Cat Care Guide

A short guide to the basics every cat guardian should know after adoption: nutrition, transport, equipment, water, microchip, holidays and preventive vet check-ups.

Prevention is care

Cats often only show symptoms once a problem is already advanced. Good everyday care and regular check-ups make a huge difference.

  • Good food
  • Safe transport
  • Yearly check-up

Nutrition

Good-quality food is the most important thing you can give your cat, as their bodies do not forgive mistakes. Poor nutrition can later be linked to chronic health problems such as kidney failure, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease or triaditis.

We recommend grain-free food.

What to look for in cat food

  • The first ingredient should be meat, not animal by-products.
  • Protein up to a maximum of 35 and fat no higher than 18.
  • Phosphorus no higher than 1.
  • Calcium no higher than 1.2.
  • Magnesium no higher than 1.

Basic equipment and everyday habits

Cat carrier

The carrier should be IATA-approved, with a spring-loaded safety door. After buying it, secure it all the way around with cable ties.

  • Put cable ties on the door too, every time you travel
  • Cover the carrier with a small blanket
  • Place an absorbent pad inside the carrier
  • Leave it out at home as a cosy den

Scratching post

There should be a scratching post – even an inexpensive one to start with – so your cat does not pick up bad habits.

  • Ideally a post at least 1 metre tall
  • A stable base
  • Place it somewhere your cat passes often

Collar

If you want your cat to wear a collar, it must be safe and must not cause stress.

  • Remove the bell
  • Choose a safety buckle
  • The buckle must open by itself in case of an accident

Bowls and water

Cats naturally do not drink much water, and in the long run this can lead to health problems.

  • A water fountain is recommended
  • The water bowl should be wide
  • Avoid bowls that touch the whiskers

Microchip

Immediately after adoption you must register the microchip in your name, as required by law.

  • Register straight away
  • Check the details
  • Update them if your phone number or address changes

Holidays

Don’t take your cat with you on holiday. Leave them at home and make sure someone visits regularly.

  • A change of environment causes stress
  • There is a risk they get lost
  • The same applies to boarding catteries

Yearly check-up

A yearly vet check-up is essential for your cat’s wellbeing. Prevention matters enormously with cats, because by the time they show symptoms it is usually late.

Recommended every year

  • Clinical examination
  • Complete blood count
  • Creatinine
  • Ultrasound after age 4

Deworming

Give an internal deworming tablet every three months.