Welcome To The Family: A Cat Owner's Handbook

CONGRATULATIONS!

You have added-or are considering adding-a new member to your family!

When properly cared for, your new family member will provide you with years of enjoyment and unconditional love.

The history of cats as domestic pets dates back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians worshipped cats. Cats were featured in the religions of Norse countries. References to cats can be found in Buddhism.

Few animals capture the imagination in the way that cats do. Samuel Johnson, Rudyard Kipling, Lewis Carroll, Mark Twain, D. H. Lawrence, and T.S. Eliot are a few of the literary giants who have celebrated the cat. Picasso, Chagall and Rembrandt included cats in their artwork.

If you have not yet chosen a cat, research the different breeds to find one that is a good fit for your home. Your veterinarian can provide you with information about cat breeds and the many aspects of choosing the right pet for you.

This handbook will provide you with some of the basic information you need to successfully integrate this new member of your family into your home, and ensure your cat lives a happy, healthy life.

For more information on any of the topics contained in this handbook, consult your veterinarian.

GETTING READY FOR THE NEW FAMILY MEMBER

Successfully introducing a pet to its new home involves planning and patience.

You will need bowls for food and water, at least one litter box, cat toys and a bed for the kitten to sleep in. It's a good idea to rid your home of any hazards. Open windows and balconies can pose a danger to curious kittens. Remove toxic plants, frayed electrical cords and any small household objects that may be swallowed.

Moving to a new home can be stressful. This is especially true for your feline companion. To reduce stress, create a relaxing and private environment your kitten can escape to if it feels overwhelmed.

Restrict your kitten to one room for the first few days. Place food, water, toys and a litter box in this room until the kitten becomes accustomed to its new surroundings.

Confining the new family member is important if you have other pets. Dogs and cats can be territorial. This may lead them to be aggressive towards your kitten. For the first few days, let your pets get to know the kitten through the closed door. Then, place the kitten in a cat carrier and let the animals "greet" each other. Once your pets are comfortable with the newcomer, allow the kitten access to the rest of its new home.

If you have a dog in the family, take extra precautions during the supervised introductions. Dogs love to chase small animals. Keeping your dog on a leash will prevent it from chasing the kitten.

Before introducing your kitten to other pets, take it to your veterinarian. The veterinarian will ensure that the kitten is healthy and has received the health care it needs.

HOUSETRAINING YOUR CAT

The Litter Box

All cats-even outdoor cats-should have access to a litter box.

In most cases, your kitten will already know how to use the litter box. However, the stress and excitement of adjusting to a new home could cause your kitten to start relieving itself in other places.

Make it easy for your kitten to use the litter box. It should be able to climb in and out of the litter box without difficulty.

Keep the litter box clean. Clean it at least once daily. Every week or two, empty the litter box and clean it with a mild soap and hot water. Some cats will not use a litter box that smells of disinfectant, so rinse the litter box thoroughly. Avoid scented litter.

Praise your kitten and reward it with treats whenever it uses the litter box correctly. After one or two weeks, your kitten should be using the litter box properly and regularly.

Accidents will happen. Never punish your kitten for mistakes. Instead, show the kitten where it should have gone, and praise it for using its litter box. If your kitten relieves itself in an unwanted area, remove all traces of the waste. Lingering odours may prompt the kitten to use that location again. Use an anti-odour agent recommended by your veterinarian.

Environmental changes can cause your cat to stop using the litter box. Some cats won't use a litter box if it is placed in a noisy or busy area. You should have at least one litter box for every cat in the household. Make any changes in litter type or location of the litter box slowly.

Medical conditions may also cause your cat to avoid the litter box. For example, a cat experiencing pain while relieving itself may stop using its litter box.

For cats, "cleanliness is next to godliness." If your cat fails to establish or break litter training, see your veterinarian immediately.

Pregnant women should not clean litter boxes, as cat feces may harbour an organism called toxoplasma. For further information, see your veterinarian.

SOCIALIZATION AND BEHAVIOUR

Scratching

Cats scratch to condition their nails and mark their territory. If they are not trained to use a scratching post, cats can wreak havoc on furniture and broadloom.

You can purchase or build scratching posts for your kitten. Ensure that the posts are large enough for the cat to use when it is standing at full length on its hind legs. The scratching posts should be sturdy. You don't want the cat to be frightened by scratching posts that tip over-it may avoid using the posts in the future.

Scratching posts should be made of a material that your cat can get its claws into! Carpet and bare wood are good choices. Cat scratch posts can be as simple as a piece of firewood attached to a sturdy base, or as sophisticated as broadloom covered posts with multiple levels. Another idea is to affix a piece of plywood covered with carpet onto a wall at "cat scratch level."

Encourage your kitten to use the scratching posts by attaching cat toys or scenting them with catnip. Place the scratching posts in areas your kitten frequents, such as a favourite sleeping area. Use positive reinforcement to promote use of the scratching posts. Reward your kitten with praise and a treat if it uses the posts correctly.

Make it difficult or unpleasant for your cat to scratch in unwanted areas. Limit access to areas that may tempt your kitten. Many products are available to help cat owners deter scratching. Discuss these options with your veterinarian.

If cat scratching is a persistent problem, talk to your veterinarian about other preventative measures. Plastic nail coverings can be purchased. The coverings slip over your cat's nails and will help prevent damage to a favourite chair or table. Discuss the pros and cons of declawing with your veterinarian.

Play

Kittens are very playful and love to stalk and pounce. Occasionally, this behaviour can lead to aggression. Discourage your kitten from chasing or pouncing on your fingers or feet. In most cases, you can prevent these attacks by distracting the kitten with a loud noise or a squirt from a water gun.

During play, dangle a long string in front of the kitten, or throw cat toys for it to run after and "fetch." Always direct the play away from you. Provide your kitten with plenty of cat toys. Adding catnip to a toy, or smearing a small amount of cat food on the toy will encourage your kitten to play with it. If you spend plenty of time playing with your kitten, it will be too exhausted to pounce on you or other family members. Play is also an integral part of exercise. For an indoor cat, this is likely to be their only exercise. Encourage play as a part of a daily routine.

NUTRITION

Good nutrition is as important for your companion as it is for you. There are many cat food options available to pet owners. Sometimes, choosing the right food for your cat can be a challenge. Your veterinarian is your best source of information about pet nutrition.

Understanding Ingredients

When buying food for your cat, know what to look for. The ingredients on the label are not nearly as important as the nutritional value of the food. For example, don't assume that a brand of cat food is better because meat appears as the first ingredient on the label. The quality of the protein is more important than the source. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a food that meets the nutritional needs of your cat.

Cats Need Different Diets at Different Ages

Your cat's nutritional needs will change with age. Kittens should receive a high quality commercial "growth" food. Proper growth food will contain higher levels of protein, calories and minerals than adult diets. The age at which a cat should switch to an adult food varies from pet to pet.

Consult your veterinarian about your cat's nutritional requirements and how to assess its body condition.

For the older pet, your veterinarian may recommend a senior diet. Other specialty diets include low-calorie formulas for cats that are inactive or overweight, and a large selection of therapeutic diets for various medical conditions. Therapeutic diets are available only from a veterinarian.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

Cats that are fed a good quality commercial diet do not require any additional vitamins or minerals. In some cases, supplementation can even be harmful. Talk to your veterinarian if you think your pet may have a specific need for extra vitamins and minerals.

Boredom and Variety

Cats can be finicky eaters. Some cats will only eat one type or brand of cat food, while others enjoy variety at mealtimes. There is no nutritional reason to change food if it is a balanced, good quality diet. If you change your cat's food, gradually introduce the new food with the previous brand for five to seven days. For example, do not use more than 10 to 20 percent of the new food on the first day. Abrupt changes in diet may cause indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea and gas.

Cost

Feeding your cat a healthy diet does not have to be expensive. To decide if a certain food fits your budget, consider the cost of feeding per day, not just the price of the bag or can. Better quality foods provide more nutritional value per gram of weight, which means your cat eats less food per day. This means that a bag of "expensive" food can last much longer than the same-sized bag of a lower quality, "cheaper" food.

Dry Vs. Canned

Both dry and canned food can provide the same level of nutrition. Dry food is the most convenient food to feed your cat, as it can be left out all day and will require less cleaning of food bowls. Canned food is an excellent way of getting water into your cat, and may help maintain a healthy urinary tract.

Water

Always encourage your cat to consume water. Provide a large bowl of fresh water daily. The bowl should be large enough that your cat's whiskers do not touch either side. Some cats like moving water. Feline water fountains are available.

Milk

Contrary to popular belief, a saucer of milk is not the best thing for your kitten. Milk is not necessary if your pet is fed a well-balanced diet. Milk may cause diarrhea in some cats if they lack the enzyme lactase. This enzyme breaks down the lactose in the milk.

People Food

Feeding your cat people food can lead to obesity, vomiting, diarrhea, finicky eating habits, poor dental health, bone (orthopaedic) problems and such severe illnesses as pancreatitis and food poisoning.

Bones

Feeding your cat bones carries the risk of mouth injuries, severe constipation and potentially fatal intestinal perforations.

Homemade Diets

Cats have unique dietary requirements. If you are considering a homemade diet, consult your veterinarian to ensure the diet meets your cat's nutritional needs.

Food Allergies

Like people, cats can be allergic to many things, even food. True food allergies are uncommon in pets. When they do occur, the symptoms are usually severe itching, hair loss and a rash. A rash may be accompanied by a skin infection caused by self-chewing, itching and scratching. Vomiting and diarrhea may also be present. If you suspect that your cat has a food allergy, talk to your veterinarian. If a food allergy exists, your veterinarian can help you select an appropriate diet for your cat.

How Much Should I Feed My Cat?

How much you feed your cat will depend on a variety of factors, including the nutritional value of the food, and your cat's age and level of activity. The recommended daily amount listed on the food packaging is only a guideline. It is important that you weigh and monitor your cat's body condition every month. Obesity is the number one nutritional disease of cats. Obesity can cause a variety of health problems and shorten your cat's life. After weighing and assessing the cat, your veterinarian can tell you if an adjustment in diet is needed to maintain a healthy weight.

How Often Should I Feed My Cat?

Kittens should be fed a minimum of two to three meals a day, until they are at least six months old. Adult cats should be fed once or twice a day. Many cats like to nibble (eat small, frequent meals) throughout the day. This is acceptable as long as the cat does not show a tendency to gain weight. However, do not exceed the recommended daily caloric intake. Fresh water should be available at all times.

EXERCISE

Exercise is an essential part of keeping your pet healthy. The amount of exercise necessary will vary from cat to cat. Chasing cat toys is an excellent way for cats to stay in shape. Play with your cat daily to ensure it is getting enough exercise.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

Maintaining your pet in top physical shape and optimum health is the goal of every responsible pet owner. It is also your veterinarian's goal. Together, you can ensure your pet stays healthy for years to come.

Early Disease Detection

Check-ups provide an opportunity to prevent diseases, detect them early, or even avoid them altogether. Unfortunately, many pet owners tend to underestimate the value of these visits because their pets appear to be healthy. However, this may be deceiving since many diseases and ailments, such as kidney or dental disease, are often not evident in the early stages. Even exclusively indoor cats should be examined at least once a year.

Obesity/Nutritional Counselling

Feeding a proper diet rates as one of the most important considerations in health maintenance. A proper diet helps keep your cat in good shape. It also helps prevent and/or manage many diseases. Nutritional counselling is an essential part of the veterinarian's check-up. Many pet owners use the physical examination as an opportunity to gain valuable advice on what to feed their pets.

Your veterinarian also uses the examination to determine whether or not your cat has an obesity problem. Obesity affects almost one out of every three pets, making it the most common nutritional disease among dogs and cats. Through visual assessment and palpation, your veterinarian can advise you on whether or not your pet could benefit from a weight-reduction program.

Behavioural Problems

The check-up also provides you with the opportunity to ask questions regarding behaviour and hygiene. Knowledgeable owners are less likely to have cats that scratch the furniture or have problems using their litter box. The check-up provides an opportunity to discuss training techniques and behaviour concerns with your veterinarian.

What Happens During An Examination?

Before the physical examination begins, your veterinarian will ask questions about your cat's state of health. This is very important for determining whether or not there are problem areas that need to be addressed.

After obtaining a history, your veterinarian performs a physical examination on your pet. The veterinarian examines your cat's eyes, ears, face, and mouth. Examining the teeth is especially important since up to 85 percent of all cats over four years of age have some degree of periodontal disease. Early detection of periodontal disease is important, not only for effective treatment, but also future prevention.

The veterinarian will then examine your cat's coat, looking for signs of parasites (such as fleas). Your veterinarian will also ensure that the coat is not too dry or too oily, which may indicate a dietary imbalance. The veterinarian will also check your cat's weight. If your cat is too heavy, a change in diet may be required to avoid health problems related to obesity. If your cat is losing weight over time, it may be a signal that your pet has a related medical problem that needs further examination.

During the physical examination, your veterinarian also listens to the chest with a stethoscope to ensure there are no respiratory or cardiovascular problems. The early warning signs of heart failure often can be detected in this way.

How Often Should My Cat Be Examined?

When you don't feel well, you know it, and you seek medical help when appropriate. Unfortunately, since your cat can't talk, you don't always know when it's not feeling well. In fact, because predators in the wild tend to prey on the sick or the infirm, an animal's natural instinct is to hide health problems for as long as possible. This means that there may not be any outward signs that your cat is ill until the disease is quite advanced. You should take your cat to your veterinarian at least once a year for a complete physical examination.

Many cats live for 15 to 20 years. Once your cat has reached two years of age, every cat year is equal to approximately four human years. Your cat's health can change a great deal over the course of even a few months. Consequently, many pet owners choose to have a physical examination done every six months. This is highly recommended if your cat is older than seven years.

VACCINATIONS

Vaccinations help protect your pet from a number of potentially serious and fatal diseases, including rabies. Vaccinations cost considerably less than the treatments available for the diseases cats are normally vaccinated against. All cats should be vaccinated-even indoor cats!

Common Questions About Vaccinations:

What diseases can my cat be vaccinated against?
Chlamydia Feline calicivirus Feline infectious peritonitis Feline leukemia Feline rhinotracheitis Panleukopenia Rabies Ringworm

Speak with your veterinarian about which of these vaccines are recommended for your cat.

When does my kitten need its first vaccinations?
Kittens require a series of vaccinations during their first months of life. Nursing kittens receive antibodies from their mother's milk (maternal antibodies) that protect them from disease during the first months of life. These same antibodies can prevent a vaccine from being totally effective. As maternal antibodies decrease, your veterinarian will give your pet a series of vaccines starting at six to eight weeks of age. These vaccines provide your cat with the best possible protection.

Why does my cat need regular booster vaccinations for the same disease?
The protection provided by a vaccine gradually declines over time. Your pet needs regular "booster" vaccinations to ensure ongoing immunity from disease.

Do I need to get my pet vaccinated every year?
This is a topic that is currently under investigation within veterinary medicine. Unfortunately, the duration of immunity for each vaccine is not currently known.

While cat owners can have blood tests done to assess the pet's antibody level, this does not test the level of immunity currently provided by the pet's immune system. Until more is known about the duration of immunity, the frequency and type of vaccines administered will vary. Talk to your veterinarian about the risk of viral diseases in your area, and the recommended intervals between vaccines.

In addition to having regular vaccinations, it is extremely important that your cat has a physical examination at least once a year. By performing a physical examination, your veterinarian can detect early signs of organ dysfunction and illness. With early diagnosis comes early treatment. Early treatment in turn leads to an increased life span and an improved quality of life for your pet.

Why does my veterinarian have to do a physical examination before vaccinating my cat?
It is important to administer vaccines only to healthy animals. If the animal is already suffering from an illness, or is receiving certain drugs, its immune system may not be able to respond to the vaccine. For that reason, prior to vaccinating your pet, your veterinarian will ask you about your pet's medical history and perform a complete physical examination.

How common are reactions to vaccinations?
Despite your veterinarian's efforts to design a safe vaccination protocol for every pet, vaccine reactions can and do occur. Thankfully, they are not common. Like a drug, a vaccine is capable of causing an adverse reaction. Some of these reactions are mild (some discomfort at the injection site, lethargy or loss of appetite for a day or so). Some of these reactions are more severe (allergic reaction, immunologic reactions). If your cat has reacted to a vaccine in the past, inform your veterinarian.

I've heard that some vaccinations cause cancer in cats. Is this true?
Vaccination-induced sarcomas (a form of cancer) in cats are rare. They occur most commonly with Rabies and Feline Leukemia vaccinations. It is important for you and your veterinarian to decide if the risk of your cat being exposed to these diseases is greater than the potential risk of developing a vaccine-induced sarcoma. If the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risk of vaccination, then the vaccination should be given. If your cat develops a lump at the injection site, call your veterinarian.

HEARTWORM, FLEAS AND OTHER PARASITES

Heartworm Disease In Cats

Heartworm disease affects dogs in Ontario. What about cats?

Heartworm is a blood parasite that is passed from animal to animal by mosquitoes. During the summer months, it may be transferred to a susceptible animal. Fortunately, cats are much less susceptible than dogs to developing infection and are much less likely to show outward signs of disease. Unlike dogs, cats will also often clear their own heartworm infection, although not necessarily before it causes a problem. It is interesting and important to note that many affected cats were kept strictly indoors.

Adult heartworms live in the heart and therefore tend to cause problems related to the heart and lungs. Clinical signs may include vomiting, coughing, trouble breathing, lack of energy, nosebleeds, collapse and sudden death. More general signs include weight loss, and neurological abnormalities (head tilt, blindness, seizures). Cats exhibiting any of these signs should be examined by a veterinarian.

Heartworm is more difficult to detect in cats than dogs. Blood testing is available, but must usually be supported by other evidence of infection. All owners of cats who die or are humanely euthanized due to signs that could be related to heartworm disease should consider a post mortem to help determine how widespread heartworm disease is in cats in Ontario. We know that it is here, we just don't know the number of cats it is currently affecting.

As for preventative medication, each animal is an individual and as such, owners should discuss preventative programs with their veterinarian. Your veterinarian is your pet health specialist.

Fleas and Other Parasites

Parasites may be either internal or external. External parasites live on a cat's skin. Internal parasites live within your pet.

Fleas are the most common external parasites. They cause skin irritation and can transmit some types of tapeworms. Check under your cat's coat for small, black specks on the skin. These specks are the fecal droppings left by fleas. Other possible external parasites include lice, mites and ticks.

Consult your veterinarian if you suspect that your cat has fleas or any other external parasite. There are a variety of convenient, safe and effective methods to control these pests.

Potential internal parasites, other than heartworms, include giardia, coccidia, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms and whipworms. Consult your veterinarian about having your cat's stool analyzed to detect if any of these parasites are present. Outdoor cats should be regularly dewormed. Since some parasites may be passed from cats to people, it is important to deworm on a regular basis to protect the health and well-being of the entire family.

SPAYING & NEUTERING

Unwanted, abandoned and orphaned cats overwhelm Ontario animal shelters.

Each year, thousands of cats are humanely destroyed because there aren't enough people to care for them.

One female cat can give birth to two to four litters every year. The female offspring of this cat can have two to four litters every year. After seven years, the result of this indiscriminate breeding may be more than 400,000 cats.

Responsible cat owners spay or neuter their cats. Veterinarians strongly urge cat owners to have their cats spayed or neutered (at approximately six months of age), unless the cats are being used for breeding purposes.

Spaying

Spaying involves the complete removal of the female cat's ovaries and uterus. The surgery completely eliminates the chance of pregnancy, as well as all heat cycles and the desire to mate. Spaying your cat will protect it from uterine infections and other diseases. Studies show that cats spayed before their first heat cycle are also much less likely to develop breast cancer.

Many misconceptions surround the spaying operation. The following myths are completely false:

False - Cats cannot be spayed until they have had their first "heat period" or a litter of kittens.
False - My cat's personality will be affected by spaying.
False - Cats that are spayed become fat and lazy.

Several factors come into play regarding weight gain around the time of the spay or neuter. First, the cat is reaching its mature stature and weight at this time, so the growth requirements are rapidly declining. Second, spaying or neutering reduces the animal's metabolism (the rate at which it burns food calories). And third, many owners continue to feed the animal kitten food at the rate designed for growth.

Your veterinarian can provide nutritional, exercise and obesity counselling for your pet.

Neutering

Neutering is the removal of the male cat's testicles. It may eliminate some behavioural problems, including "spraying" or marking territory. Neutered males are less territorial and less likely to roam. This reduces the risk of injury due to fighting with other animals or being hit by cars.

PREVENTING DENTAL DISEASE

Oral hygiene has perhaps been the most neglected aspect of pet health care. It is estimated that up to 85 percent of all cats over four years of age have some degree of periodontal disease.

It should come as no surprise that this is the case. After all, dogs and cats have teeth just like we do, and the same conditions that lead to our tooth and gum problems also occur in our pets' mouth.

In cats, a special problem occurs called resorptive lesions. These are painful holes through the enamel into the sensitive dentin and pulp of the tooth. If left unchecked, they can lead to very painful mouths, as well as tooth loss. In addition to pain and discomfort, periodontal disease puts your pet at risk for other problems such as lung, heart, kidney, and joint infections. This occurs because bacteria in the mouth enter the bloodstream (a process called bacteremia) and can become widely distributed throughout the body.

Tooth Eruption

Just like humans, cats will have two sets of teeth during their lives. A kitten's first set of temporary or deciduous teeth is replaced by the permanent teeth. This occurs between three and six months of age. Cats have 26 deciduous teeth and 30 adult teeth.

The permanent teeth should remove the deciduous teeth. At no point should there be two teeth in one spot. If you notice this occurring, consult your veterinarian and have the deciduous tooth extracted immediately. If left in this condition, malpositioning of the adult tooth can occur, and plaque and tartar can accumulate more rapidly.

Home Dental Care

Routine home care should be started at three to four months of age. Try to make brushing an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Patience and time are the two mainstays. It takes an average of two months for your pet to get used to having its teeth brushed, however, the health rewards are well worth it. Toothpastes, liquid gum conditioners and a number of tarter control treats are available for cats. Consult your veterinarian for the one best suited to your pet. Human toothpastes, salt, and baking soda should not be used. The foaming action of human toothpaste is irritating, and all of these substances can cause illness if swallowed.

Veterinary Dental Treatments

If your pet has existing periodontal disease, the only way to clean the teeth is under general anaesthetic. The teeth and gumline are examined and the teeth are scaled and polished. A medicated solution is flushed below the gumline to remove debris and reduce bacteria. Fluoride may then be applied to the teeth.

Thorough oral hygiene by your veterinarian takes anywhere from 35 minutes to more than two hours depending on the severity of the mouth problem.

GROOMING

Cats groom themselves, but they also need your help. Brush your cat regularly to avoid hairballs. Longhaired breeds will need more frequent brushing (often daily) to avoid painful mats in their fur. Some cat owners also bathe their cats occasionally.

Trimming your cat's nails and providing scratching posts will keep its nails in good condition. It will also reduce the damage to your furniture!

PET HEALTH INSURANCE

Pet ownership is not only a joy; it is also a responsibility. Part of responsible pet ownership is ensuring that you are able to provide needed medical care should your cat be in an accident or become ill.

Just as there have been significant advances in human medicine in recent years, there have been tremendous advances in animal medicine. Available diagnostic procedures and treatments have become extremely advanced, and can be expensive. That's why many cat owners are now obtaining health insurance for their pets. Pet health insurance policies protect you against unforeseen medical expenses. They also offer peace of mind.

Insurance plans are available to suit your budget. Ask your veterinarian about the many advantages of having your cat covered by pet health insurance.

PET IDENTIFICATION

Proper identification can mean the difference between life and death for your cat.

Cats that roam may wind up in an animal shelter. Provincial law requires animal shelter operators to take reasonable steps to find and notify the owner of any found cat that has a license tag, microchip or other means of identification. However, fewer than 10 percent of cats in shelters are ever recovered by their owners, because they are not identified.

Increasingly, pet owners are microchipping their pets. A microchip is a tiny chip the size of a grain of rice. This chip is inserted beneath the animal's skin by your veterinarian. Microchips are permanent and cannot be lost. Each microchip is issued a unique identification number. A special scanner is used to determine if an animal is microchipped.

When it is passed over the microchip, the scanner will display the identification number. Using this identification number, animal shelter workers are able to trace the pet's owners. Veterinarians and animal shelter workers routinely scan "stray" animals for microchips. Even indoor cats should be microchipped, as they may escape. Microchipping may also decrease the cost of licensing your pet in your municipality.

Ask your veterinarian for more information about microchipping.

BEWARE OF THESE CAT HEALTH HAZARDS

Indoors or Outdoors?

It's an eternal debate for cat owners. Should cats be allowed to roam free, or stay within the safety of the home?

Cats love to explore, and trips outside can be an adventure. However, it is much safer to keep your feline companion indoors. [It is also much safer for the birds and wildlife your cat might hunt!]

Each year, thousands of outdoor cats fall victim to cars, wildlife, animal cruelty and other hazards. Outdoor cats are also more likely to come in contact with parasites, viruses and diseases.

Indoor cats do not have to contend with fleas, skunks, predators, automobiles, animal traps, extreme temperatures, territorial neighbourhood pets or being stolen. Indoor cats don't anger your neighbours by relieving themselves on other people's property. Their life expectancy is up to six times longer than that of outdoor cats.

If you cannot bear the thought of keeping your feline companion indoors, supervised outdoor excursions may be the answer. Train your cat to wear a leash and supervise it outdoors at all times.

Some municipalities now require cats to remain on their owners' property.

Other Hazards

Your house and garden may contain potentially toxic plants. Azalea, Easter lily, oleander, sago palm, or yew plants are a few of the plants that can be fatal if ingested by your cat.

Some cats like the taste of antifreeze. Ensure your cat doesn't come into contact with puddles of antifreeze on your driveway or in your garage. It takes as little as one teaspoon of antifreeze to kill a cat. Gasoline, oil and other automotive products can also cause illness or death. It is also a good idea to keep household detergents and other cleaning agents in a place that is inaccessible to your cat.

In cold weather, outdoor cats may climb under the hood of a vehicle to seek a source of heat. Before you start your vehicle, bang on the hood once or twice.

People love chocolate, but it can be fatal to pets. Chocolate contains theobromide, a substance that can be toxic to your cat.

The Christmas holiday season can be a dangerous time for cats. You might love that beautiful poinsettia and seasonal mistletoe, but keep them away from your cat. These plants contain toxins that may make your cat ill. Tinsel and other decorations may cause fatal intestinal blockage if ingested by the cat.

A LIFELONG RELATIONSHIP

Following the proper health care guidelines for your cat can ensure that you and your new companion enjoy many years of happiness.

Your veterinarian is your partner in maintaining the good health of your cat. Regular examinations are an excellent way to prevent disease and obtain professional advice about the care of your pet.

Pet ownership is a huge responsibility. Cats require a great deal of attention and care. In return, you will receive companionship and unconditional love from your new member of the family.

For more information on any of the topics covered in this handbook, talk to your veterinarian.

All content is provided for information and education and not as a substitute for the advice of a veterinarian. The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) assumes no responsibility or liability arising from any error or omission or from the use of any information contained herein.

This brochure is provided by the member veterinarians of the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) and your local veterinarian.

Ontario Veterinary Medical Association
205 - 420 Bronte Street S. Milton, Ontario L9T 0H9
T: 905.875.0756 / 1.800.670.1702
F: 905.875.0958 / 1.877.482.5941
www.ovma.org
info@ovma.org

First Print: April 2001