Looking after your kitten or cat will save you money when visiting the Reading vets.

Kitten Weaning

  • Three week old kittens can usually commence weaning and should be fully weaned by 8 weeks
  • Mash canned cat food with water or soak dried food into water
  • Feed little and often and decrease the water as the kittens grow

Teaching Kittens to Use Litter Trays

  • Fill litter tray with cat litter or newspaper, wood shavings or soil
  • Position the litter tray conveniently for the kitten but away from feeding bowls
  • Empty the tray daily
  • Place kitten into tray upon waking and repeat process following feeding
  • Watch for signs that your kitten is looking for somewhere to go and lift them into the tray instead
  • Following accidents steer clear of ammonia-based cleaners, as these have a tendency to attract the kitten back to the same spot

Should you neuter and how it will change your cat?

  • Castration in male cats and spaying in females prevents unwanted pregnancies, curtails sexual behaviour and reduces the risk of uterine infections in females
  • Un-spayed females can have 3 litters a year, with around 6 kittens in each litter
  • Male neutered cats are less likely to stray or get into fights. Additionally they are less likely to mark their territory in the home
  • Spayed and neutered cats have a tendency to put on weight due to them being less active than before

Distinguishing Between Spraying and Urinating

  • Spraying is done at a vertical surface, urinating is normal passing of urine onto a horizont surface usually the floor
  • Spraying in an unneutered cat is normal but in a neutered animal can indicate an upset of some sort
  • To prevent reoccurrence clean the area with a good biological liquid, then wipe down with clean water and dry. Finally spray area with surgical spirit
  • The longer the problem is allowed to continue the harder it is to break

Cats Biting

  • Cats gently biting or tugging hair, clothing and sometimes skin is a sign of affection
  • Never scold your cat for biting as they can take it as rejection

Stopping Cats Furniture Scratching

  • Cover preferred site of scratching with a material which will make scratching ineffective
  • Cats hate eucalyptus so spraying some in the direction of their favourite scratching haunt will deter them going near

Moving Cats to a New Home

  • Moving home is upsetting for cats so keep them away until you are ready to settle them in without distraction
  • Ensure your cat has its usual bedding and continue with a normal routine
  • Allow your cat time to explore its new surroundings, and ensure it understands where food, water and toilet facilities are now kept
  • Keep cats indoors for around 2 weeks in order for them to settle into their new environment

Grooming Cats Can save a Trip to the Reading Vets

  • Start grooming whilst at the kitten stage if possible and reward with praise and small treats
  • Grooming will give you both a tighter bond
  • Cats spend a long time licking themselves so a lot of loose fur finds it way inside their stomach. So help by combing your cat’s fur to remove loose fur and remove any snags or dirt
  • Whilst combing keep an eye out for ticks, fleas, skin lumps, cuts or irritation
  • Brushing your cats teeth will help with tartar build up
  • Regularly clip claws to avoid dirt accumulating which could lead to disease

Ridding Your Cat of Fleas

  • Visit your local Reading Vets to purchase a flea treatment
  • Preparations are available in powders, collars, liquids for food, tablets, sprays and rub on
  • Treat the home as well as your cat as flea eggs can live for many months

Should you require more help or advice regarding your kitten or cat then please contact your Reading Vet.