Cats have been our companions for many centuries, and owning one is a rewarding experience with many benefits. To ensure your cat stays happy and healthy, great love and care is needed.

Feeding Your Cat
It is vital that your cat has the best start to life - and what cats are fed in their first year is crucial to it's health, growth and adult development. Choose a feed that has been designed by a nutritionist to provide all the nutrients and vitamins required for healthy development, and assists in the prevention of disease. Feeding the right food throughout your cat's life will assist in fighting obesity and other health problems.

Many human foods can cause illness to your cat, so avoid chocolate, garlic, cooked bones, grapes, onions, and avocados. 

Always keep fresh water available for your cat and change daily.

Vaccinations
Your cat must be immunised at an early age in order to help the kitten develop it's immune system and fight against diseases. If your cat has not been vaccinated, a visit to the vet is essential to begin your cat on a vaccination schedule. It is recommended that you keep your cat indoors, and do not take them to any public places until two weeks after the second vaccination at least in order to fully establish their immune system. Your cat should attend a veterinarian every month for the first three months. After that, schedule regular veterinary checkups every six months to maintain your cat's health.

Worming
As a general rule, cats should be wormed every 2 weeks until they are 12 weeks old, and then every month until they are 6 months old, and every 3 months thereafter. Worming will provide protection against gastrointestinal parasites (worms), whereby the medication will eliminate any existing worms and help prevent further infestation. If you have any queries consult your friendly Pets Domain staff member or a vet.


Flea Control
Another important part of your cat's health is flea control. Fleas can transmit internal parasites (worms) and cause skin allergies and eczema. Flea treatments are effective for about a month and can be given to your cat as early as 6-8 weeks of age.

To keep things simple and affordable we offer every day low prices on all flea, tick and worming products.

Desexing
It is strongly recommended that all cats both male and female should be desexed. Between the ages of 5 and 6 months of age is an ideal time, and will help reduce unwanted pregnancies. Desexing also prevents your cat from fighting, spraying, roaming around and night prowling. A tattoo is placed in your cat's left ear once it has been desexed to help identify that your cat has been desexed. 

Microchipping
Having your cat microchipped is highly recommended for being able to permanently identify your cat in the form of a tiny chip. This chip contains your cat's registration details and is implanted into the skin of your cat. Owner details can be changed through the Central Animal Records. It is ideal to microchip your cat at the same time as desexing. A tattoo is placed on your cat's right ear to identify your cat has been microchipped. 

Toileting
A cat litter tray should be provided for you cat, and if you have more than one cat, it is advised to have at least one litter tray per cat. Cats like privacy, so keep the litter tray in a private location away from their food and water bowls. As cats are particularly clean animals, it is important to scoop dirty litter out each day and change the litter regularly. There are various types of litter including crystals, clay, clumping, and recycled paper. Clumping litter is not advised for young kittens. When it comes to an accident, clean it up with an enzymatic cleaner as it's safe to use. Any product that contains ammonia will only encourage your cat to return to the same spot where the accident occurred.