The Cattery Chronicles: Issue 2 - House Cats

When collecting your cat from The Cattery Cat Shelter, you might find your furry friend has become the purrfect house cat. So, we're here to answer your questions on everything from the best flea protection to ways to keep your new indoor cat entertained.  

House Cat FAQs

So you've already booked an appointment and selected your forever friend. But what's next? Here's some common FAQs we get asked when people adopt a house cat:

How often should your new cat be checked by a vet?
When you adopt a cat from The Cattery Cat Shelter, you can be assured that your new friend has already been checked by a Vet. Each and every cat we have will be up-to-date on age appropriate vaccines and tested for FeLV/FIV. They will have been spayed/neutered too, and treated for internal and external parasites. We even give you a Healthy Start Certificate from Oso Creek Animal Hospital that covers a wellness exam and any common shelter illnesses that your new kitty could be harboring that wasn't apparent yet at the time of adoption.  If Oso Creek isn't your regular Vet we do suggest that you establish care with your Vet as well!  While we do give a list of when future vaccines are due, your Vet can counsel you on a schedule that meets your and your pet's individual needs.

House Cat Toys

​What toys will keep my house cat entertained?
Knowing what toys to pick can be a bit of a headache, we know that. So, we've curated a toy list on our Amazon storefront so you can shop everything you need, including: 

• OurPets Play-N-Squeak Interactive Cat Toys,
• Potaroma Catnip Fish Toys, 
• Princess Play Tent, and much more!

For more inspiration, simply watch our video in this blog, or head over to our YouTube channel. 

💡 Did You Know: Shopping from our storefront and watching our YouTube videos can help cats? Your purchases, views and clicks allow us to earn a small commission, which, as a non-profit shelter, goes right back to the cats. Isn't that great?!

House Cat Diet & More

​What food should a house cat be eating?
A house cat will need a balance of protein and fat to ensure they're getting all the nutrients they need. It's recommended that 50-60% protein, such as meat or fish, is optimal for your feline. If your new cat requires a specialized diet, you'll be made aware of this prior to the adoption being completed. Recommended meats include: beef, turkey and chicken, paired with nutritious dry food. Your house cat should also have plenty of access to water, as well as the occasional treat. 

​What type of litter is best for a house cat? 
There are many kinds of litters on the market, as well as many kinds of litter boxes. At the shelter, we use a clumping clay litter as it's inexpensive; we also change it frequently because of the amount of cats using it in our cage free facility.

This litter has to be completely changed out at least every other day, and while it's dust-free, it might not fit into everyone's home schedule if selecting to use it at home. Many people choose clumping litter in home environments, as it lasts longer and is easier to scoop. Other litter options include: pellet litters, crystal litters, tofu litters and litters that change color to alert you of any health changes of your feline friend. 

With any litter, the key is keeping it clean!  Scooping at least once a day is imperative. Twice a day, and you're a rock star! Keep in mind that cats sometimes don't like strong perfume scents, so adding anything of this nature may cause your house cat to stop using the litter tray. While tt might be nice for you, most cats won't like it!  ​

Got a question we haven't answered? Ask us in the comments and we'll get back to you!

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Author

Lizzie is a freelance content creator with a passion for everything feline. She is ruled by a 12-year-old ragdoll cat called Tink, who loves pillow forts and Temptations™.