Pet FAQs: we answer your cat care questions

Whether your cat stays indoors or has outside access, a litter box is essential for any cat owner. Cats have an instinct to dig and bury when they go to the toilet, meaning litter training is usually quite simple. There are, however, a few things to consider when encouraging your cat to use their litter tray:
 

Keep the tray clean

Cats have sensitive noses so you should clean their litter tray daily. If you don’t do this they may stop using the tray altogether and look for somewhere else to go to the toilet. The tray should be cleaned with hot water and a mild disinfectant or soap at least once a week. You should also replace the litter every few days.
 

Tray and litter

Cats tend to develop a preference for certain types of litter. If your cat does not show interest in using the tray, you may need to try a few different types of litter. It’s available in many varieties including recycled paper, wool, silica and sand. There are lots of different litter trays from simple boxes to enclosed bins with lids. You’ll need to find one which suits your cat, this could depend on their size and age. If you own more than one cat, make sure you get several litter trays as they don’t usually like to share them.
 

Where is the best place to put your cat’s litter tray?

You should put your cat’s litter tray in a quiet part of the house, preferably against a wall so your cat feels safe when using it. Don’t put it near their food or water bowls. If you have more than one cat, it's a good idea to keep the trays in different rooms.
 

Cat litter disposal

Use biodegradable bags for your cats’ waste and put them in your general waste bin. You can buy compostable litters if you have a compost bin in your garden; however, you can’t compost the solid waste. Don’t flush any litter or solids down the toilet, as this could cause blockages and even pollute water systems with bacteria. Check with your local council or waste management companies if you're concerned about disposing of your litter properly.

Vaccinations help to protect your cat from severe infectious diseases such as feline flu, infectious enteritis and feline leukaemia virus. Vaccinating your kitten is an essential thing to do in your first few weeks as a cat owner.

Your cat should be given worm and flea boosters every few months; your vet will be able to provide you with a record of treatments. Booster vaccinations every year will help keep your cat protected, especially if they have outdoor access.

Prices vary but for the first round of injections for your kitten, expect to pay an average of £63.30. The average price* of a booster vaccination is £43.70.

Neutering is when you castrate a male cat (removal of the testes) and spaying the female is when you remove their ovaries and uterus. If you’re not planning to breed your pet, vets recommend having your kitten neutered when they reach sexual maturity at around four months of age.

Once neutered, your cat won’t be able to breed kittens. In the UK, many unwanted cats and kittens are looking for loving homes, and neutering your cat is a responsible step to reducing this problem.

Neutering also reduces the spread of disease and the likelihood of male cats getting into fights. It also limits behavioural issues such as marking their territory and wandering off where they are at risk of getting lost.

Training your cat to use a cat flap can be made simpler with a few tricks.

To start with, hold the cat flap door open and entice them to go through it by holding a treat on the other side. Repeat this to show them that they can pass through the door both ways. With a little encouragement, they should pick this up quite quickly; however, some cats can be quite stubborn. It's important to show patience, so the process isn't stressful for your cat.

Next, teach your cat to push the flap open. You can try propping the flap open a little bit, so your cat can see through to the other side. Encourage your cat with rewards and praise, and eventually, they will master the art of pushing the flap open. You can buy cat flaps that will only open with a microchip or magnet that you place on your cat's collar.

Cats are natural hunters and are very in touch with their survival and prey instincts. If your cat has outdoor access, it may bring home small animals, such as mice, either dead or alive.

In the wild, mother cats bring dead prey to their kittens, to teach them how to eat and hunt. Experts believe that this instinct to share hunt and provide for their 'family' is what makes cats bring us 'presents'.

While it can be a bit upsetting or even startling to find dead animals on your doorstep, it's important not to scold your cat for this behaviour.

Instead, try redirecting their hunting instinct into play, to satisfy their desire to catch prey. Feather wands, moving toys, toy mice and laser pens can be used to stimulate their prey instinct.

Another thing you can do is attach a bell onto your cat's collar, to alert any animals or birds that your cat is stalking them. This can help as cats can have a negative effect on local wildlife populations, especially small songbirds.

Looking for ways to keep your cat happy and entertained? Cats are complex and intelligent creatures that require lots of attention, love and understanding. There are plenty of things you can do to improve your pet's quality of life; here are a few tips:
 

1. Playtime

Cats are instinctive hunters and love nothing more than chasing, catching and playing with toys. While they are more independent than dogs, cats depend on human interaction for their socialisation, especially if they spend the majority of their time indoors. Encouraging exercise and making time to play with your cat is essential to keep them stimulated. It will also help to strengthen your bond with your cat.
 

2. Give them space

Create an area in your home that your cat can escape to when they want space. Cats like to retreat to somewhere up high or secluded from time to time, and this is key to keeping your cat happy. Cat climbing posts are great additions to the home and allow your cat to get a bird's eye view of the house while feeling safe.
 

3. Improve their surroundings

Cats can become bored easily, which can lead to destructive behaviour and even health issues. Whether you have an indoor or outdoor cat, keep them happy by adding a few environmental improvements to their surroundings once in a while. Cats love climbing and jumping, so provide them with cat trees or mounted wall shelves to perch on. A simple cardboard box with a few holes cut out of it can make a fun hiding place for a cat. You could also buy some specialised cat grass so they can enjoy nibbling on the plant safely.

Cats use purring as a method of communication. It often means they are content and relaxed, or in some cases as a way to keep calm when they are stressed.

Kittens use purring as a way to communicate with their mothers. Experts** have found that the low-frequency vibrations of a cat's purr can help ease their breathing, heal injuries and even alleviate pain.

If you are stroking your cat and it appears relaxed, with a still tail and eyes half-closed, your pet is likely telling you it's enjoying your company.

Just like humans, dogs require dental care and can suffer from gum issues if their teeth are not cared for. Brushing your dog's teeth regularly will ensure their mouth is kept healthy. Use specialised dog brushes and pastes. You can also purchase dental chew sticks that can be given to your dog occasionally to help dislodge food particles and plaque in your pet's teeth.

If you are unsure or have trouble brushing your dog's teeth at home, contact your vet who will be able to offer guidance. Vets also offer professional teeth cleaning services, you should consider having this done at least once a year.

If you're travelling with your cat in a car or on public transport, ensure there is plenty of ventilation and that fresh drinking water is readily available. Some cats find travelling quite stressful, so start off by taking shorter trips to get them used to it before setting off on lengthy journeys. Make sure your cat has the opportunity to use a litter tray if possible. When travelling with a cat, one of the safest and stress-free ways to ensure they are secure is by using a cat carrier. The carrier will prevent your cat from roaming around the vehicle and distracting the driver. Cat carriers will make sure your pet is safe and secure. If your pet travels in the front of the car, make sure you deactivate the passenger airbags. If you have an accident airbags can be dangerous for pets.

If you're planning on travelling abroad with your cat, ensure you're fully prepared. If possible, it may be better for your cat to be left with a family member or trusted cat sitter.

Your pet has to meet specific requirements when travelling across EU countries or returning to the UK from another EU or non-EU listed country. The process can be fairly lengthy, to get started read our full guide to travelling with pets here.

Ensure your cat is healthy to travel and that it has all the necessary vaccinations. In addition to being microchipped, ensure your pet is wearing an ID collar with your full contact details and holiday address on it.