Cat Care & Advice

Thank you for giving a ‘The Sheffield Cats Shelter’ cat a loving forever home! We hope that you have many years of happiness with your new companion. The following information is designed to help care for your cat and keep them happy throughout their life. And remember, since your cat has been adopted from us, they will be neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

Welcoming your new family member

Remember that your cat will feel rather frightened at first, so introduce them into your home with care and consideration. Be sure to keep all doors and windows closed, and if you have an open fire, be sure to put a fire guard in place. Let your cat explore in their own time and get used to one room at a time. Make sure that your cat is totally familiar with you and your home before you let them go outside. Keep the cat indoors for at least 4 weeks after adoption and ensure their first few visits outside are under your supervision.

If you have children, don’t let them fuss the cat too much, and be sure that they understand if the cat doesn’t want to play, there’s no forcing it. Also be sure that they do not try to handle the cat if they do not want to be, and if they do, be sure the children do so in the correct way (one hand supporting the hind legs, one under the front legs).

If you have other animals, a slow and gradual introduction process is necessary to ensure they will be able to successfully live together going forward. Don’t leave them alone together until they are fully used to each other.  A collar is advisable, either a fast release or safety collar that is reflective and has your information on is best. Make sure your cat has a safe, comfy place to sleep. Try not to put them out at night as there is a danger they could be stolen, get into fights or be hit by a vehicle.

Feeding

Cats are meat eaters by nature and need a lot of protein in their diets. Make sure the food you are feeding them says it is a ‘complete food’ rather than ‘complementary’. A cat over six months old should be fed twice a day, but the quantity depends on age, size and appetite. Kittens should be given smaller meals three or four times a day so as to not overload their small stomachs. Cat biscuits to graze on are also good for cats of any age, as long as they are the appropriate type for your cat’s needs. Cats and kittens need lots of fresh water but are lactose intolerant so be sure to never give them milk – it can upset their stomachs! If you give them any fish or chicken as a treat, make sure it’s at room temperature and that it is totally free of any bones. Treats should be enjoyed in moderation.

Litter trays

Always ensure that your cat has access to a litter tray for them to do their business. Clean the litter tray once a day, preferably as soon as it has been used. Cats can be very particular and do not like using soiled trays. We recommend one litter tray per cat, plus one extra one. If your cat isn’t using their tray, try changing the location, or using a less shallow tray. If you decide to change the type of litter that your cat uses, do this gradually, as a sudden change can upset them and put them off from using it.

Health and Vaccinations

Your cat will need a flea treatment every month and worming every three months to keep them happy and well (this may differ depending on the treatment used). For white and ginger cats, put sun cream on their ear tips to make sure they do not get sun damage. If you suspect that your cat is ill, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Always follow your vet’s advice for medical treatments. Vaccinations are so important to prevent your cat from getting certain types of illnesses. They will need annual boosters to keep these vaccinations effective. The Shelter will provide you with a vaccination card when you adopt, please keep this safe.

Grooming

Most cats will spend a lot of time grooming themselves, but they can also benefit from being groomed by us. Long haired cats in particular will need to be brushed regularly to avoid their fur matting. Grooming regularly will also help you spot any parasites or skin abnormalities- these should be reported to your vet on discovery. When grooming, check your cat’s ears and if they are dirty, wipe them with cotton wool gently. Don’t poke too deeply in your cat’s ear though, as this can cause damage. If you discover any discharge or ear mites, again, report to your vet for treatment.

Cat flaps and carriers

Once your cat is used to going outside, cat flaps are useful to help them come and go as they wish. We recommend microchip recognition cat flaps, as this is less likely to let strange cats into your home. Make sure you have your own secure cat carrier (one per cat) for transporting your cat to the vets, catteries etc. There are many types but ensure that the one you buy is sturdy and a suitable size.

Holidays

Make sure you have proper arrangements in place if you are leaving your cat to go on holiday. Ideally keep your cat at home, as it is very stressful for a cat to be taken out of its territory. Ask a friend, neighbour or cat sitter to visit your home twice a day to feed them, provide them with fresh water, clean their litter and spend a bit of time playing with them.

If you choose to take your cat to a cattery, do as much research as you can into the cattery, and if possible, make an appointment to visit them before you take your cat. Book a slot for your cat asap, as good ones can book up quickly! Catteries will not accept cats that are not up to date with their vaccinations, so be sure that this is done before you take them.

Play time and Scratch posts

Most cats love play time! There are so many different types of toys, so if your cat isn’t bothered about one type, try another! Make sure they also have a scratch post, as this keeps their claws healthy and can stop them from destroying your belongings!

Setting up their room:

• Litter tray (1 per cat plus one is the norm), various styles can be bought, but generally the usual tray style is well received

• Litter, cats tend to like a gravel/clay based litter, fill litter tray 2-3 inches deep, so the cat can dig, deposit and bury

• Poop scoop, these are helpful when removing poop from the litter tray daily

• Food and water dishes/bowls (shallow food bowls so cat’s whiskers don’t touch the sides). Make sure the food and water are placed well away from the litter trays.

• Food, usually cats will have a mix of wet and dry food. Ensure it is age appropriate. 

• Cat bed, an igloo bed for settling in is a good hiding spot for the cat, and even a cardboard box with a few holes cut out make a great place to hide and play

• Cat toys, ensure the toys are safe for use, and ensure any stick/string toys are put away when you are not around to supervise play with them 

• Scratch post and cat trees, to give your cat appropriate places to scratch and exercise

Ensure the house is safe:

• Close all windows and doors, ensure all the family know to keep the windows and doors closed and work out a way to enter and exit the home without giving the cat opportunity to escape

• Cat-proof the home to keep them safe from dangers and hazards, stove tops, aga’s, electrical cables, washing machines/tumble dryers, poisonous plants, etc. Block off any rooms that contain hazards until you have made them safe. 

Other to do’s:

• Register the cat with a vet, keep up to date with vaccinations and flea/worm treatments

• Get them insured, find pet insurance with a reliable pet insurance provider in case anything out of the blue happens

• Keep their registration safe, you will receive confirmation of microchip registration after adoption, keep this along with the other documents safe, for future reference

For further information, please contact the cat team 

at info@sheffieldcats.org.uk