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Q: What is the best way to introduce a new cat into a multi-cat household?
A: The first thing we suggest about bringing another cat into your house is that you have it feline leukemia tested before introducing him to your existing cat(s). When you are sure your new cat has tested negative for feline leukemia, shut him in an extra room along with his litter, food and water for at least a week or two. (This room will become a "safe spot" for your new cat. Anytime he gets spooked in the future, he'll return to this room for comfort). While your new cat is getting adjusted to his new surroundings, it allows your existing cat to smell his new friend under the door. After about 3-4 days, open the door and let your cats see each other, but don't let them get close. Use a screen or baby gate so they can view each other safely. In another day or two, open the door again and let them get closer. Continue this process… It is very important that you give both cats equal attention throughout the process. Some cats will adjust very quickly and get along fine while others will take much longer. Some cats will never become buddies; they will only tolerate each other's existence.
Q: Why does my cat rub his head on me or on objects in my house?
A: Your cat is marking his scent on you - he is claiming you as his territory! Head rubbing is also a greeting. Cats have scent glands on their cheeks, their head, and on their paws. You will often see them rub their cheeks on you or on the furniture to mark their territory. You will also notice that even if they are declawed, they will go through the motions of sharpening their claws. The reason they do this is to mark their scent.
Q: What type of litter is best?
A: Each cat owner has their personal opinion about clumping vs. non-clumping. Use the one that is best for you. Cats usually prefer unscented litter. A clean litter box is most important.
Q: Is it best to adopt a kitten or an older cat?
A: The easiest answer to this question is that you know what you're getting when you adopt an older cat. When you adopt a kitten, you have no idea what his / her personality will be. With an older cat, you will be able to tell if he's a snuggler, whether he's playful, if he likes to be held, etc.
Q: How old do cats need to be before you can get them neutered / spayed?
A: It all depends on your particular vet. Some say that kittens must be at least 6 months old before they can be sterilized, although other vets will sterilize as young as 2 months (8 weeks). Veterinary studies done on "juvenile" spaying and neutering (younger than the previously accepted practice of always waiting until 6 months) indicate that there are no medical reasons that a spay or neuter cannot be done at a younger age, but that a specific gas anesthesia must be used. A young growing kitten would tend to heal faster and comes out of anesthesia quicker than an older cat. If you own a male and female kitten, please remember that some cats will become sexually mature before 6 months of age. Keep an eye on the interactions of your own cats to prevent kittens from having kittens!
Q: How old do cats need to be before you can get them declawed?
A: Kittens must be at least 6 months old before they can be declawed. Some vets will not declaw a cat once they turn one year old. They make this decision for two reasons: Since a cat gains weight as he grows, the incisions do not heal as quickly because of the extra weight. Also, cats become much more accident prone when coming down from high places because they are used to having their claws. Remember, declawing is not a necessary surgery. Cats, and most especially kittens, can be easily trained to use scratching posts.
Q: How long do cats live?
A: Cats typically live 15 - 20 years. Genetics and environment both play a part (indoor cats have much fewer dangers to face every day, so will tend to live longer).
Q: If I have a male cat at home, is it better to adopt another male or a female?
A: The answer to this question varies considerably depending on the personalities of the cats. Example: If you have a very shy cat, it's best not to get another that is aggressive. Your shy cat will feel threatened and hide. Try to match the personalities of the cats. The highest incidence of urine marking or spraying comes with bringing an adult female cat into a household with an adult male cat. The male may react by spraying.
Q: What can I do if my cat stops using the litter box?
A: First, take your cat to the vet and rule out any medical conditions such as a urinary tract infection. If your cat gets the green light from the vet, consider the following:
Clean the Litter Box
Dump the entire contents of the litter box, wash it with soap and water and refill it with four inches of litter. Remove any solids and urine clumps daily. A dirty litter box is the number one reason a cat stops using it.
Take the Hood Off
A hood is great for keeping litter in the box but also holds in odor. Often a cat will reject the box because of the odor retained in the box. The hood also keeps you from seeing that it needs to be cleaned.
Re-think the Location of Your Cat's Litter Box
A quiet corner, out of the way of household traffic, but with easy access is best. Noise, light and vibrations can be disturbing. Also, don't place the litter box near your cat's food. Cats do not like to eat where they poop!
Switch to an Unscented or Moisture Release Litter
Maybe your scented litter has too much scent. Use only a moisture release scented litter. Cats do not always like the smell of strong perfumes or cedar. Have more than one litter box. (see Supplies section).
Clean the Area
If your cat has used an area other than the litter box, clean the area thoroughly. Use an enzymatic cleaner on the carpet or floor and then put things around the area they don't like, such as a citrus "stick-up," ground up moth balls or squares of aluminum foil or plastic. You want to make it tough for them to go back, and easy for them to use their litter box. This should help you get your cat back in the box. If the problem persists, consult your veterinarian.
Q: Are there benefits to spaying / neutering my cat?
A: YES! Obviously spaying and neutering your cat cuts down on the overpopulation of pets, but it also has some individual benefits as well. By spaying your female cat, you reduce or eliminate the risk of breast cancer, tumors of the reproductive system, false pregnancies, uterine infections and certain skin conditions related to hormonal imbalances. By neutering your male cat, you may reduce the risk of cancer and other health problems. Also in the case of males, neutering often reduces objectionable behavior such as roaming, fighting and spraying.
Q: Do I need to give my cat a bath?
A: Most cats will not regularly require an immersion bath, but if they get into anything dangerous (oil from the car, cleaning products, etc.) they would be better off with you getting the substance off with water instead of them ingesting it. If your cat has some dandruff or a greasy spot (usually because they are overweight and cannot reach much of their back) you can take a moist rag (water only) and help keep that area clean. Brushing also helps keep dandruff and other problems down. There are also moist towelettes sold in pet supply stores that can be used to reduce cat allergens, if there is a mild allergy in the family.
Q: Why does my cat get so crazy at night?
A: Dusk is the time in which a cat typically hunts. He will instinctively become more active at this time. Incorporate a highly active play session with your cat before bedtime - this will tire him out and he will be more apt to sleep when you do.
Q: Do long haired cats shed more than short haired ones?
A: A cat can have over 150,000 hairs per square inch, which gives you a little forewarning of the shedding potential of any cat. It isn't the length of hair, but usually the environment that determines the shedding level - in warm seasons (or in a warm house) any cat will shed more than in a cooler environment. Cats fur can range from thick to very fine, which will help determine how visible their shed hair will be around your house and on your clothing. The finer, longer fur will tend to show up as clumps of fur, whereas a shorter hair will tend to leave an even coat everywhere.
Q: How can I control my cat's shedding?
A: Although you will never stop a cat from shedding completely, there are two things you can do to control it.
1. Feed your cat a quality cat food that provides the necessary nutrition.
2. Brush your cat daily. This will also cut down on the amount of hair your cat digests and will help prevent the dreaded fur balls!
Q: What is the best way to introduce my cat to my newborn baby?
A: Start the introduction before you bring the baby home from the hospital. Bring home blankets that your baby has slept in. Wear lotion on your hands that you will use for your baby. Remember, scent is extremely important to cats. You can also tape record your baby crying and play it in your house. When you bring your baby home, let your cat smell him or her. Make sure you praise your cat with treats and lots of attention. Always use common sense and don't leave your cat alone with your baby, or any young children.
Q: When can my cat get its first rabies vaccination?
A: Cats can get their first vaccination when they are 12 to 16 weeks old.
A FEW WORDS ABOUT SAFETY
Have your cat wear a safety collar with your name and phone number on it. A microchip is also a good idea in case of escapes.
Keep all jewelry and sewing supplies out of reach of your cat.
Remove all small, sharp objects such as tacks or pins from the floors or counters, and keep decorative breakables out of reach.
Monitor your cat to make sure he isn't chewing electrical cords or house plants. Put cords in PVC tubing or tape them to the baseboards and spray cords and plants with something that tastes bad such as Bitter Apple. Remove all poisonous plants.
If your cat must go outdoors, supervised daytime outings in an enclosed yard are best. Obey leash laws and never leave your leashed cat unattended.
All cats should have regular check-ups and vaccinations by a veterinarian.
DID YOU KNOW
Cats love routine. Anything that breaks their routine may cause them to have behavioral issues. Some cats adapt to change more quickly than others. Keep this in mind as your household goes through changes…
Packing and moving can be extremely stressful for a cat. We suggest that you shut your cat in a bedroom with his litter, food and water while all the craziness is going on in your home! This also prevents your cat from sneaking out the door when no one is looking.
Do not feed your cat cow's milk. They cannot digest it and will be prone to diarrhea.
Do not feed your cat food that contains onion - it can cause anemia.
Do not feed your cat tuna - it can cause vitamin E deficiency.
Do not give your cat aspirin, Tylenol or ibuprofen - they are incapable of metabolizing it. Always consult your vet before giving any kind of medicine.
PLEASE THINK BEFORE YOU ADOPT!
When you adopt a cat, you are adopting it for the duration of his / her life!
Return to Cat Behavior and Care Fact Sheet List
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