Page 213 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

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FIRS T D A Y S 21 1

LITTER SHARING TOXOPLASMOSIS
The general rule is one
litter box per cat, but if Cat feces may contain the
you start them young they parasite Toxoplasma gondii.
may accept a shared box. Humans can be infected by
T. gondii from contact with
cat feces, contaminated soil,
and cat litter. The infection,
called toxoplasmosis, may
produce a flulike reaction,
but in most cases there are
no symptoms at all. However,
it is dangerous for pregnant
women to come into contact
with cat feces, because the
infection can be passed to
the unborn baby. In extreme
cases, this can result in
problems as serious as
blindness and brain damage.

Litter box etiquette come back instead, or even abandon them completely, but
Most cats and kittens will already know how to use a litter try to make a fuss of your cat at some point and leave him
box by the time you bring them home, but an unfamiliar with toys so that he can entertain himself.
box or litter product may cause a few problems in the early
stages. A cat used to one type of litter may not like changing Going on vacation
to another. Use the same litter as the breeder initially, so the Vacations are always tricky times for cat owners, and you
cat first has a chance to get used to the litter. Then you can will need to organize things so that your cat’s routine
make the change to the new product gradually, by mixing the remains as constant as possible. Cats can adjust to their
two types, adding a greater proportion of the new product owner being away or being taken to a new place, but rarely
each time you change the litter. to the two happening at the same time. The best option is to
If your cat is avoiding the litter box, try setting up another ask a friend or relative to come in and feed your cat at home.
box containing a different product to see which he prefers. If this is not possible and you have to resort to professional
Generally, the finer the product feels under his paws, the pet sitters, then make sure you ask for references.
more attractive it will be to a cat, which is why most Boarding kennels can be stressful places for cats, so it’s
instinctively go for sand or soil. Keep the litter box in vital to choose a good one. Ask cat owners whose judgment
the same place all the time and within easy access. If the you trust if they can recommend any. Go and visit the kennel
location is too busy, your cat may refuse to use his box— before using it, to see
cats like their privacy too. Clean the box out regularly. conditions for yourself.
Scoop out clumps every day and change the litter once They should have a
a week. Rinse the box well after washing to remove any license from the proper
lingering chemical smell, and resist the temptation authority—don’t be afraid
to mask litter odors with scented sanitizers or deodorants. to ask to see it.
Remember to book well
Coping with change in advance, especially if
There will always be times when routines have to change. the kennel is popular.
Some changes can be positive experiences for your cat,
so long as they don’t make him feel threatened or stressed. VACATION HOME
There will inevitably be occasions when you have to go out A good boarding kennel will
have separate sleeping and
for the day and leave your cat on his own, which will disrupt
exercise areas for each cat,
his usual playtime or grooming sessions. It won’t matter if without allowing contact
you have these sessions before you go out or when you between the animals.