Proper Care

Welcoming a new cat or kitten into your home is an exciting experience! Here are some essential tips to ensure your feline friend thrives at any age.

1. Nutrition

  • Age-appropriate food: Feed kittens high-quality kitten food designed for their growth needs and adult cats food formulated for their life stage. Use https://catfooddb.com/ to learn more about proper nutrition and research the best foods for your cat.

  • Wet food vs. dry food: Prioritize feeding wet food over dry food, as wet food helps maintain hydration, supports urinary health, and closely mimics a cat’s natural diet. Dry food can be offered as a supplement but should not be the primary diet, especially for male cats, who are at higher risk of urethral blockages.

  • Feeding schedule: Offer small, frequent meals (3-4 times a day for kittens under 6 months). Adult cats typically thrive on 2 meals a day.

  • Fresh water: Always provide access to clean, fresh water. Never give milk as it can upset their stomach, cause diarrhea, and lead to dehydration.

  • Treats: Note that many dry treats contain chemicals that can upset stomachs. Opt for treats like Churu, or use high-quality dry food as a treat.

2. Health and Veterinary Care

  • Veterinary visits: Your cat has been spayed/neutered prior to adoption and received their required vaccines (Rabies & FVRCP). They have also been treated for fleas, tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites. To the best of our knowledge, your new cat is completely healthy unless otherwise stated in their adoption paperwork.

  • Parasite prevention: Regularly check your cat for fleas, ticks, worms, and ear mites. Here’s how to recognize these issues:

    • Fleas: Look for excessive scratching, biting at their fur, or tiny black specks (flea dirt) on their skin or bedding. Part their fur to check for live fleas or flea dirt near the base of their tail and neck. Our recommendation for flea control: Provecta (OTC) or Revolution (Prescription). If you find fleas, you will also need to treat your home. We recommend food grade diatomaceous earth.

    • Ticks: Feel for small, hard bumps on their skin, particularly around the head, neck, and ears. Ticks can be visible as dark, round spots attached to the skin. We recommend using a specialized tick removal tool (you can find them on Chewy or Amazon.)

    • Worms: Check their stool or around their anus for small white segments (tapeworms) or long, spaghetti-like worms. Worm infestations may also cause vomiting, diarrhea, or a bloated belly. We recommend Elanco Tapeworm for Cats for tapeworms, and Pyrantel Pamoate for all other worms. Both are OTC.

    • Ear mites: Watch for excessive head shaking, ear scratching, or dark, coffee-ground-like debris in their ears. These are common signs of an infestation. You will want to take your cat to the vet if you suspect an ear mite infection as it's easily confused with bacterial and yeast infections which required a different type of medication.

  • Microchipping: Consider microchipping your cat to help identify them if they are ever lost.

3. Socialization

  • Handling: Gently handle your cat or kitten daily to help them feel comfortable with human interaction. Touch their paws, ears, and mouth to make grooming and vet visits easier.

  • Exposure: Gradually introduce your cat to new sounds and people to build confidence. Use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise.

  • Playtime: Provide plenty of playtime with toys to encourage bonding and burn off energy. Use wand toys to simulate hunting and keep your cat engaged.

4. Litter Box Training

  • Proper setup: Use an easily accessible litter box with unscented, clumping litter. For kittens, ensure the box is shallow enough for them to enter comfortably.

  • Location: Place the litter box in a quiet, low-traffic area. Ensure there is at least one box per cat in the household.

  • Cleanliness: Scoop the litter box daily and replace the litter entirely once a week to maintain cleanliness and reduce odors.

  • If your cat is going outside of the box, you will need to take them to the vet as this is often an indication of an underlying health issue. 

5. Safety

  • Cat-proof your home: Remove hazards such as toxic plants, small objects that can be swallowed, cords, and open windows. Secure any areas where your cat might get stuck. Pay special attention to the area behind the refrigerator, washing machine, and dryer. Tie up all cords (blinds, extension cords, lamp cords, etc.) to avoid a potential strangulation event. ** Do not operate recliners with cats in the house.** It is far too easy for a cat to lose a limb (or worse) if caught under/in a recliner, and it happens often. Secure the bottom of box springs, sofas, and loveseats so your cat cannot crawl into furniture where they will encounter staples and other hazards.

  • Secure environment: Keep your cat indoors to protect them from accidents, predators, and disease. If outdoor exploration is desired, consider a secure catio or supervised leash walks.

6. Enrichment

  • Scratching posts: Provide scratching posts or pads to satisfy natural scratching behavior and protect your furniture. Choose a variety of materials like sisal and carpet. Make sure the post is large enough that your cat can fully stretch out and scratch standing up.

  • Toys: Offer a variety of toys, including interactive, climbing, and chasing toys, to keep your cat entertained. Rotate toys regularly to maintain interest.

  • Rest areas: Create cozy spots where your cat can nap and feel safe. Consider a mix of open beds and enclosed spaces for variety.

  • Climbing opportunities: Invest in cat trees or shelves to encourage climbing and provide exercise.

7. Grooming

  • Brushing: Brush your cat regularly to reduce shedding and prevent matting. Use a soft-bristle brush, slicker, or comb designed for your cat’s coat type.

  • Nail trimming: Trim your cat’s nails every 2-4 weeks to avoid overgrowth and reduce scratching damage. Start this habit early by massaging their paws to get them used to being handled. Always reward them with treats afterward.

  • Bathing: Only bathe your cat when necessary, using cat-safe shampoo. Ensure the water is warm and the room is draft-free. Dry your cat thoroughly after the bath.

  • Ear cleaning: Check your cat’s ears regularly for dirt or wax buildup. Use a vet-recommended cleaner and avoid inserting anything deep into the ear canal.

  • Dental care: Introduce tooth brushing early using a cat-safe toothbrush and toothpaste. Regular dental care prevents gum disease and tartar buildup. This is CRITICAL to the overall care and comfort of your cat.

8. Love and Patience

Cats and kittens are unique individuals with their own personalities. Offer plenty of love, patience, and gentle guidance as they adapt to their environment. Spend quality time together playing, snuggling, and giving treats to strengthen your bond.

Prepared with love by Salem’s Sanctuary
Providing education and support for cat care in Western North Carolina