Ulysses Veterinary Clinics Cairns Kitten & Cat Care

Cats can make excellent companions and are wonderful pets. However, with an average lifespan ranging from 15-20 years, owning a cat is a long-term commitment and their needs must be carefully considered. As your trusted Cairns vets, we’re here to discuss the many aspects of cat care, including information on grooming and nutrition.

When it comes to feeding, most cats like to graze, so we recommend offering small amounts often. Young, healthy cats require a high protein and fat diet. There are many formulations of cat food available and we recommend discussing your cat’s individual nutritional needs with us to choose the most suitable formula. Older cats and those with certain medical conditions may require a prescription diet, which we can discuss with you as part of a treatment plan.

We also provide regular health checks, which are recommended to occur at least once a year. Regular visits help us diagnose, treat or even prevent health problems before they become life-threatening. Routine vaccinations, worming and flea control form the basics of feline medical care. We can also provide additional guidance on nutrition, behaviour, training and life-stage treatments available. We welcome you to book an appointment with us to discuss how to keep your cat in optimum mental and physical health.

Important Considerations For Cat Care

After purchasing your kitten or cat, there are several important aspects of their care to consider.

• A cat’s housing needs are simple. Provide them with a basket, box or chair in a place where they feel safe and protected. For outdoor cats, netted enclosures will keep your cat safe from fights with other cats and protect local wildlife. For indoor cats, consider providing a scratching post to keep their claws in good condition and reduce the chances of your furniture being scratched.
• Cats like to be clean at all times. Cats are easily toilet trained. Ensure you provide a litter tray, clean it daily and change the litter itself changed frequently. Ensure the litter tray is placed in a quiet and private location.
• All cats need to exercise. As cats naturally like climbing and perching themselves up high, trees and fences, for example, provide good opportunities for them if they have outdoor access. Indoor cats, however, will use furniture to climb and perch.
• Most cats require grooming assistance from their owners to remove excess hair. This helps in the reduction of furballs/hairballs and matted or tangled fur, which if left, may result in a visit to us.
• Ensure a fresh water bowl is accessible at all times, especially if they have a dry food diet. We recommend that you avoid offering cow’s milk for your cat to drink, as this can cause stomach upsets.