Cats ... Cats ... Cats!

We love our cats! If you are considering adopting a cat, there are plenty of local cat adoption shelters where your new cat is waiting for you. This page is designed to refresh you on general cat care basics.

Feeding

Choose a high-quality cat or kitten food. DePawsitory carries a selection of Fromm brand kibble and wet food to choose from. Factors such as age, activity and underlying health issues play a role in what type of food your cat should eat. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian.

Your cat’s food should be balanced for the age and lifestyle of you cat or kitten. We always recommend a high-quality, balanced food that contains taurine.

Water

Always provide your cat with fresh, clean water at all times. Wash and refill your cat’s water dish daily. Some cats like to drink from running water, such as a fountain. If that’s the case, we can help you with a quality product with the proper filtration system.

According to the ASPCA, treats should be no more than 5-10% of the diet.

Don’s feed your cat or kitten human baby food. Many of these contain ingredients that can be toxic to cats.

Grooming

Most cats do not require bathing, but daily brushing reduces the frequency of developing hairballs, keeps the coat clean and reduces shedding. Brushing your cat regularly helps with bonding and promotes a healthy relationship with your furfriend.

Housing

Most cats like having their own space. A cat bed or box provides them with a place to curl up and relax. DePawsitory has a variety of cat beds for your feline to call their own. Be sure to wash the bedding on a regular basis.

Identification

We encourage you to have your cat or kitten microchipped just in case they get out of the house or get lost. Cats and kittens should ALWAYS have a breakaway safety collar to allow your cat to break loose if the collar gets caught on something.

Litter Box

All cats need a litter box, which should be placed in an easily accessible, private location. We recommend one litter box for each floor. Refrain from moving the litter box unless it is absolutely necessary, and then, let the cat know where it has been moved to. Scoop the wastes out of the litterbox at least once a day because cats won’t use a messy, smelly litter box. Once a week empty the litterbox and clean it with a mild detergent and refill with clean litter. Avoid scented litters as these can cause respiratory problems for some cats. If your cat will not use a litterbox, please consult with your veterinarian. Sometimes refusal to use a litter box is based on a medical condition that required treatment.

Scratching

Cats need to scratch! According to the ASPCA, when a cat scratches, the old outer nail sheath is pulled off and the sharp, smooth claws underneath are exposed. Use a sharp nail trimmer designed for cats to trim the nails every two to three weeks. Provide your cat or kitten with a scratching post or pad specifically for scratching. Trimming your cat’s nails every two to three weeks will keep them relatively blunt and less likely to harm the arms of both humans and furniture. Scratching posts should also be stable enough that it won’t wobble during use and should be covered with rough material such as sisal, burlap or tree bark.