Project list
Sign in to your account
With project lists you can...
Please sign in or create an account to use Project Lists
Cats are renowned for their independence, especially compared to the more sociable nature of dogs. However, cats still need company and care.
If you own a cat or are thinking about owning one, read on for advice and tips to help keep your cat healthy and happy.
The requirements for microchipping and registering a cat vary from state to state, but it is always a good idea to register and microchip your cat. A microchip is a tiny device implanted under the skin that can be read by a scanner. Ensuring your cat is microchipped and registered, and keeping your details up-to-date, will help you and your cat be swiftly reunited if they ever go wandering.
Desexing your cat (called ‘spaying’ in female cats or ‘neutering’ in males) may qualify you for discounts on the cost of registration. There are other benefits to spaying and neutering your cat, including less likelihood of developing antisocial behaviours like spraying urine, wandering or fighting, as well as a lower risk of some types of cancer.
A collar with ID is optional, but it can help bring your cat home more quickly if they are lost. As a bonus, you can also attach a bell, which will help protect local birds and wildlife. For your cat’s safety, look for a collar with a safety clasp, which releases when the collar gets caught on something, or with elasticised webbing, which stretches to allow your cat to get free.
Cats need a food bowl and another bowl to provide them with fresh water each day. Fountains for cats aren’t essential, but some prefer moving water.
A litter box or tray is a must, as even an outdoor cat may need to be kept inside on occasion. Hooded litter trays give your cat privacy, but you should also position it in a quiet corner of the house. A good rule of thumb is to have one litter box per cat, plus one extra. If you have two cats, for example, you’ll need three litter trays to avoid any territorial concerns. There are lots of different types of litter; you may need to try a few varieties to find out what your cat likes. Get a scooping tool to help you remove any solid matter quickly and easily.
Stock the pantry with high-quality food appropriate to your cat’s age (kitten, adult or senior). There are advantages to both dry and wet food for cats. Dry cat food is economical, convenient and may have benefits for your cat’s dental health. Wet food has a stronger aroma that may appeal to fussy eaters and has a greater water content, which will help keep your cat hydrated in summer.
Remember to check your home for safety hazards such as toxic plants and make sure any chemical products used around the home are safe for cats. (Permethrin, for example, is found in some pest-control products and is highly toxic to cats.)
Authorities like RSPCA NSW recommend that cats be kept inside for their own safety and for the safety of local wildlife. (Domestic cats have decimated wildlife populations.)
“The average lifespan of a cat with outdoor access is estimated to be some 10 years shorter than that of an indoor-only cat,” says Kylie. An indoor life eliminates the risks of being hit by a car, fighting with other animals or getting lost. As long as your cat is equipped with everything they need to express their natural behaviours, they can be perfectly content indoors.
Even if you intend to allow your cat outside, they should be kept indoors for at least one month initially. (Kittens should be kept indoors until they have received their first full course of vaccinations.)
“We recommend all cats are kept indoors always from dusk until dawn and, when outside, confined to your own property either by cat-proof fencing and enclosures or close supervision,” Kylie says.
If you choose to let your cat outside, a cat flap or door is an optional extra that can save you a lot of frustration and early morning wake-up calls. Ideally, choose a pet door that locks, so you can keep your cat inside at night.
“An overnight curfew protects your cat from danger – cats have accidents involving cars, dogs and unkind people primarily at night,” says Kylie. “They are also more likely to hunt at night, putting themselves and wildlife at risk.”
Tip: Ask about our pet door installation, which is available at selected stores.
If you don’t want to keep your cat indoors, a good compromise might be keeping them contained to your backyard. Cat runs are a great way to let your cat enjoy the outdoors in a safe and controlled environment. Alternatively, think about installing cat rollers, which attach to the top of your fence and spin when the cat tries to grab hold of them, making the fence difficult to scale.
Turn a balcony or back deck into a ‘catio’, with escape-proof fencing or netting. Make it fun and comfortable with platforms at different heights, cosy hiding places and snacks to keep your cat happy.
Start your cat care journey with a visit to the vet to discuss essential vaccinations against medical conditions and diseases, plus other necessary treatment plans. “For cats, the core vaccines are feline parvovirus (FPV), feline calicivirus (FCV), and feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1),” says Kylie. “FPV causes fatal disease, while FCV and FHV-1 cause respiratory disease, also known as cat flu. The core vaccines are often referred to as an ‘F3’ vaccination.”
The Australian Veterinary Association recommends your cat receive their full course of core vaccinations, plus the first annual booster, with additional vaccines as recommended by your vet.
Don’t forget regular flea and worm treatments, which are essential to maintaining your cat’s health. (They also help keep your home flea-free.) Choose a product in consultation with your vet and set reminders for the treatment schedule so you don’t forget.
An annual vet check-up is also recommended for your cat, but vet visits might increase as your cat gets older. “A good relationship with a regular vet ensures a continuity of care and means your cat’s medical history is well documented, providing vital information as your cat ages or if they become ill,” says Kylie.
While cats are great at grooming themselves, brushing may be necessary for long-haired cats to help avoid matted fur. It’s also a fantastic way for you to bond with your cat, and helps you keep an eye out for any health concerns, including skin conditions or injuries.
Nail clipping is not usually necessary, although you may want to blunt your cat’s mittens slightly to save your skin or the furniture; older cats whose claws may not be wearing naturally may also need special attention. Your vet can provide advice.
Just like dogs (and people), cats need plenty of mental stimulation. It’s particularly important for indoor cats to have appropriate outlets to express their natural behaviour – climbing, scratching, chasing and pouncing – but indoor and outdoor cats will both love the opportunity to play and bond with their human family. Cat toys are great fun for you and your cat. Invest in a variety, from play wands and balls to cat tunnels.
Scratching is normal cat behaviour. Providing cats with a scratching post will hopefully deter them from doing it on your furniture. Choose a solid post with a broad base that won’t tip over.
Cats like to sit up high, where they can survey the terrain and be safely out of reach of other animals (and small humans). Look for a tall scratching post with a platform or invest in a cat tower. Alternatively, you can earmark a shelf or deep windowsill as their private space. It’s also a good idea to give your cat a place to hide – a cat bed shaped like a cube or similar gives your cat a snug space to curl up and feel safe.
Shop our wide range of pet supplies online or in-store today.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
