Information About Kittens & Cats
KITTENS & CATS - KITTEN & CAT CARE - CAT HEALTH ISSUES - CHILDREN & CATS - LIST OF CAT BREEDS & BREED INFO - CAT NAMES
We all know how gorgeous kittens are, and that cats are great pets. While they are playful, affectionate and great company, they are also quite independent so they are able to cope better than dogs if they are left alone.
Most cat breeds are quiet, but if you'd enjoy a 'chatty' cat - Bengal Cats, Siamese, Burmese, Balinese, Oriental Cats, Siberian Cats, Ocicats, and Tonkinese are all known for being vocal. Cats keep themselves clean, and cat litter training is generally easy. Some breeds require regular grooming. The long-haired breeds such as the Norwegian Forest Cat, Maine Coon Cat, Siberians and Persians need grooming at least once a week. Some even require daily grooming when they are shedding their coat.
Cats don't need the amount of exercise and space that is so important for dogs and puppies, and while cats and kittens love to play and express natural behaviours, they don't tend to make as much mess either! For entertainment, kittens especially enjoy toys. Inexpensive cat toys can be as simple as crumpled paper balls, paper bags, cardboard boxes, and ping pong balls. Catnip and cotton balls in a sock knotted at the end can be a great cat toy. Cat furniture like cat trees and scratching posts are also great, and you can even get 'cat furniture' these days - like a cat house or even a cat condo. You can search for these and other cat accessories - cat beds, cat carriers etc online or from your local pet store here. You could even try making a scratching post with basic materials like sisal, cardboard or wood.
A kitten or cat can teach children responsibility while also helping develop their social and nurturing skills. Basic cat and kitten care also requires that you look after their health by providing: good quality cat food; veterinary care such as cat vaccinations, desexing, and microchipping.
Tips for kitten & cat owners
- Do you have more than one cat? Make sure each has its own food and water bowl, cat litter tray and bed (plus one other spare set for the household). Space these out around the house to avoid competition between cats.
- Do you want your cat to live up to 3 three times longer? Keep your cat confined. Don't let cats and kittens roam free outside. It's easier to set up enclosures than most people realise, much safer for them, and contrary to popular belief, cats don't have to roam. You can build or buy cat enclosures or cat-proof fencing. It can be relatively inexpensive and simple to make sure your cat is safe and happy.
- Learn about the ideal body shape for cats. If your cat is carrying too much weight, do your research on cat food. The best cat food for your cat can be breed dependent and some cats are very fussy. Homemade cat food can be a good option, but you must do you research to ensure your cat is getting all the nutrients it needs.
- Keep up to date with worming treatments and check your cat for fleas. Your local veterinarian can advise you on these, as well as cat vaccinations.
- If you lose your kitten or cat, having a microchip and registration will greatly increase the chance that they will be returned to you. If you move house, make sure you update your information with your local council as well as the microchip registration.
Adopt a kitten or cat
Find cats and kittens for sale and adoption and check our list of Cat Rescue Groups for cat adoptions and Pet Rescue Agencies Australia wide. Pet Rescue groups often have kittens for adoption as well as adult cats.
Registered cat breeders:
We have information about registered cat breeders, what registration really means, and the types of things you should ask for and expect from a breeder. Read advice about how to finding a reputable breeder and see a full list of cat breeders Australia wide here.