FAQs on Caring for Cats
What is the best cat carrier?
Carriers with a wide top opening are best so that the pet can be easily lifted in and out. Robust and easy to clean plastic-coated mesh will allow for good visibility with the option of a cover if needed. Carriers with base trays will prevent spillages and damage to your car. Find out more about Cat Carriers.
What is the safest cat carrier?
Carriers without noisy clips or removable parts are safest as these may fall off allowing the cat to escape. Strong plastic-coated mesh carriers retain their shape and cannot be crushed or inadvertently opened. Find out more about Cat Carriers and Travelling with Your Pet.
What is a cat carrier called?
Carry basket, basket, cage. Find out more about Cat Carriers.
How long can a cat stay in a carrier?
Carriers are designed for short term confinement only. The length of time a cat may stay inside a carrier without detriment to its wellbeing will depend on the cat’s health, size of the carrier, ability to access food, water and litter tray, and the temperament of the cat. Find out more about Cat Carriers and Travelling with Your Pet.
Are soft or hard cat carriers better?
Carriers made of plastic-coated mesh are very safe and cannot be crushed or ripped. See our range of cat carriers and find out more about Travelling with Your Pet.
Should I cover my cat’s carrier when travelling?
Cover with a specially designed carrier cover which will allow you to check on your cat from the top or side. Allowing good airflow is important so the fabric used in the cover is of importance. If you don’t have a carrier cover, select a towel or blanket carefully so that you don’t cause overheating. Find out more about Cat Carriers and Travelling with Your Pet.
How big of a pet carrier do I need?
The pet should be able to stand, turn around and lie down easily. This may seem like a small space but many pets like the sense of security this gives them. The inability to move around a lot also reduces the chances of injury in sudden braking or turbulence if flying. See our range of Pet Carriers.
What is scruffing and should I be using it?
Scruffing is holding or carrying a cat using the loose skin on the back of its neck. This is sometimes used to more easily handle cats but can cause distress and injury. MDC’s ‘Must You Scruff?’ campaign is raising awareness about cat handling and recommended techniques. Find out more about Cat Handling and Scruffing.
What is the best way to handle a cat?
Gentle handling of a cat is more likely to lead to successful interactions and reduce the chance of injury to either the cat or the handler. Find out more about Cat Handling and Scruffing.
Is cat neutering free?
Numerous programmes throughout the UK can help you with the cost of getting your cat neutered. It may be a discount based on your circumstances or you might be given a voucher to cover the full cost. You should contact your local RSPCA, Cats Protection, Blue Cross or PDSA as well as your local authority to find out who can help you best.
Will cat neutering change my cat’s behaviour?
As your cat is recovering from their surgery, they may be agitated and want to lick at its wound. The use of a collar to prevent self-trauma will prevent this. The surgery itself results in hormonal changes and can prevent mating behaviours such as spraying in your house and garden. Neutered cats tend to roam less and therefore are less likely to get into a fight or accident. So in essence, the ’negative’ behaviours will lessen or stop, whilst the general character of the cat will remain.
What age for cat neutering?
Kittens will start mating from around four months of age. They are not selective in their choice of mate and will readily breed with their brothers, sisters, and parents resulting in inbreeding. Feline welfare and veterinary professionals recommend neutering kittens at four months or younger.
Where can I find feral cat neutering near me?
Several organisations run throughout the UK providing humane Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR). They use humane traps to catch the cat and transport it to a vet for neutering. The same care and attention is given to feral cats that a pet cat would receive but the means of handling is different to prevent injury. Absorbable stitches are used and the cat has it’s ear tipped to identify the cat as neutered to avoid trapping or anaesthetising it again. Contact your local RSPCA, Blue Cross, Cats Protection or local rescue to find out who can help you best.