Cat Chronicles- One Year On

Having a new cat in your home can be very exciting, but it can also be challenging at times. This is Henrik one year on!

“The last time we spoke I was about to visit the vets and be castrated, it was scary but it meant I could go outside!”

Henrik’s neutering operation went smoothly, he was in and out the same day and came home with anti-inflammatories and pain relief to ensure he was as comfortable as possible while the surgery sit healed.

“I’ve lost 3 collars and counting so far! Oops!”

While this can be annoying , we always recommend a quick release snap collar rather than a buckle type, in case they get caught on something during their adventures. You can also consider a tracker or Bluetooth device for peace of mind while they explore.

“I also meet lots of other cats on my adventures and some of them are scary!”

Cats can be very sensitive to change, and encounters with other cats, especially within their own territory, can trigger conditions such as cystitis. It can help to ensure they have sufficient amenities such as little trays and water bowls on each floor of the house, and water fountains can encourage better drinking habits. Plug-in diffusers can also help to minimise stress.

“I can now explore the outside world, there is so much to see and do, but it’s also quite scary!”

Letting your cat go outside for the first time can be scary. We would always recommend that they are microchipped, vaccinated and castrated before you do this. It is also advisable to have a collar with an ID tag to aid their safe return if they get lost.

“There are so many exciting creatures outside, but my human seemed upset when I bought one home.”

While some people worry that playing with your cat can be teaching them to hunt more effectively, actually the opposite is true and 5-10 minutes of daily play can reduce hunting by up to 25%. It is thought to reduce their urge to hunt.

“When I get home to rest there are also exciting things in the house to eat.”

Always check that your house plants are not toxic to cats, especially during the festive season when we decorate our homes and bring new and unusual plants into their environment.