To ensure your cat is happy, healthy and safe, here is a basic checklist of what you will need to provide for your cat:
- Microchip – with your current contact details on a microchip register
- Local council registration – annual registration which is compulsory after three months of age
- Elastic safety collar – with council tag and engraved ID tag attached containing current contact details
- Food and bowls – nutritious, well-balanced diet at least once a day
- Water and bowls – clean and fresh water available at all times
- Litter tray – one for each cat and cleaned out regularly
- Scratching post – to keep their nails in good condition and because they love to scratch
- Cat brush – for grooming long-haired cats
- Desexing surgery – once off surgery which will provide a range of health and behavioural benefits
- Veterinary checkup – at least once a year or whenever your cat is sick or injured
- Vaccinations – important injection administered by your vet to protect your cat against a range of serious and sometimes fatal diseases
- Intestinal all-wormer treatment – medicated treatment you can provide to protect your cat against potentially fatal parasites
- Flea and tick treatment – cat-specific medicated treatment you can provide to protect your cat against nasty fleas and ticks
- Behavioural and socialisation opportunities – to learn how to behave appropriately and provide mental stimulation
- Toys, exercise and climbing opportunities – to have fun, provide mental and physical stimulation and reduce boredom
- Cat carrier – to keep your cat safe when driving in a vehicle
- Time with you! – interact and play games with your cat on a regular basis