10 IMPORTANT CAT FACTS

Carole Rexer is a feline consultant and a cats only pet sitter in Clear Lake, TX. She has given me permission to share this information with you.

1. Cats are the most “territorial” of all domestic pets. A spayed/neutered cat rarely willingly abandons it’s home territory.

2. The word “independent is often used to describe cats. Behaviorists consider cats to be “independent” animals because they do not frequently live in social groups, like packs of dogs. Cats usually prefer to live singularly, one cat to one territory. Normally cats do not share territories unless living conditions force them to do so. The term “independent” should never be misapplied to mean that any cat can “take care of itself.” Cats are domesticated animals and dependent on owners for their care. When left to fend for itself, your cat cannot dial 911 if something goes wrong.

3. All cats should be spayed or neutered. Spaying/neutering protects cats from certain reproductive diseases and helps prevent some behavior problems. It also helps control cat over-population. Most homeless cats do not find homes!

4. Cats kept indoors live longer than cats allowed outside, although cats living indoors develop behavior problems at higher rates than cats allowed outside. The way to lessen the risk of behavior is for owner to make a commitment to engage their cats in interactive play on a regular schedule. If cats are let outside during the day, they should always be brought inside before dark.

5. Cats need to see veterinarians on a regular schedule. Kittens must be wormed & vaccinated. Cats 8 to 10 years old are considered to be geriatric. At 8 to 10 years, it’s worthwhile to have a vet do a “geriatric profile” The profile usually includes evaluations of heart, kidney, liver and thyroid function. Having the teeth cleaned when needed is very important in maintaining felines’ health.

6. Cats are “obligate carnivores.” They must eat high quality meat to stay healthy! Better quality cat foods are usually purchased from a pet store or veterinarian. Cats need to eat less of higher quality foods because they are more easily digested and fulfill nutritional needs better.

7. If a cat does not eat for 2 days, it is a medical emergency! After 2 days of anorexia, cats can develop a disease called hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver). Over-weight felines are more likely to develop lipidosis than other cats, but the vet should be called for any cat fasting for 2 days.. Food consumption of cats needs to be monitored. Felines should never be put on diets without veterinary supervision.

8. Cats claw and scratch not only to “sharpen” their claws, but also to mark their territory by leaving scent trails. Their paws contain scent glands. Cats need objects they can easily scratch placed conveniently around the house. Most cats can be trained to use scratching posts and cardboard claw boxes. De-clawing is a very painful, stressful operation and should be done as a last resort. If a de-clawed cat gets out of the house, it is less able to defend itself, climb trees and get back down, and feed itself.

9. There is always a reason why a cat does not use its litter box! The cat may have a medical condition and should be taken to the vet immediately. Male cats can develop crystals/stones in urinary system that can prevent them from urinating. Unless taken to the veterinarian within a few hours, males males will suffer damage to their kidneys and can die of uremia. Cats must be monitored regularly to see that they are urinating normally.

10. Because the barbs on a cat’s tongue point backwards, cats can’t easily stop swallowing once they begin to eat something. String, ribbon, tinsel, thread, yarn, rubber bands, etc. should never be left out where cats can chew them. Supervise cats playing with “stringy” cat toys.

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