Page 207 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

PREP ARING F OR ARRIV AL 205

Food and water bowls FOOD BOWLS
Bowls should be sturdy and stable There are many cat
bowls to choose from.
enough not to tip over if stepped
Make sure you pick one
on. They should not be too deep
that is easy to clean.
and need to be wider than the cat’s A rubber base can keep
whiskers. Wash bowls at least once the bowl from sliding
when your cat is eating.
a day. Remove “wet” food after the Plastic Steel
cat has finished eating. If you feed
your cat canned food, buy an extra can opener that you can a collar with an ID tag giving your name and address, along
reserve solely for opening cat food. Use plastic lids for any with a telephone number or email address. The collar must
partially used cans stored in the refrigerator. There are also be loose enough for you slip two fingers underneath. Many
automatic feeding stations available that operate on a timer. collars have an elasticized section or quick-release snap that
They flip open a lid at your cat’s mealtime—a useful asset if allows the cat to escape if the collar becomes snagged.
you are going out and don’t want to break the cat’s routine.
Cat carriers
Scratching posts A cat carrier is the safest way to transport your cat. Whether
Providing a place for your cat to scratch is essential if you it is made of plastic or wire, or is a traditional basket, it must
don’t want your furniture or carpets ruined. Cats need to be large enough for your cat to turn around in. A blanket or
scratch every day to help wear away the outer sheaths of cushion can be put inside to keep him warm and comfy. To get
their claws. Scratching is also a way of marking territory. your cat used to traveling in a carrier, keep the carrier open
Scratching posts are usually a flat, rough-carpeted base and in a place that he can
and an upright post covered in coiled rope, often topped access and use as a refuge.
by a carpeted platform (p.235). Make sure the post If he regards the carrier
is tall enough for your cat to get a really good stretch— as a place of safety,
preferably at least 1ft (30cm) high. Locate the post close he will be happier
to where your cat usually sleeps, since cats do most of their to travel in it—even
stretching and scratching immediately after waking up. when it results in
a trip to the vet.
Collars and ID
CARRIER CRITERIA
It is important to get your cat tagged with a microchip.
A good cat carrier will
These tiny devices are no bigger than a grain of rice and be easy to enter and
are inserted by a vet under the loose skin at the back of the exit. It will shield your
cat from the outside but
neck. Each chip has a unique number that can be detected
still let in plenty of fresh
when it is scanned by a reader. When the number is fed into air and light, and allow
a database, your contact details will come up. It’s worth Cat carrier him to see out.
doing this even if you have an indoor cat—cats are experts
at escaping and may take advantage of an open window or
a loose door on a cat carrier. All outdoor cats should have

Collar CAGE OPTION
An open cage may
COLLARS AND TAGS be more suitable if
A collar is a must for an your cat doesn’t like
outdoor cat. Your ID can the confines of a
be engraved on a disc carrier. While a carrier
or sealed in a cylinder will sit well on a car
pendant. A bell will seat, a cage may have
protect birds by warning to be put securely in
Disc tag Cylinder tag Bell of your cat’s approach. Cat cage the back of a large car.