Your New Cat & You How to Prepare for Your Life Together Lisa Whittaker Technical Writing 24 February 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS PURPOSE 3 FIRST DAYS AT HOME.. 3 CAT YEARS....4 COST & THE BASIC NECESSITIES 5 NUTRITION 8 LITTER BOX MAINTENANCE...10 SCRATCHING & ALTERNATIVES TO DECLAWING...11 CONCLUSION...13 SOURCES...14 2
PURPOSE Once adopted out, one in every 10 dogs and cats is returned to a shelter, given away, lost or dead within six months (Jackson, par. 1). Caring for a pet is a lifelong commitment that should be carefully thought through. Making an effort to understand the amount of time, money and effort that goes into cat care could decrease the number of cats returned to a shelter or abandoned. This document outlines the financial responsibilities of owning a cat. It also explores emotional responsibilities in terms of catering to her needs and making the best decisions for her well-being. Before bringing a new cat home, there are a few things to keep in mind: 1. Set aside a monthly and yearly budget so that you can care for her financially. 2. Know what nutrients she needs to maintain a balanced diet. 3. Adjust your schedule to keep up with her feeding and cleaning needs. 4. Consider the effects that declawing will have on her before having it done. Caring for a cat requires patience, dedication and understanding. She will have unique needs and behaviors that may not always be lovable. Knowing and accepting this before you adopt can help increase the number of cats living a full life in a happy home. FIRST DAYS AT HOME Cats are territorial and may not adapt quickly to new surroundings. Even though she may have been friendly and clingy in the shelter, for the first few days in a new home, she may become stressed and hide. This is no different than the nerve-wracking feeling you may experience moving to a new city. Allow her to explore at her own discretion, and don t be discouraged if it takes a few days for this to happen. She may run to a smaller room or a closet when you first bring her home. Do NOT force her to go somewhere she is not yet comfortable as this could make her more fearful of exploring. Allow her a few days to adjust to the new environment. Be sure to play and bond with her to ease the anxiety. But also, don t be surprised if she hisses or swats at you for petting too much, or in the wrong spot. Know when she has had enough interaction and give her adequate time alone to deal with the transition. If she is still hiding after a few days, use treats and toys to encourage her to explore. Again, do NOT force her out. Show her that positive rewards also exist outside of this small area. 3
Include the following in a small, secluded area to make her adjustment easier: Food & Water Toys Litter Box Cat Bed / Blankets (or anything warm to sleep on) Yourself Cat Tree (or access to higher levels for exploration) CAT YEARS You just adopted a cat from a shelter and were told her age. But cats mature much differently than humans. Understanding how old your cat is in comparison to you can help explain certain behaviors and why they may develop serious health issues at what seems like a young age. See the conversion chart below to compare your cat s age to your age. Comparing Cat Years to Human Years Cat s Age (Years) Human s Age (Years) 1 15 2 24 3 28 4 32 5 36 6 40 7 44 8 48 9 52 10 56 11 60 12 64 13 68 14 72 15 76 19 80 17 84 18 88 19 92 20 96 Figure 1 Cat years converted to human years *Data collected from http://www.purina.com/ 4
COST & THE BASIC NECESSITIES Before bringing her home, there are a few things that you should already have in place. Creating a cat-friendly environment before she enters her new home will make the transition easier and allow her to feel more comfortable. The following chart provides a very basic list of items you should have before bringing her home. The price range of these items can vary greatly depending on the amount, brand, and type of item. For example, a basic litter box and scooper can cost you $10, while a self-cleaning litter box can cost hundreds of dollars. ITEMS TO HAVE BEFORE YOUR CAT COMES HOME Item Food $10 - $50 Food & Water Bowls/Feeders $5 - $40 Treats $1 - $5 Litter Box & Scooper $10 - $250 Litter $10 - $35 Scratching Post/Cat Tree $5 - $500 Toys $5 - you decide Grooming Brush $10 - $40 Cat Carrier $10 - $200 TOTAL $61 - $1100 + Cost *Prices based on a comparison from PetSmart, Petco, Target and Walmart. Prices vary depending on the store. Figure 2 Cost of necessary items for your cat s first day home First Year Expenses Figure 3 Budgeting for first year of cat ownership 5
BRAND The chart above illustrates how much you can expect to spend in the first year depending on your cat s unique needs. Prices vary depending on where you buy the products, which brand you choose and what medical needs your new cat has. Monthly Expenses Food $10-$40 per month Choosing a food that both you and your cat agree on can be a challenge. In order for you to live a long, healthy life it is important to maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet. The same thing is true for your feline friend. But keeping her happy and healthy can come with a hefty price tag. Monthly cost will depend on your budget, which food you choose for your cat, and her eating habits. You can expect to pay anywhere from $10-$50 per month. See the Nutrition section for more information on what her food should contain. Dry cat food can range in price from $7.00-$30.00 for a 7 pound bag. Many of the more expensive foods are specifically designed for specific medical conditions. Most 7 pound bags fall in the $10.00-$23.00 range and can last for a month or longer depending on your cat s eating habits. No matter which food you choose, there will be a feeding guide on the bag. This tells you how much your cat should eat on a daily basis based on weight. Monitoring her daily food intake can fight obesity, diabetes, and other serious health issues. The figure below compares the price of 5-7 pound bags of popular cat food. RETAIL PRICE OF DRY CAT FOOD Royal Canin Nutro Natural Choice Purina Pro Plan Hill's Science Diet Blue Buffalo Fancy Feast Nature's Recipe Iams Friskies Meow Mix Whiskas 10.99 8.99 8.49 7.99 22.99 21.99 21.99 20.99 17.99 16.99 29.99 $0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25 $30 $35 PRICE IN USD Figure 4 Retail price of basic indoor formula 5-7lb bags of dry food *Price will vary by store. Data collected from Petsmart and Petco 6
Treats $1.00-$5.00 per month Many of the most popular treats cost $1.00-$5.00 for a 3 oz. package. Treats should be limited based on calorie count, just as humans limit snack intake for a healthy diet. See the Nutrition section below for more information on choosing the right treats for your cat s lifestyle. If feeding guidelines are followed, the monthly cost should only be the price of one bag per cat. Again, this depends on you and your cat. Litter & Accessories $10-$35 per month Litter boxes can last for years if properly maintained. Monthly litter expenses will vary on your cleaning choices. Many new products simplify the daily cleanup process. Other products include, disinfecting wipes, litter mats, and litter liners just to name a few. Refer to the Litter Box Maintenance section for further information and products. Other Expenses Adoption Fee $50-$150+ This depends on where and when you get your cat and also on the age. Kittens are typically more expensive than adult cats, and purebred cats can cost hundreds of dollars. Always ask the shelter about adoption specials, especially around holidays. They may discount the fee, or even waive the adoption fee for a second cat. It is important to remember that these fees often cover spaying/neutering, micro chipping and shots for your cat. This will cut down on veterinary costs in the first year versus getting a cat from an unknown source. These fees also help the shelters rescue and care for other cats in need. Grooming Accessories $10-$50 Even though your cat will spend hours cleaning herself, she still needs a little help for a perfect coat. According to the SPCA, brushing will help keep your pet s hair in good condition by removing dirt, spreading natural oils throughout her coat, preventing tangles and keeping her skin clean and irritant-free ( Groom Your Cat, par. 6). Brushing is also a great way for you to bond with your cat, and only takes 5-10 minutes. The ASPCA suggests that long hair cats require a daily brushing, and short hair cats only require a weekly brushing (par. 7). This also removes excess fur that would otherwise be ingested through regular cleaning and lead to hairballs or digestive issues. Toys & Leisure $5 however much you are willing to spend 7
Toys help your cat stay active both physically and mentally. These can range from empty boxes, small stuffed mice, laser pointers, dangler toys, cat trees, tunnel tubes and everything in between. Encourage your cat to pounce, stalk, chase and remain curious for a healthy body and mind. NUTRITION Grain free, organic, natural, indoor formula, healthy balance, weight control, sensitive stomach. Choosing a food can be overwhelming for you and your cat. Don t be discouraged if your cat doesn t accept the first food you bring home. While some cats will eat almost anything, others are very picky. Ask the shelter which food they used and determine if you want to switch or stick with that brand. Shelters may not have the funds to purchase the most nutritious foods, so you may want to switch to a healthier option. When introducing a new food, mix it in slowly with the food they are used to. If you transition to a new food right away, she may reject it. Mixing new food with old will ease the transition physically and emotionally. Every few days, increase the amount of new and decrease the amount of old food until she completely accepts the new food. Nutrients for a Balanced Diet Water Minerals Vitamins Animal Proteins Taurine Arginine Fats Figure 5 Basic nutrients for a well-balanced diet Data Collected from www.aspca.org, www.purina.co.uk, www.petmd.com Animal Proteins Cats are carnivores by nature. This means they require a diet rich in animal-based proteins rather than plant-based proteins. Look for foods that have a substantial amount of meat as the first ingredients. 8
These proteins promote growth, a healthy immune system and healthy muscles. A deficiency of these can lead to poor growth, loss of muscle bulk, poor coat condition and increased risk of infection through impaired immunity ( Getting the Balance Right, par. 8). Water Fresh water should be available to your cat at all times. It should be placed next to their food and changed at least once a day, unless you have an automatic filtering fountain. Also keep an additional fresh water bowl in an area where she spends a lot of her time. Emptying and refilling daily removes any debris or fur from the water. You will see a pattern with your cat s drinking habits. Modify placement and amount of water as needed. Like humans, cats need water to stay healthy and avoid serious health complications. Minerals Calcium, Phosphorous, Sodium, Chloride, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc, Copper, Iron are the most important minerals for your cat s development according to the ASPCA. A diet balancing these minerals promotes development of bones, teeth and a healthy metabolism ( Getting the Balance Right, par. 7). Purina advises owners that, if minerals are not properly balanced, an excess of one can lead to a deficiency in another ( Getting the Balance Right, par. 12). Your vet is the best source to know whether your cat is getting too many or too little of a certain mineral. Vitamins Vitamins promote a cat s growth, vision, nervous system, metabolism, and help maintain a healthy coat and skin. Deficiencies and excessive amounts should be monitored by your vet to keep your cat as healthy as possible. Fats Fats are necessary for healthy development in cats, but too many can be problematic. Just as it does for humans, fats help to insulate and protect internal organs. They also promote healthy skin and growth and give her energy. Taurine Taurine is a unique amino acid found in meats that serves many functions for cats. It is crucial to feed your cat a diet rich in meat because the taurine promotes healthy functioning of the heart, retina, bile fluid and certain aspects of reproduction ( Cats are Different, page 2). Arginine Arginine is another amino acid important to your cat s system because it promotes healthy digestion and elimination of the protein waste products ( Cats are Different, 9
page 2). A lack of arginine could disrupt the digestive system, leading to diarrhea, constipation or vomiting. Treats: Choosing the Right One Cat treats are essentially snacks for your cats that supplement their normal food. They come in a variety of shapes, textures and flavors. While it may be tempting to reward your cat with treats for positive behaviors, it is important to do so in moderation. If her food isn t fighting hairballs or giving her the softest coat, there are treats specialized for these needs. You can find almost anything for your cat s needs from hairball control, tartar and plaque control, fresh breath, digestive care, and healthy skin and fur. Always follow the guidelines to help maintain a healthy weight for your cat. They may advise you to alter your cat s meals to maintain a healthy daily intake. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other serious health conditions. LITTER BOX MAINTENANCE This is the least desirable part of cat ownership, but unless you can train your cat to use a toilet, it is inevitable. Technology has allowed for some futuristic little box designs to make cleaning a breeze. There are basic litter boxes that can cost under $10, and selfcleaning litter boxes that can cost hundreds of dollars, but save time and hassle which is ideal for some owners. Cleaning Tips Some cats may not approve of the enclosed litter boxes and prefer an open space. This requires you to be much more attentive of the surrounding area. Litter can only hold so much waste, and rarely will mask odors completely. Scoop the box daily so that she has adequate space to do what she needs to do. This also helps keep the odors to a minimum which benefits you and your cat. Like you, she is likely to avoid the box if it is full or smells and may even find another place to do her business. At least once a month, empty the litter from the box completely and clean it with a petfriendly disinfecting solution. This gets rid of any old, used litter that slipped through the scoop. It also helps eliminate odors and stains that may be trapped on the bottom or sides of the box. Sweep or vacuum the area outside of the box regularly, as litter will inevitably make its way out of the box. Even with a litter mat and a hooded litter box, they can still track it out on their paws or swipe it out when they dig. 10
The following accessories will aid in cleanup: Litter Genie Litter Catching Mats Covered Litter Boxes Litter Pan Liners Pet-Friendly Disinfecting Wipes Handheld Vacuum SCRATCHING & ALTERNATIVES TO DECLAWING Why Cats Scratch According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), scratching is a normal feline behavior (16). Scratching can be part of her stretching routine, or a way to mark her territory. It also allows her to keep her nails trimmed and at a comfortable level. Compare it to when you clip your nails to keep them at an acceptable length. Claws are also their main defense method, so they claw at others when they feel threatened. Declawing Process The process of declawing involves much more than simply removing that cat s claws. Dana Atwood-Harvey describes the process in a way that humans can visualize. If you put your hands up in front of you and look at your first knuckle where your nails begin think of them chopped off (317). The Figure below illustrates how far the amputation goes beyond the claw. Figure 6 Declawing procedure. There are two methods that are most commonly used. Amy Marder describes that, the most common method is with a guillotine-type nail trimmer, which cuts the joint between the last two bones of the toe (par. 6). The second method uses a scalpel blade to dissect between the two bones (par. 6). Both methods remove the tendons 11
and ligaments around the bone, leading to less support for the bone as well as their entire body. Common complications arising from the procedure: Pain Bleeding Lameness Swelling Infection Nail Regrowth Imagine how difficult it would be to function without the tips of your fingers and toes. Many basic tasks that people often take for granted would be difficult to impossible. Now imagine the same for your cat. Jumping, stretching, playing, running, and even walking may become difficult for your cat to adapt to after the procedure. Alternative Methods Scratching Posts These come in a variety of styles, sizes and can be covered in anything from fabric, to sisal, to corrugated cardboard, to carpet. Styles range from flat, inclined or curved boards that you can place on the floor or hang on a doorknob, single post scratchers that are held down by a base, and much more elaborate cat trees. It may take a few attempts before you find the material and style that your cat will use. Trimming Ideally, trimming should be done once every 1-2 weeks. As the figure to the right shows, trimming is much more involved than simply cutting the claw. Clipping too far may result in hitting the quick. This is extremely painful for your cat and may scare her from the process in the future. Ask your veterinarian to walk you through the proper cutting methods and depth to avoid hurting your cat. Figure 7 Claw Structure Positive Reinforcements Marder, Atwood-Harvey and the AVMA agree that using positive reinforcements, like treats, petting and praise, can make the trimming experience much more enjoyable for both you and your cat. Also, rewarding her for using the scratching post(s) will encourage her to use appropriate toys instead of scratching your furniture. 12
Soft Paw Claw Tips Soft Paw tips go over the cat s claw and contain an adhesive that attaches them. Ginsberg suggests that the process is simple and painless for the cat, but that you should consult with a veterinarian to show you proper way to put on the tips (par. 22). Figure 8 Claw Tips The only maintenance is replacing them every few weeks as they come off on their own. The caps do not affect the normal growth of the nail, so as the nail grows out, the cap will loosen and fall off, usually after four to six weeks (Ginsberg, par. 23). With the tips, your cat can continue to scratch as normal without hurting you or damaging furniture. This alternative also allows owners to give their cat a bit of style if they desire. As the picture above shows, you can choose a basic clear tip, or other color options. Many brands now have a much larger variety of color and style options. CONCLUSION Caring for a cat is very rewarding, but also very costly and time consuming. Careful consideration should go into the preparation for her arrival home. Make sure you can financially provide her with the adequate amount of food, toys and veterinary care. Also, make sure you can set aside enough time to bond, play with and clean up after her. Not all cats are the same, and finding out which food, toys and littler she will accept may take a few tries, and a lot of patience. Be prepared to deal with possible behavioral and health issues. Also, be aware that she may have some unfavorable habits and behaviors that you will need to adjust to. Make sure you set aside enough time in your schedule to provide her with a clean environment. Patience and compassion is critical for the first few months while she adjusts to the new environment. Set a monthly budget to keep her basic needs satisfied. Also prepare a fund for routine veterinary exams and unpredictable medical conditions. 13
SOURCES Atwood-Harvey, Dana. "Death or Declaw: Dealing With Moral Ambiguity in a Veterinary Hospital." Society & Animals 13.4 (2005): 315-342. Academic Search Premier. Web. 15 Feb. 2014. "AVMA Policy Statement On Declawing Of Domestic Cats." DVM: The Newsmagazine Of Veterinary Medicine 38.8 (2007): 16. Academic Search Premier. Web. 15 Feb. 2014. Cats are Different: How a Cat s Nutritional Needs are Different from a Dog s. PetMD. Pet 360 Media Network, n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2014. Getting the Balance Right. Purina. Nestle, n.d. Web. 12 Feb 2014. Ginsberg, Susan. "Cats, Claws, and Conflict." Animals 126.4 (1993): 26. Academic Search Premier. Web. 15 Feb. 2014. Groom Your Cat. ASPCA. ASPCA, n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2014. Jackson, Clay. Study Finds 10% of Pet Adoptions Fail Quickly. Veterinary Practice News. I-5 Publishing, LLC. Web. 16 Feb. 2014. Marder, Amy. "To Declaw...or Not to Declaw?" Prevention 51.6 (1999): 183. Academic Search Premier. Web. 15 Feb. 2014. 14