Cat Care
If you have chosen a cat for your pet, you've chosen well. These handsome, intelligent and affectionate animals have a special charm and dignity all their own. And adopting your cat from a humane society or animal shelter was the best choice of all. Some of the world's most famous cats have been found in animal shelters - including Morris the Cat!

Cats can be the ideal pet. Although their "catitude" may seem independent, most cats are very social, preferring the company of others. If you already have a pet (even a dog), your new cat should adapt well. Introduce everyone in a non-threatening way and allow your new pet to adjust slowly to the new environment.
Above all, never forget that your cat needs YOU - your care and affection. Knowledge of his habits and needs will help you give your new pet the best possible care, so you can enjoy each other's companionship for years to come.

Nutrition Management
Nutrition management is a major part of every good health plan. It means providing proper nutrition to your cat on a daily basis, throughout his lifetime. The right diet can protect your cat from a number of common health problems, and can speed recovery from illness.

In fact, aside from providing regular veterinary care, a diet that delivers 100% of the essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates your cat needs is one of the most important things you can do to help increase her lifespan.

Basic Nutrition
Cats have specific nutritive requirements, so make a high-quality cat food the staple of your pet's diet. The following are the basic nutritional components your cat's diet should provide for optimum health:

Protein. Protein is the foundation for the enzymes and hormones that regulate your cat's body. It is essential for muscle development and maintenance, and is a key source of energy.

Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide energy and vitality.

Vitamins and Minerals. The following chart lists the essential vitamins and minerals your cat needs for good health.

Taurine. Taurine is a key component that is absolutely essential to the good health of your cat. Taurine deficiency may result in blindness or the potentially fatal heart problem known as cardiomyopathy.

Water. Fresh, clean, cool water is the single most important nutrient in your cat's diet. It is essential and should be available at all times. While food preferences may vary, a cat's need for fresh water remains constant.

Choosing The Right Diet
Dry or canned? The choice between dry and canned food is largely a matter of convenience for you and taste for your cat. Many cat owners feed their cats canned food for one meal and dry for the other. Others feed dry or canned exclusively. As long as the brand you feed provides 100% complete nutrition, and you follow recommended feeding guidelines for the amount, your cat should be fine.

How much should you feed your cat? It's best to follow the recommended feeding guidelines provided by the manufacturer on your pet food label. Since most cats consume only the calories they need, less active cats will usually eat less. Be aware that obesity can be a serious health problem for cats. Your cat's feeding requirements will vary depending upon:

• age
• activity
• whether she is spayed or he is neutered
• environment
• health

If you have any questions, consult your veterinarian.

When should you feed your cat? If you feed your cat canned food exclusively, you may wish to establish specific mealtimes to prevent the food from drying out or spoiling in warm weather. Dry food allows more flexibility. In free choice feeding, for example, your cat has access to her food at all times and is allowed to nibble throughout the day. For cats on diets to maintain urinary tract health, this is an optimum feeding plan, since it helps maintain a reduced urinary pH level throughout the day.

Some basic "Don'ts"

Don't feed dog food to your cat. Dog foods don't contain the protein level, amino acids, or nutrients (like Taurine) that your cat needs.

Don't feed your cat table scraps. You can't be sure you're supplying all the nutrients she needs, and you could create or increase finicky eating behavior.

Don't feed your cat bones. These can splinter and become lodged in her throat or intestines.

Don't feed your cat raw fish. It contains an enzyme that destroys some of the vitamins your cat needs, and may contain parasites.

Don't give your cat milk. Cats over the age of 2 months don't really need it, and it often causes diarrhea in adult cats.

Don't switch foods suddenly. To introduce new cat foods, mix a tiny amount with your cat's current food. Gradually increase the quantity of new food and reduce the amount of the old food, until your cat has adjusted to her new diet.

Feeding Kittens
Kittens should remain with their mother until they are at least six weeks old. If you acquire a motherless kitten younger than six weeks, consult your veterinarian about feeding routine and how to eventually wean her to regular food.

As soon as your kitten begins to eat solid food, keep a supply of fresh water available at all times.
By the time she's two months old, your kitten will probably be eating regular cat food exclusively. Begin then to cut down on the number of meals by increasing the size of the servings. After your cat is six months old (yes, she's now a "cat"), she should be satisfied with one or two meals a day.

Cat Basics
Housing
A young kitten should have a well-padded shallow box or basket in a warm, draft-free location. Cats will adapt happily to any house or apartment. You should provide your cat with his own special bed, but don't be surprised if he prefers other locations - like your bed, a sunny windowsill, or the laundry basket.

Cats are safest at home. They really have no need to go outside, and can live happily indoors. If you must let your cat out, however, do so only in the daytime, preferably under your supervision. Serve an evening meal, so your cat has an incentive to come inside at a regular hour.

If he doesn't show up you'll know something's wrong, and you can start looking for him right away. If he does come in for dinner, keep him in for the night. Cats are more likely to get in fights, be hit by cars, or be exposed to other cats and wildlife with infectious diseases when allowed out after sunset.

Keeping your pet inside protects his life and health.

Litter Box Training
For cats, litter box use is almost instinctive, so you should have no trouble teaching toilet etiquette.
Simply provide the litter pan and make sure your cat knows where it is. (In a large house, you may need two.) A very young kitten may have to be lifted into the pan a few times, but he'll soon get the idea. Make sure you place the box in a quiet location where your cat won't be disturbed by another pet or a child. This will help ensure that your cat doesn't stop using the box.

There are two main categories of litter - clumping and non-clumping from which you can choose. Consider a clumping litter like Scoop Away®*, for continuous litter box cleanliness and superior odor control. If you prefer changing the entire litter box each time, or if your kitten sleeps or plays in the litter box, you probably should consider a non-clumping litter, such as Jonny Cat®*.
Cats are fastidious by nature.

Don't forget to do your part by keeping the litter pan fresh and clean. Remove solid wastes and urine residue once or twice a day with a litter spoon, and change the litter as needed.

To help control litter box odors add ARM & HAMMER®* Cat Litter Deodorizer at litter changes and again when you clean out the wastes to effectively eliminate odor and keep litter first-day fresh longer.

If your cat stops using his litter box, you should first take him to the veterinarian to be sure he is not ill. Urinary tract infections and other diseases can cause cats to quit using their boxes. Early treatment is vital to protect your pet.

If illness is not the cause, consult with your veterinarian or an animal behavior specialist about the other possibilities that could explain this change in behavior. Together, you should be able to pinpoint the problem and find a solution.

Grooming Claws. Cats instinctively claw resistant materials to stretch and "exercise" their claws. A good quality scratching post will help keep nails healthy and will prevent his using your furniture and drapes. In addition, ask your veterinarian to show you how to trim your cat's claws when they grow too long.

About declawing. Declawing is considered by many veterinarians and animal experts to be a last resort for controlling the results of a cat's instinctive clawing behavior. It is serious surgery and should never be taken lightly. Recovery can be painful and complications may arise. Some cat experts even suspect that declawing may be related to unfavorable behavior traits such as biting or litter box problems.

Bathing. One of the nicest attributes of cats is their cleanliness. You will rarely, if ever, need to bathe your cat because cats wash themselves almost constantly. In an emergency, you can bathe him using warm water and mild soap (no detergents).

Combing/Brushing. Long-haired cats should be combed daily with a steel comb made especially for cats. A brush will do the job for short-haired breeds. In addition, this daily grooming routine provides a good opportunity to examine your cat for any cuts, abrasions, or external parasites (i.e., fleas and ticks).

Dental Care. Cats, like humans, can get plaque buildup on their teeth, which can lead to gum inflammation and even infections. Since your cat can't brush, it's up to you to provide the special care that will help prevent this condition. Gentle home cleaning, regular veterinary examinations, and providing special "tartar control" treats like Pounce® Tartar Control™ can help reduce tartar build-up.

Identification
Cats, like dogs, should wear a current identification tag with your name, address, and phone number on it. Cats are curious creatures, and even housecats get out. Be sure to keep the information on the tag current - if you move, get an ID tag made with your new address and put it on your cat before the move.

There are collars made especially for cats with a short piece of elastic sewn in. These collars, which can be buckled snugly around the neck, expand enough to allow escape if your cat gets hung up on a tree limb or fence.

Kittens usually adapt quickly to wearing a collar. An adult cat may panic and writhe in frenzy for a while (usually about 10 minutes, although it will seem like hours to the owner). You can avoid the dramatics.

The first time you put a collar on your cat, give him a catnip toy at the same time. By the time the toy is shredded and defeated, the collar will be long forgotten.


The Healthy Cat Veterinary Care
Regardless of her age, take your cat to the veterinarian for a checkup as soon as possible after you get her. Ask your local humane society, animal shelter, or other caring cat owners to recommend local veterinarians. Make sure you choose a knowledgeable doctor whose location and hours are convenient for you.

During your first visit, the doctor will examine your cat thoroughly, including her eyes and ears; her heart and breathing; her abdomen and coat; and her mouth for disease or tartar. The doctor will check for external and internal parasites, such as fleas, ear mites, and intestinal worms, and will begin the vaccinations needed to protect your cat against fatal diseases. Keep in mind that with most vaccinations, booster shots may be required each year.

Discuss the regular preventive care your pet will need. Ask what the signs of illness are so you'll know to get help immediately if your pet becomes ill, and find out how to get emergency help outside regular office hours. Preventive health care and planning for emergencies before they occur are keys to a long, healthy life for your cat.

Spaying/Neutering
Aside from helping to control animal overpopulation, spaying your female cat or neutering your male cat has many benefits for you and your pet:
Roaming and fighting are often linked to the sex drive.

Altered pets are calmer and more affectionate.
Your cat will be healthier, and is less likely to develop certain cancers or be injured in fights with other animals.

You'll be less likely to have to put up with staining or spraying.

If your cat is a female, you won't have to put up with male cats wailing and spraying around your house when she's in season.

Both male and female cats should be altered before they reach puberty. It has been shown that this procedure can be performed safely as early as eight weeks of age. Even if your cat comes into heat or becomes pregnant before you can have the surgery performed, she still can be safely spayed.

Make an appointment with your regular veterinarian or check with your local humane society for the telephone number of low cost spay/neuter clinics in your area.

Remember, cats do not need to reproduce to be happy.

You and Your Cat Handling and Training
The sooner you learn to understand your cat's behavior, the more pleasure you'll receive from his companionship.

It is a common mistake to handle kittens too much and too roughly. Children, especially, should be taught that a kitten is a companion, not a toy.

Let your kitten sleep when he wishes and play when he wishes. All infants need lots of rest.

Don't pick up a cat by the scruff of his neck - only mother cats know how to do this properly. Instead, lift him by putting one hand under the front of the body and the other hand under the hindquarters.
Don't expect to get obedience from a cat as you do from a dog. The word "obedience" simply isn't in his vocabulary. If you ask a cat to do something he wishes to do, he will consent graciously - and that's about the best you can expect.

In addition, you must accept the fact that punishment has almost no effect - except that he may become frightened of you or indignant and ignore you altogether. Cats usually do not like loud noises. A loud "No! No!" or sharp clap of your hands can be very effective. NEVER hit a cat.

If your cat exhibits behavior problems you cannot resolve, there are many behavioral professionals who can help.

Travelling
If you plan to travel, you will need to either take your cat with you or arrange to have someone look after him. Unless you will be gone for an extended period of time, your cat probably will be much more comfortable in his home environment. Arrange for a friend or a "pet-sitter" to check in on him twice a day to provide fresh food and water and to maintain the litter box.

If your cat will be travelling with you, follow these guidelines:

Before the trip, have your cat examined and make sure vaccinations are current. Be very cautious about using pet tranquilizers - your veterinarian will be able to offer the best guidance on when or if these are appropriate.

Don't forget his health record, i.d. tag, a leash and harness (for comfort stops along the way), brush or comb, regular food, food and water bowls, litter box and regular litter, and favorite toys.

Check with hotels and motels before you arrive to make sure pets are allowed.

Here is a listing of the Hollister area hotels and motels and their pet policies:

Cinderella Motel
110 San Felipe Rd., Hollister, CA
Phone: (408) 637-5761
They accept pets upon manager approval. (Sometimes pets have to stay in a travel kennel).

Hollister Inn
152 San Felipe Rd., Hollister, CA
Phone: (408) 637-1641
No pets.

Posada de San Juan
311 3rd. St., San Juan Bautista, CA
Phone: (408) 623-4030
No pets

Ridgemark Golf and Country Club
3800 Airline Hwy., Hollister, CA
Phone: (408) 637-8151
No pets

San Juan Inn
Highway 156, San Juan Bautista, CA
Phone: (408) 623-4380
No pets

Best Western
San Benito Inn
660 San Felipe Rd., Hollister, CA
Phone: (408)637-9248
No pets

If your cat flies with you, check with the airline about layovers and expected temperatures in connecting cities. Any layover can be extremely stressful for your pet and should be avoided. Once you arrive, be sure to retrieve your cat quickly.

Don't feed your cat just prior to travelling. This will help avoid motion sickness.

Whether you travel by car or plane, use a quality, airline approved carrier to transport your cat. He'll be safer and much more comfortable.

Be aware that health certificates, obtainable from your veterinarian, are required for most commercial travel.

The Aging Cat
With proper care and feeding, your cat may be with you to celebrate his 15th birthday or more. As he advances in years, he will need special care and understanding. He may not be as much fun as he used to be, so don't expect him to bounce around like a spry kitten.

When your cat becomes a senior citizen, you will want to keep a special eye on him. Here are some things to watch for:

1.    Have his teeth checked regularly. Erosion of the tooth enamel can cause gum infections.

2.    If your cat is drinking an unusual amount of water, this could be an early indication of a kidney problem. If the symptoms persist, see your veterinarian immediately.

3.    Older cats are less active, so they don't need as much food. Watch his diet so that he doesn't put on a lot of weight.

4.    A loss of hearing frequently plagues the aging cat. You'll want to take this into consideration if you notice that he doesn't respond to your verbal commands.

5.    Drafts pose a special problem for the older cat. Since he will sleep more, make sure that his bed is comfortable and out of drafts.

6.    Be sure the litter pan is easily accessible. Older cats may have difficulty climbing stairs.

A Lifelong Friend
There are few greater compliments than the friendship of a cat. You can't buy or force a cat's friendship. You get affection and respect only when you earn it - and a cat's standards for human conduct are high.

Provide a safe, warm, dry home, good nutrition, regular veterinary care and plenty of love and affection. These will go a long way toward making you and your pet the best of friends, and the rewards will be endless.

Finally, recognize that even with the best of care, your friend's health and quality of life will one day decline. Your veterinarian can help you decide when the time has come to end his suffering. The kindest thing you can do is to help him pass on with dignity.

It is natural to feel sad about this decision and to grieve. Eventually, you may get another cat who will be unique and wonderful, although it will never take the place of the pet you lost.

You Can Help Homeless Pets!
Save Homeless Homer or Morris the Cat symbols from these quality pet food brands. They're worth cash to your local animal shelter!
For more information, and to get a brochure/envelope, stop by the Hollister Animal Shelter at 375 Fifth St. Hollister, CA 95023.

Cat Food
9-Lives® PLUS™

Cat Treats
Pounce®
Pounce® Tartar Control™

Dog Food
Choice Blend®
Cycle® (all stages)
Gaines Burgers®
Gravy Train®
High Protein 28®
Ken-L Ration®
Kibbles 'n Bits®
King Kuts®
Moist 'n Beefy®
Reward®
Special Cuts®
Tender Chops®

Dog Treats
100% Natural Treats
Canine Carry Outs™
Grill Bits®
Hot Doggies®
Jerky Stix®
Jerky Treats®
Meaty Bones®
Pupperoni®
Recipe® Dog Treats
Snausages®