There’s nothing scarier than when our pets are unwell or hurt and we often naturally go into a panic as we don’t know what to do. At Purina, we’ve created this guide to cat first aid to help you keep your pet calm and comfortable until you can reach your veterinarian. Our cats are explorers at heart, whether it’s climbing the tree in the back garden or wandering off to investigate another cat ’s territory. Unfortunately, this love of adventure can sometimes land them in trouble and you may find yourself in need of some cat first aid skills. At Purina, we’ve put together this guide of essential cat first aid tips so you can provide help straight away, giving you valuable time until you can get them to your vet.

There are so many things to learn for a new kitten making their first steps into the world. Discovering it all by themselves can be a little bit scary, but luckily you can do a lot to help them learn the ropes of their new life. These are the basics of kitten socialisation. The world is such a big place for a kitten just starting to figure out where exactly they fit in it. A kitten’s early life is noisy, busy and full of new experiences. There are humans everywhere, other kittens roaming around, older cats, objects big and small, plus all sorts of startling strange sounds and smells. Deciphering what they all mean will take a little while which is what the period known as kitten socialisation is for. All of this can be overwhelming when you get a new kitten, as they arrive in your house and everything is new to them. Find out how to turn your shy ball of fur into a confident and happy adult cat and help your kitten learn life’s first lessons quickly. What is kitten socialisation? Kitten socialisation is the period of time early on in a cat’s life when they start to learn what is safe in their environment by getting familiar with different experiences, people, pets and even sounds. Exposure to new things from the beginning is crucial for cat socialisation, but make sure not to overwhelm the small bundle of joy with more information than they can handle. When should you teach kitten socialisation? Although the exact timeline for kitten socialisation is still being debated among specialists, the first 8-10 weeks are usually considered crucial for the process of socialisation. Kittens are like a sponge for new information, especially in their early days, which means there will never be a better time to show your kitten the ropes of life in general, and family time in particular. It is very possible that by the time you get to meet your new kitten the socialisation period has long passed. In this case it’s at the breeder’s house or at a rescue centre where they will have learned (or not) the first things about people and what role they play in a cat’s life. But this doesn’t meant cats have learned all they need to know about the world around them. It’s important to check with the breeder to see if there is anything in particular you need to focus on. After all, if your new kitten can’t help but duck for cover every time the alarm clock goes off, you want to know about it early on so you can continue the kitten socialisation job at home. Although the first weeks are essential, don’t forget that your kitten is likely to deal with new things long after their first birthday. Cat socialisation doesn’t stop after the 10-week marker, especially when the time comes to move into your home. Top tips on how to socialise your kitten Chances are that the first time you’ll welcome the new kitten into your home, you’ll notice they’re stepping into their new life somewhat reluctantly. They might be a bit shy or even looking frightened by all the attention they’re getting. Your first instinct will be to lift the ball of fur up and comfort them, but this might actually make matters worse as it can add to their panic. Here are some useful tips for socialising your kitten with the least amount of distress for everyone involved. Keep everyone calm Once they’re rested and are confident in their room, then it’s time to meet their new human family. This is obviously a very exciting moment, but do try to keep everyone calm. Before introducing a new kitten to the home, everyone should sit still on the floor and agree one rule - only touch the kitten if the kitten comes to you. No grabbing There mustn’t be any grabbing or arguing between the kids, or it will frighten your pet. If the kitten tries to hide, coax them out with a toy or a treat to encourage them to be sociable, but never grab or force them.

Just because cats are now residents of the indoors it doesn’t mean they’re leaving the hunting days behind to turn into couch-potato cats. Healthy cats are physically and mentally active well into their golden years which is why providing the right type of stimulation to your indoor cat is essential. The small stature and gentle purr of our feline snuggling companions don’t make it obvious, but behind all that cuteness beats a wild heart that would love nothing more than to go hunting, scratching, hiding or climbing. You’re likely to prefer these activities to take place outside and away from the couch, shelves and carpets. But what is an indoor cat to do with all their energy? This is where cat mental stimulation comes in to save the day (and your furniture). There are plenty of ways to keep an indoor cat entertained and their hunting instincts well exercised. From stimulating cat toys you can buy, to DIY toys you can make out of as little as a paper bag, we’ve put together some of the most effective ways to offer your cat mental stimulation without even leaving the living room. Why is cat mental stimulation important? As a cat owner you probably know by now, but cats are intelligent creatures. Their active mind thrives on challenges, so much so that if their environment is not providing them with something to focus on, a cat will soon find their own problems to solve. This can include picking a fight with the furniture or even waking you up at night for an impromptu play session. Instead of letting all that pent up energy turn your kitty into a miniature lion, you can direct it towards fun activities with the help of stimulating toys and games.

As a responsible cat owner, it’s important to keep up to date with your kitten’s vaccinations to protect them from a range of diseases. Read about when to vaccinate your cat or kitten and what to expect here. Cat vaccinations are vital to help protect them from common illnesses and to help keep them healthy. Additionally, kitten vaccinations are a condition of boarding for most reputable catteries and they are completely necessary if you want to travel abroad with your cat or kitten. Cat vaccines can be divided into two different types: core and non-core. Core vaccines are recommended for all kittens, and non-core vaccines are given depending on the risk to an individual cat. Discuss with your vet which vaccines are best suited to your cat. How kitten vaccinations work? The aim of the kitten vaccine is to immunise your cat against certain illnesses and diseases. The vaccines will help your cat’s immune system to recognise certain viruses and get to action quickly to fight the infection, before the disease can take hold. What are the core vaccinations for cats? Core vaccinations are those recommended for all cats. They’re designed to keep your pet safe and free from some very serious conditions, so it’s very important you get your cat vaccinated against these conditions as soon as possible. By vaccinating against these core diseases, you can also help to protect other cats living in your environment by helping to establish ‘herd immunity’. The more cats that are vaccinated in any one place, the harder it is for viruses to become established in a population. If too many cats are not vaccinated then those viruses become more of a risk to all the cats living there. Core vaccinations are those recommended for all cats. They’re designed to keep your pet safe and free from some very serious conditions, so it’s very important you get your cat vaccinated against these conditions as soon as possible. By vaccinating against these core diseases, you can also help to protect other cats living in your environment by helping to establish ‘herd immunity’. The more cats that are vaccinated in any one place, the harder it is for viruses to become established in a population. If too many cats are not vaccinated then those viruses become more of a risk to all the cats living there. Kitten vaccinations include: Feline Panleukopenia Virus (Feline Infectious Enteritis or Feline Parvovirus) This is a highly contagious virus and can often be fatal, particularly for young kittens. The most common symptoms are vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, dehydration (even if they keep drinking), loss of appetite and, less commonly, nervous signs associated with brain damage. Feline Calicivirus This virus causes cat flu (sneezing, nasal discharge, mouth ulcers and excess salivation/dribbling). Affected cats may be reluctant to eat and have a temperature. Feline Herpesvirus This also causes cat flu, fever, sneezing and nasal discharge as well as ulcers on the eye. Chronic infection can result in nasal diseases.

Cats and kittens are playful by nature, they love interacting with you and the fun they have when playing is a reward in itself! Kitten play has numerous benefits for your cat, including encouraging exercise, helping you both bond and engaging their natural hunting instincts. Most importantly, kitten play is incredibly fun for both you and your cat! We’ve put together this useful guide packed full of useful information to tell you everything from what are the best kitten toys to the reasons behind why cats actually like to play. Keep reading to find out more. Why do cats like to play? According to? Vet Street, your kitten’s love for play actually relates to their wild ancestors. What appears as ‘play’ is your cat actually learning vital survival skills such as how to stalk, chase and trap prey. While our domestic kitties don’t actually have any need for these hunting skills, the instinct will usually remain strong.

Over the years, cats have baffled just about everyone – from owners to behaviourists and even scientists. Because of their mysterious nature, there are numerous cat myths and rumours that are commonly believed, but just how true are they? Cats are enigmatic creatures that many people struggle to understand. Over the years, this has seen our furry friends shrouded in a variety of myths, including some outlandish rumours that even reported that they were in league with the devil! The majority of cat myths have since been debunked thanks to science and lashings of common sense. Keep reading to find out the truth behind the butter on cats’ paws rumour, if black cats are bad luck and more.

Choosing a cat bed can be difficult. And, of course, finding the right cat bed is important. You want your kitten to be cosy, warm and happy when they are sleeping—and you want the cat bed to be a space that they can call their own. All owners must make this decision at some point: the trick is to watch your cat’s habits and choose a bed accordingly. We’ve put together a guide to choosing the best cat bed for your cat so that they feel happy, pampered and can sleep like the royalty they are. Types of cat beds Because cats love to curl up and sleep wherever they can, there are many different kinds of cat beds available in the market. Do not worry about which one is the best – there is no the ‘best’ cat bed. Instead, choose one that would suit your cat’s preferences and daily habits. Below are a few options for the types of cat beds you can find. Pads/Cushions This type of cat bed is a cushion filled with soft and comfortable down. There are various fillings for this kind of cat bed – such as fleece or high-fibre polyester – but as long as it is plush and comfortable, it does not really matter! Pods This new style of cat bed is gaining popularity. Cats seem to like curling up with these egg-shaped pods, which are usually made of plastic or hard fabric and lined with something soft and cosy. Window perches If your cat’s favourite place is the window and they like to fall asleep in whatever sunlight they can find or you find them dozing in front of the view, then a window perch cat bed is the best cat bed. These cat beds attach as perches on the window and allow your cat to sleep in her favourite spot.

It’s no secret that cats love to scratch. This is a natural urge, and should not be discouraged. Yet many new cat owners can be at a loss when it comes to how to prevent their cats from scratching the furniture or tearing cushions with their claws. The answer is, of course, a scratching post – a post dedicated to your cat’s scratching habits that she can make her very own. In this article, we will offer you a guide on how to choose the best scratching post for your cat. What is a scratching post? A scratching post is usually a vertical wooden post covered with different kinds of material. This material offers resistance to your cat’s claws, which makes the process of scratching satisfying for them. Scratching posts come in different shapes and sizes. Some scratching posts are simple vertical pillars on solid wooden bases. Others can be shaped as cactuses or castles – anything you can think of, in fact. They can also have horizontal platforms attached to them at varying levels for your cat to climb and rest. Today, scratching posts do not actually have to be posts. There are wooden frames with your cat’s favourite scratching material in their centre. These can be attached to the wall at a height your cat can reach, allowing her to scratch away to her heart’s content.

Playing games and spending time with your cat is an important part of being a cat owner. Playing with them is not only a fun form of exercise for both of you, but it also helps to keep your cat stimulated. Take a look at our five fungames for catstoget ideas for keeping both you and your furry friend entertained for hours. 1. Games for catswith bubbles Bubbles aren’t just for kids; they make for a great game for cats too! Bubbles come number one on our list because they are so much fun for both you and your cat. Remember that you should buy bubbles that are pet-friendly. Not all bubble fluid is safe for pets, somake sure you’re buying products that are designed for cats. Most cats try to pounce on the bubbles once they land; this is because their unpredictable movement can appeal to a cat’s natural hunting instinct. Some cats even jump in the air and try to catch the bubbles before they land! 2. Chasinggames for cats A love of chasing things is ahunting behaviourthat your feline friend loves to live up to. That’s one of the reasons a mousetoyis so much fun for them to play with. There are lots of types of toys you can use like the‘mouse on a string’ toy, or make your own with anything that dangles. To kick things offwavethe mouse in front of your cat. This should gain their attention and get them ready to take part. Once they are interested, start dragging the mouse slowly on the floor - your cat should either start chasing the mouse or begin to try and pounce on it. Lastly, move around the room while pulling the mouse along the floor, as this will get your cat moving and encourage them to exercise. You could also try dimming the lights when you play; after all, cats naturally prefer to hunt at night. 3. Using a cardboard box As many owners know, cats love to hide either under (or inside) a whole range of household objects. Boxes are no exception, and they can provide your car or kitten with hours of fun. All you have to do is place your box on the floor and watch as your cat investigates. Most cats will try and go inside the box; once inside, why not run a toy along the floor in front of the opening to the box? This will encourage your cat to pounce out of the box and try and catch the toy. If you are going to play this game make sure you use a toy on a string, so your feline friend won’t accidently scratch you when trying to grab the toy. Find outwhy cats love boxesso much with our fun article.

From digestion to immunity, your cat’s gut health plays a major role in their overall health and happiness. Below are 5 simple and effective tips to help you care for the health of your cat’s intestine. 1. A balanced diet An appropriate well-balanced diet for your cat’s metabolism is a great way to improve your cats’ gut health. Therefore, choosing a diet adapted to your cat’s needs is a key factor: choosing a cat food specially formulated to help support your cat’s natural defences can help. Consumption of heat-treated lactobacilli has been proven to help support natural antibody production in your cat’s intestinal tract, while Omega-6 acids, and other selected nutrients, help support a healthy skin and a radiant coat. On the contrary an unbalanced diet can be harmful for your cat’s gut health. Avoid all food that could be toxic (such as garlic, chocolate or avocado), food that could cause wind (e.g. cabbage beans) or food that could lead to weight gain (human food tidbits). 2. Grooming Our cats love being pampered!! Make the most of it and groom them regularly: not only will you love hearing them purr, but by grooming them you will also help prevent them from ingesting large quantities of hair, which can cause constipation and affect your cats gut health. 3. On your marks…Ready? Play! Exercising holds many benefits: not only does it stimulate your cats intestine, which is useful for regular bowel movements, but it also helps you to keep your cat‘s weight and stress levels under control. 20 minutes of exercise daily, split into two different sessions, will boost your pet’s energy level and strengthen your relationship. 4. Take it easy She who goes slowly, goes healthily: cats are particularly sensitive to diet changes and modifications. Should you change your pet’s food it is recommended to proceed step by step.

If your feline friend is suffering from bad cat breath, often called halitosis, we firstly recommend you take them to visit the local vet. Your vet will be able to examine your cat’s teeth and mouth to check there isn’t a serious issue causing your cat’s bad breath. Keep reading to find out about the possible causes of feline halitosis. Causes of bad breath in cats There are several possible causes of bad breath in cats. These are some of the most common: 1. Diet The food your cat consumes can often be a cause of bad breath. If you’re asking yourself why your cat’s breath smells, it might be a good idea to look at what they’re eating. If you have taken your cat to the vet and ruled out any oral health issues, then their diet may well be the cause. Occasionally wet and soft cat food can cause bad cat breath as it can stick to a cat’s teeth, which tends not to happen with dry food. 2. Gingivitis Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. It occurs when an accumulation of plaque and bacteria builds up in your cat’s mouth over time. Gingivitis can be uncomfortable for your cat and may cause bad breath in cats. 3. Periodontal disease Periodontal disease can also develop when a cat is suffering gingivitis for a prolonged period of time. If the gingivitis is left untreated it can cause tartar (hardened plaque) to build up underneath a cat’s gums which creates little pockets of space. These pockets are the perfect breeding ground for bacterial growth and this can lead to periodontal disease, another common cause of bad breath in cats. 4. Coprophagia and pica Coprophagia is the term for a cat who is eating their own or other animals’ faeces. Pica is a medical issue in cats where it regularly eats non-food items. Both of these issues can cause bad cat breath. If you suspect your cat has been eating something they shouldn’t, it’s best to take them to the vets. 5. Stomatitis Feline stomatitis occurs when the whole of a cat’s oral cavity becomes severely inflamed. One common symptom of stomatitis is very bad cat breath. It’s important to book a consultation with your vet if you notice your cat’s breath has a strong, foul smell to it. Read our guide to stomatitis in cats for more symptoms and advice. 6. Kidney disease On very rare occasions, kidney disease can cause bad breath. There are two different types of kidney diseases that your cat could suffer from. The first is acute kidney failure and the second is chronic kidney failure. There are a few different symptoms that could be a sign of kidney failure, such as vomiting, weight loss and bad cat breath. Read our guide to kidney disease in cats for more information. 7. Diabetes Diabetes could also be behind a cat’s bad breath. If your cat is diagnosed with diabetes you may notice their breath have a fruity smell to it. This rare smell could be the sign of a metabolic problem with the diabetes and you should take your cat to a vet straight away. Other signs that your cat may have diabetes are a significant increase in urinating and drinking along with an increase in appetite – if you notice this and your cat hasn’t been diagnosed you should book them in to see the vet as soon as possible. Read our guide to cat diabetes for more information.

Cats don’t usually need baths, but there are some exceptional circumstances. If they’ve rolled in something that they can’t wash off themselves, or they have long hair which has become matted, a thorough clean might be a good idea. However, bathing cats can be quite a challenge as most of them really dislike baths and they can find the experience very stressful. That said, there are rare occasions when bathing your cat is unavoidable, in which case there are ways to make the experience more comfortable for both of you. Read on to find out more about when and how to bathe a cat.

Your cat’s poop is a great indicator to let you give you a good indicator as to their health, know how their body is functioning, and to ensure that everything’s normal. Normally, your cat’s poop will appear firm and brown in appearance, but if you start noticing any unusual changes – especially light to dark red flecks in their feces it can be a sign of a larger problem. Blood in cat poo can have many different causes, including everything from stress to a more life-threatening health issue. We’ve created this handy guide to tell you all you need to know about blood in cat poo, from the possible causes to the treatment options available.

Cats are susceptible to developing acne just as us humans. Here is what you need to know if you start noticing stubborn pimples that won’t go away. Unfortunately, acne is not a problem reserved for humans. Cat acne also exists and can affect felines quite often. Although it’s still unclear why it develops, there are a few things a cat owner should know to help their pet get back to their normal self. Keep reading to find out how feline acne manifests and what cat acne treatment is most effective in alleviating the condition. What is cat acne? Cat acne, or follicular keratinization as it’s officially known, forms when the hair follicles are blocked due to an excessive production of keratin, a protein found in the skin. In cats, acne mostly forms around the chin area, which is why it’s commonly referred to as cat chin acne. What does cat acne look like? Cat acne manifests itself as small bumps accompanied by blackheads or whiteheads, similar to humans. But on a cat’s skin it can often take an appearance that looks more like dirt than pimples, which is why many owners don’t even notice the skin condition. Severe cases can lead to hair loss, redness and even bleeding. What causes cat chin acne? The causes of cat acne are still largely a mystery. It is believed that plastic can encourage the breakout as it’s been mostly noticed in cats that use plastic bowls for food and water. Poor grooming, especially in older cats, can also lead to acne. But there are a series of underlying conditions that can have a contribution as well: • Poor immune system. • Stress. • Food allergies. • Hormone imbalances. • Hyperactive sebaceous glands.

Dental disease in cats is one of the most common conditions seen by vets today. It can also be very painful, especially if left untreated. However, the good news is that – unlike many health problems – it is usually preventable through proper dental care for cats.

Cat fleas are very normaland they’re the most common reason for a cat to develop a skin problem.

Flu in cats can be just like human flu: symptoms include a runny nose and achy muscles, and plenty of TLC is needed for recovery. Learn how to spot the signs and symptoms of flu and how it can be treated. What are the symptoms of cat flu? If you’ve ever been hit with the flu, you will have some sympathy for your cat. The illness isn’t all that different to the human variation. Just like in people, most cats can fight it off; however, for more elderly animals, kittens, or cats with an underlying condition, it can be more serious. Cat flu is generally viral, meaning that in most cases antibiotics won’t be effective. Luckily there are vaccinations available. Although it’s not a guaranteed defence, vaccinating your cat will go a long way toward protecting them, particularly if you’re planning a trip to a cattery or any environment in which groups of cats are kept together. What is cat flu? Whether they’re sneezing or sniffling, the symptoms of cat flu can be fairly easy to identify once you know what you’re looking out for. Here’s a list of some of the more common signs to be aware of: • Sneezing: this is the main way in which the illness is spread. Just a few droplets from an infected cat’s sneeze can carry a distance of metres. • Runny nose. • Watery eyes. • Difficulty with, or noisy, breathing. • Dribbling. • Change in behaviour. • Loss of appetite. • High temperature. • In serious cases, ulcers around the eyes. Symptoms can range vastly in severity: whereas one strain of the virus might only result in a bit of sneezing and a runny nose, another can lead to life-threatening complications. However mild or serious the signs, don’t take a risk. As soon as you spot cat flu symptoms, take your pet to see the vet.

Your cat’s skin is a good general indicator of their health. It should be pink or black (depending on the breed) and their coat should be smooth and shiny. Watch out for crusting, itching, scaling, black or white spots, bald patches and inflamed areas, as this is usually a sign that something’s not right. For example, small black dots could indicate fleas while a dull coat might suggest an underlying illness. Scratching and scabbing, meanwhile, could mean your cat has a skin disease. Pay attention to the skin around your cat’s ears, too. Any brownish discharge or redness should be investigated by your vet. If you know what warning signs to look out for on your cat’s skin, you can help them get treatment as soon as you spot something that doesn’t seem quite right. Dry skin in cats Dry skin isn’t usually a serious health issue for cats, unless they’re continually scratching. The temperature of your home can affect their skin - dry skin can soon become itchy during winter when the heating is turned on. A humidifier might help your cat keep comfortable if this is a problem. Common skin parasites Common skin parasites on cats include fleas, ticks and mites. They can cause itchiness, inflammation and skin lesions, as well as hair loss. In some more serious cases, a heavy flea infestation can cause anaemia in kittens, which can be dangerous to their health. Fleas can also cause a specific allergy in cats known as flea allergy dermatitis (FAD - see below for more information). Most cat skin conditions involving parasites can be treated quickly, although some may require longer-term treatment. Identifying cat fleas Cats are very good at grooming themselves, so owners are sometimes surprised to learn that their cat has fleas! Many cat skin conditions can be the caused by fleas, and the most obvious sign that the pesky parasites have taken up residence on your cat is persistent scratching, although some cats won’t scratch themselves but instead over-groom, sometimes leaving bald patches.

Ticks can be a painful problem that your cat may have to face. Find out how to prevent and treat cat ticks below. Introduction to cat ticks There are two different groups of ticks to watch out for, hard ticks and soft ticks. Hard cat ticks often look like a sunflower seed; they are also recognisable by the hard shield found just behind their mouthparts. Hard ticks are the type of ticks you will usually find on your cat. Soft ticks are the second type of group of tick. Instead of looking like a seed these ticks look like a raisin. These kinds of ticks are not usually found on cats, as they tend to feed on other animals instead such as birds or bats. What are cat ticks? Ticks are a kind of parasite. Ticks bite beneath a cat’s skin and suck blood back into their bodies. Unfed ticks are tiny, have eight legs, and can be black, brown, red or tan, but once they attach themselves to your cat they can swell up to the size of a pea as they fill with blood. Cat ticks are actually classed as arachnids instead of insects, which is a key difference between them and the flea. Ticks can pass disease onto an animal it feeds on; this is why tick prevention steps are an important measure to take when looking after a feline. How can my cat catch ticks? There are a number of different ways your cat can catch ticks. The first and the most likely is from other animals. Cats often interact with other animals once they leave the house. Ticks can find their way from one animal onto your cat very easily. If you are worried about cat ticks we advise you not to leave food outside your house, as this can encourage other animals to enter your cat’s territory. If you tend to go on walks outside in fields or woodland areas ticks could find their way onto your clothes easily. This is because they tend to cling onto the top of branches and blades of grass, when you then brush past them they cling onto your hair and clothing. This means even indoor cats are in dangers of catching ticks, so whether your cat travels outside or not tick prevention is still something you should be aware of and do. Another way your cat can catch ticks is just from exploring outside. Ticks can survive outside when not on a host. They can just as easily cling to a cat’s fur as they can to your clothing.

If your cat is fussy about water, it might be time to find a new water bowl. There are lots of different options out there, so with a little research, you’ll be able to find the ideal bowl for your pet. Cats are by nature quite tolerant to thirst. If their water isn’t quite right – for example, it’s too warm or they don’t like their bowl – they might well choose to go without drinking. Equally, many cats will ignore their water bowl and drink from puddles instead, often for reasons you can’t work out. That’s why choosing the right bowl for you cat is so important. You can read more about how much water your cat needs to drink here. If you are concerned that your cat isn't drinking enough, contact your vet for advice. Choosing the right cat water bowl Before you choose the perfect bowl for your cat’s water, think about what they might like. Your cat’s personality, as well their eating and drinking preferences, will all be considerations. If they have a tendency to knock things over, for example, a heavier drinking bowl is probably more sensible. On the other hand, if they dislike their whiskers touching things – as many cats do – a wider bowl will be more comfortable for them. Sometimes, you may have to try a couple of different cat water bowl before you find one that they love, but luckily, most are inexpensive. Considerations include: Depth Shallow dishes will need topping up more often than deeper bowls, but your cat may have a preference themselves. Material Cat bowls can be made of many different materials. They all have their pros and cons, which you can read about in more detail below. Standing or running? Most owners leave a normal bowl of water for their cat, but reluctant drinkers may be tempted by a specially-designed cat water fountain. You can read more about fountains below. Types of cat bowl Traditional cat water bowl Quite simply, this is a plain bowl designed for cats to drink from. It’s probably the type of water bowl you’re most used to seeing. They are very affordable, easy to get hold of, and don’t require any fuss. Many cats will happily drink from a bowl of standing water. However, as cats can also be fussy about their water source, there are many felines who may turn their nose up at the bowl of standing water altogether, especially if there’s a dripping tap nearby that they can drink from instead. To make their water appealing, you need to make sure you change it regularly – all cats prefer fresh, cool water – and make sure it doesn’t run dry. Bowl with water dispenser An alternative to the standard water bowl is one with a water dispenser that keeps the water topped up. These bowls are usually made of plastic, and some with an upright water bottle attached. As your cat drinks, the water bottle will slowly drain, keeping the water at the same level. This isn’t the same as providing running water, but it means you won’t have to top the water up so often. This is a good option if you are out of the house all day. Cat water fountain This type of water fountain is great for cats who are reluctant to drinking standing water. If your cat tends to drink from the tap or other places they shouldn’t, it might be because they prefer fresh, running water. A cat water fountain may be the solution. These are usually driven very small electric motors. Fill the bowl with water, and a small fountain in the middle will keep the water circulating. Your cat can then either drink from the bowl, or from the water as it falls. Many cat water fountains also include filters, which can help remove dust and hair, keeping it as fresh as possible. At the top end of the market, a cat water fountain may also cool the water – perfect for summer months.

Cats are known for being proud and particular pets, and that doesn’t stop when it comes to what they eat! Like us, each cat will have their own favourite food and flavours, so fussy eating cats might turn their nose up at something that doesn’t tantalise their taste buds. If you find that your feline is being especially fussy, or that your cat is not eating at all, there are certain things you can try to get them gobbling up their dinner. However, if your cat is off their food for more than a day this can lead to serious complications including hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver). Contact a vet for advice if the following tips don’t improve your cat’s appetite. Why is your fussy cat not eating? Cats can be very fussy eaters, and this can be exacerbated by some of the factors listed below. Anorexia can also be a symptom of illness or disease, so you should seek veterinary advice if your cat has not eaten for more than 24-48 hours.

Cats can be quite tricky when it comes to food with some happily eating anything and others turning their noses up at everything. Read our article on what cats should eat and what they need in their diet to ensure they’re healthy and happy. Some cats can be finicky eaters, sticking their nose up at foods that don’t satisfy their taste buds, whereas others will happily gobble down the same dish day after day. Each cat is unique in their preference and it’s important to understand what cats like to eat to ensure that they’re getting all the nutrients they need to thrive.

As a cat lover, you’ll want your furry friend to lead a long, healthy, happy and active life. One of the best ways to achieve this is by making sure your cat’s diet has the right balance of the five major nutrient groups: protein, fats & oils, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. Cats are ‘obligate carnivores’, which means they need meat in their diet, so unlike dogs, they can never be vegetarian or vegan. Felines rely on protein as their main source of energy, and need higher levels of protein in their diet than dogs. Not only is meat a ready source of protein, it also provides three essential nutrients that cats can’t live without: taurine (for heart and vision), arachidonic acid (for skin and coat health) and Vitamin A (for coat and vision).

According to popular legend, one human year is the equivalent of seven ‘cat years’, but in reality, a one-year-old cat is much more mature than a seven-year-old child. How old is my cat in human years? Although there’s no reliable scientific way to calculate the relationship between human and cat years, it’s generally agreed that the first two years of a cat’s life are roughly equal to the first 25 of a human’s. After this, each additional year is around four ‘cat years’. This means if your cat is six years old, their equivalent cat age in human years will be around 41. Find out how old your feline friend is using ourcat age calculator Don’t worry, we’ve done all the math for you! Check our calculator at the bottom of the page and find out your cat’s age in human years at a glance. What is the average life expectancy of my cat? The true answer is that it depends, but indoor cats usually live longer than outdoor cats. On average, indoor cats live 16 to 18 years and some even reach the venerable age of 20. Life expectancy in cats also varies depending on the breed, as some cat breeds will naturally live longer than others. For example, Siamese and Manx breeds are said to live the longest, so could reach a ripe age in human years! Did you know that according to some sources, the world’s oldest cat lived to be 34? That’s 153 in cat years! Read more fascinating cat facts here. Cats’ life expectancies have increased dramatically in the last few decades. Although it’s never enough, we’re spending more and more time together with our feline friends and that can only be a great thing. How can I tell my cat’s age? To find out how old your cat is, it’s best to take them to a vet. But you can still look for tell-tale signs of a cat’s age and health. Teeth Teeth can’t pinpoint the exact date for your feline friend’s birthday party, but they are still a great indicator of a cat’s age. The milestones are: • A kitten’s first teeth appear between two to four weeks. • Their permanent white teeth come in at around four months. • Yellow stains (aka tartar) on a few teeth can mean your cat might be between one or two years old. • If the stains appear on all teeth, the cat is likely at least three to five years old. • Missing teeth are usually a sign that your cat is a respectable senior, between 10 to 15 years of age. • But keep in mind that some cats can just have worse teeth than others regardless of their age.