's skin cannot always be seen. If you suspect that your cat has ringworm, seek veterinary advice immediately.

Many cats are affected by worms, which are parasites living in the gut. Tablets are available from your vet to cure this problem. It is a good idea to take out insurance to cover veterinary fees for your cat.

If you have any concerns about your cat's health, ask your veterinary surgeon for advice.
just to make sure you do know you cannot get it from its mother now right??? it needs to be with her until weaned at 6-8 weeks. I wasnt sure if you were asking how to bottle raise it or not. I dont suggest this if so. They die so easily like this. But if your asking in general then get some toys and food hard and wet (wet food should only be given once a day as an adult cat %26lt;1 year old> kinda as a treat if at all. Hard food everyday, help keep their teeth clean) treats litterbox that you scrape every day. Always fresh water. I dont have any web pages that I know now but theres my advice.
The RSPCA website probably has a lot of information for looking after kittens.

Good luck! =)
Be sure to have him neutered when he reaches 6 months.
Get him fixed as soon as possible. It is said that cats that are not allowed outside live longer/healthier lives. I don't know if it is true.You will need to weigh out the pros and cons of getting him declawed. I had a declawed cat that was also an outside cat, he could climb trees catch mice the whole bit, but some can't. Play with him lots, don't ignore him. Make sure the cat box is always clean, I mean daily +, (#2 whenever it is there and don't let urine stay in the box either. Cat toys, affection, shots, neutered, and you both should be happy. (Oh, you need to make sure he doesn't get jealous of boyfriends of just friends, cats can have a vengeful streak.
Wait until he is at least 8 weeks old before you take him from his mother. You will need to get him castrated and make sure he has all his innoculations. Also if he is going to be an outdoor cat then get him microchipped, you can get collars with ID tags but sometimes these can be dangerous as cats catch them on branches etc when climbing, As for things you need, a basket (which he will never sleep in), a litter tray which must be reguarly emptied, feeding bowl, i feed mine dry food with the occaisional treat, fresh water should always be available. Your kitten will want something to play with, you can buy toys from a pet store or simply used your initutive and make some. A scratching post is always a good idea if you can persuade kitty to use it. A soft grooming brush, although this isnt essential unless he has long fur. Your local vet should have leaflets or try looking on the cats protection league or RSPCA websites. Your kitten must be wormed and given a flea treatment as soon as you get him, your vet will be able to do this also as over the counter remedies just arent as good. Hope you have a great time with your new kitty, im sure you will.
The first thing you do is take your new kitten to the vet. Your vet is the best source of information. Before you bring the kitten home, get the supplies (litter box, litter, scooper, 2 bowls and kitten food and toys).

One piece of advise, never let a cat outside. They get hit by cars, get attacked by other animals and get diseases and parasites. A long time ago..before I knew any better, 3 cats all met fates that I mention above. Keep your kitten safe and keep it inside.
i have given a website i felt could give me lots of information....hope it would help you.... anywayz congrats
The Cats protection league, is a good site for advice x
Here are some really good ones:

http://www.gccfcats.org/feeding.html...
http://cats.about.com/od/kittencare/kitt...
http://www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/kid...
http://www.paw-rescue.org/cats/kitten_ca...
http://www.kittencare.com/

Hope it helps you as much! Have fun with your new baby!
You don't really need any special things.. A little tray, a cushion/ rug, maybe a stretchy collar, a toy. Cats are independent creatures they don't need much care.

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