Owning a cat will be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. To enjoy all the benefits of owning a cat, it is vital you take the steps to ensure they stay healthy and happy.
If your cat is less than 12 months old, check out our guide on bringing a new kitten home. No matter the age of your new feline friend, keep reading to find out everything you need to consider when welcoming a cat into your family.
Helping your cat settle in
While it’s exciting bringing a new cat home, remember the environment is new and cats can get extremely scared and stressed. Act calm and allow your cat to explore on their own. They may not want to play or interact with you for several days. Don’t worry; they will come around in their own time.
To help them feel more secure, provide a warm, soft and cosy area for your cat to retreat to.
Don't let your new cat outside for two weeks, whether they're a kitten or an adult, so they have time to settle in and recognise your home as theirs. Before they head outside, check they're fully vaccinated, microchipped and ready for outdoor adventures.
What food should cats eat?
Cats are not little dogs and should not be fed dog food. They are ‘obligate carnivores’ and require more protein and other nutrients than dogs. Wet food is fine but it is important to always feed some dry food too, as it’s much better for your cat’s teeth!
Feed your cat once or twice a day. Premium adult cat food is full of the right nutrients in the right proportions, unlike many supermarket foods. Make sure you give your cat the correct portion of food each day and avoid topping up the bowl every time they meow or ask for more, as this can easily make your cat overweight.
There is no need to give cats milk — fresh water is far better for digestion.
Vaccinating your cat
Cats are at risk of a number of serious diseases, including feline enteritis, feline respiratory diseases and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) - similar to the AIDS virus.
These diseases are debilitating and can be fatal, so vaccinating against them is vital. Your cat should have been vaccinated as a kitten, so yearly boosters should be sufficient.
If you have any doubts about your cat’s vaccination status, an immediate course of two injections, four weeks apart is required. For FIV vaccinations, the required course is three injections, each two weeks apart.
If your local Petstock store offers a Petstock Vet service, you can get your cat vaccinated conveniently in store.
FIV is a serious problem among the cat population. It is highly recommended you vaccinate against this deadly disease if your cat has any outdoor contact. FIV is transmitted via biting and scratching and in some areas, up to 25% of outdoor cats are carrying this disease. FIV is extremely serious and can be prevented by vaccinations. Ask your vet for more information the next time you visit.
Protecting against worms
Your cat should be wormed every three months for life. The most common intestinal worms include roundworm, hookworm and tapeworm. Worm treatments are easy to administer and come in the form of a tablet, paste or spot on.
Cats are about 2,000 times more resistant to heartworm than dogs, meaning the general consensus is that it’s less vital to protect against it in cats. However, heartworm disease has been associated with sudden death in cats, so prevention is available and advised.
‘All wormers’ are a good way to protect your cat from all types of intestinal worms. Remember, some worms can transfer from cats to humans, so be diligent.
Dealing with fleas
Fleas carry tapeworm and can cause severe scratching and allergic reactions, known as Flea Allergy Dermatitis.
Protect your pet with good quality cat flea treatment on a monthly basis, all year round. If you're not sure which product is most suitable for your pet, you can ask a Petstock staff member for advice.
If giving your cat tablets is impossible, flea and worm combination spot-on treatments are a great alternative!
Microchipping cats
A microchip is a permanent form of identification implanted under your cat’s skin, helping them be identified and reunited with you if they ever go missing.
While microchipping isn’t a nationwide legal requirement for cats in New Zealand, it is strongly recommended, and some local councils have their own requirements. Your cat can be microchipped at any age, and the procedure is quick and causes minimal discomfort. Once your cat is microchipped, make sure their details are registered with the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR) and kept up to date.
Cat check list
✓ Flea & tick control
✓ Worming
✓ Bedding
✓ Collar
✓ ID tag
Ready to stock up on supplies for your new pet? Shop our full cat collection today.