Care for
We are here to offer any advice and information you could need to properly care for your cat.
How to care for a cat : principal keys
We are always on hand to offer advice about cat care!
About Cat FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) is a feline only, slow-acting virus. It is so slow to progress that most FIV+ cats die of old age. Once thought to be deadly and highly contagious, it has since been found to be neither.
At Care4Cats Rescue, we think that FIV+ cats are just like any other cats. They just need a little more care and to be indoor cats as they have a weakened immune system and hence become more susceptible to disease and illness. They need regular vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and are fed a good diet. However, it is absolutely possible for FIV+ cats to live with FIV- cats. Studies have shown that is it very unlikely that the virus would be passed between cats living in the same home. Indeed, FIV is not passed by sharing of food or water dishes, grooming each other, litter boxes, mock fighting, scratches nor even sneezes.
How to care for your new cat
We are always on hand to offer advice about cat care!
What does a cat need
A cat only requires a few key things to live a happy life. Firstly, cats need a safe and warm place to sleep. Food and water are obviously vital for the cat to survive. Please make sure your cat has a litter tray for them to use. It’s important that cats are kept healthy, free from pain and injury.
The first few days
At first, your cat may seem disoriented in its new surroundings and may not be as sociable as you hoped. This is completely natural, as the move into a new environment is a big thing for them to take in. We recommend starting your cat in just one room, expanding to the full house once they seem settled there.
Introducing a new cat to other pets
The best way to introduce your cats to other animals is in a controlled environment. Your supervision will help these first meetings run better, the amount of time it takes will depend on how confident the cat is.
Animals that live together have a ‘group smell’, which is their mingled scent. To help introduce your cat faster, you can swap bedding between the separated animals, allowing them to get used to each others sent beforehand.
Using food and treats when two cats meet will help break the ice and make them feel more sociable towards each other. Make sure they do not have to share water bowls, food bowls, beds and litter trays.
All dogs should be on a lead when they first meet a cat, giving them time to establish a friendship.
Letting your cat or kitten out
We recommend that your cat is kept inside for at least two weeks after they move in. Plus, if your cat has not had their second vaccination yet, we think it is best to wait until this has taken place.
When you first let your cat out, use the door of the house you would like your cat to use in the future. Next, take them out and place them a few yards from the door. Place a treat in the doorway and call the cat over. After a few practices, your cat will have learnt their way home!
Kittens are not sensible enough to be let outside until 6 months old. Before this, you could take them for guided explorations of the garden, if your garden is secure. You could also take a kitten out on a harness, to show them what is outside. However, make sure to get them used to wearing a harness indoors first.
If you are keeping your cat as an indoor cat, make sure to give it lots of attention and playtime.