EDUCATION
There's always more to learn!
Every cat is different, but our team has compiled a collection of resources that can be used as general care guidelines for our feline friends.
This page should not be used in place of advice from a licensed veterinarian. We recommend yearly vet visits unless directed otherwise by your pet's doctor.
Diet
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One of the most important parts of pet ownership is ensuring that our furry friends are eating and drinking regularly. It is best to talk with a veterinarian about what diet works best for your cat, but we generally recommend that you incorporate wet food into your cat’s daily routine. Most cat food products have guides that suggest portions based on your cat’s weight.
To prevent whisker fatigue and to aid digestion, we recommend choosing elevated, wide, shallow food and water bowls that allow cats to eat and drink without their whiskers touching the sides.”Ergonomic cat bowls” usually fit this description. It is our opinion that automatic feeders should only be used as a last resort. We view mealtime as a bonding experience for cats and their owners. Automatic feeders should not be used as a substitute for human interaction.
See Acclimation for help on transitioning to a new food.
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More on wet food diets: AAHA
More on whisker fatigue: Whisker Fatigue Explained: How to Treat and Prevent It Effectively – Catenary Home
Hydration
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It is very important that we are taking the proper steps to ensure our feline companions are properly hydrated. Unfortunately, cats are prone to dehydration. Dehydration in felines can lead to fatal health issues such as urinary blockages or organ failure. We recommend incorporating wet food into your pet’s diet as well as providing multiple, clean water sources (like bowls and fountains) in your home - away from their food and litter box(s).
More on Hydration: The Importance of Pet Hydration - Hollywood Feed University
Enrichment
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Nobody wants their kitty to be bored! Keeping multiple forms of enrichment in our homes can both greatly improve our cats’ life and help avoid unwanted behaviors. Scratching posts & pads, vertical space like cat trees, and toys they can “hunt” are all great options. We do NOT recommend using laser pointers, as they may cause cats to develop an obsession with lights, shadows, and/or reflections; sometimes called “Laser Pointer Syndrome.” This obsession can carry on even after a play session, which can cause frustration and anxiety in felines. We also do NOT recommend any toys with strings, elastic bands (hair ties), or feathers as these can be choking hazards that may require exploratory surgery to remove.
More on Enrichment: Ultimate Guide to Cat Enrichment: Innovative Strategies for a Happier, Healthier Pet - Hollywood Feed University
More on Laser Pointers: Laser Light Pointers for Use in Companion Cat Play: Association with Guardian-Reported Abnormal Repetitive Behaviors - PMC
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More on Unsafe Toys: My Cat Ate String: Dangers, What to Do & Treatments
Should My Cat Play With String? Dangerous Toys For Cats
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Litter Boxes
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To avoid accidents, it is important to keep litter boxes clean, comfortable, and easily accessible. A general rule of thumb is to have one litter box per cat in a household plus one additional. Litter boxes should be placed in different areas of your home, and should not be placed by food or water bowls. We recommend using large, open-top stainless steel litter boxes. Automatic litter boxes should not replace traditional options. If using an automatic litter box, be sure to avoid brands that physically open and close, as these can cause serious injury or death. Accidents can be a sign of underlying medical conditions. If unusual or persistent accidents occur, please contact your veterinarian.
See Acclimation for help on transitioning to a new litter type or location.
More on litter boxes: Jackson Galaxy
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Unsafe plants, foods, & products
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The safety of our cats is our top priority! It is important to educate ourselves on food, plants, and products that are poisonous, toxic, or otherwise harmful to our furry friends. We recommend keeping any plants, human food, or chemicals in a space that is inaccessible to household pets. Any highly toxic plants or flowers, such as lilies, should be kept out of the house entirely. Most mixed bouquets contain flowers that are toxic to felines. If you receive flowers as a gift, it is best to toss them immediately. Thank the sender for the sentiment, of course! We do not recommend smoking tobacco, marijuana, or any other substances around pets.
Signs of poisoning in felines include: uncharacteristic sluggishness, lack of balance, drooling, heavy breathing, diarrhea, seizures, and sudden bouts of vomiting. If you suspect your pet is showing signs of poisoning, contact a veterinarian immediately. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has a hotline available, but be aware that there may be a charge for the call. Their number is (888) 426-4435.
More on poisonous plants: What Plants are Poisonous to Cats? A Guide for Pet Owners - Hollywood Feed University
Comprehensive plant list: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants
More on toxic foods: What Foods are Toxic to Cats? Keep Your Feline Friends Safe and Healthy! - Hollywood Feed University
More on poisonous household products: Poisonous Household Products | ASPCA
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The Feline Grimace Scale ©
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Pain can be very difficult to recognize in cats. The Feline Grimace Scale (FGS) (© Université de Montréal 2019) is a great way to assess your cat if you suspect they are in pain. Download their app or visit their website to easily perform their assessment.
FGS Website: Pain assessment in cats | Feline Grimace Scale
Acclimation
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Change can be a difficult process for our kitties. It is important to have patience when transitioning a cat to a new environment. Slow is the way to go!
333 Rule of Adoption: Click Here
Guide to changing food: Click Here
Guide to changing litter (type or location): Click Here
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Introducing Cats to Pets & Children
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As we said in our Acclimation section, slow is the way to go! It is never a good idea to “hard launch” your new cat to your resident pets and children. A gradual, supervised introduction is absolutely necessary. The introduction process can take weeks, or even months - be patient!
Introducing cats to cats: Introducing Cats to Cats - American Humane Society
Introducing cats to dogs: Introducing Dogs to Cats - American Humane Society
Introducing cats to children: Cats & Kids - American Humane Society
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Declawing
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Paws need Claws!
We do not believe that onychectomy (declawing) is ever an option unless the procedure is deemed medically necessary by a licensed veterinarian.
Removing the claws of a cat is equivalent to cutting off a human finger at the first knuckle, ouch! Declawing a cat permanently damages them, physically and emotionally. Cat claws are necessary for more than just scratching; they are vital for the cat’s ability to stretch. Imagine waking up in the morning and only being able to stretch halfway… miserable.
Some of the most common reasons that cats are surrendered are behavioral issues and litter box accidents. Declawed cats are more likely to exhibit both of these problems. There are many great alternatives to declawing, such as nail trimming, scratching posts, and positive reinforcement training.
More on Declawing: ​​The Ethics of Declawing Cats
Indoor vs Outdoor Cats
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Keep your cats inside!
At Purrgatory Cat Rescue, we advocate for practices and lifestyles that not only help your cats survive but thrive! It is important that your pet cat be kept indoors or in a fully enclosed outdoor space (like a catio) 100% of the time. Keeping cats indoors eliminates a long list of risks, which raises their life expectancy to about 12-20 years, compared to the 2-5 year life expectancy for outdoor cats.
Outdoor cats, even when supervised & fully vaccinated, are exposed to the following risks:
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Traffic, the leading cause of death in outdoor cats
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Predators like coyotes, dogs, other cats, and (unfortunately) humans!
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FeLV and FIV, serious lifelong viruses caught from other cats
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Upper respiratory infections (URIs)
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Fleas, ticks, ear mites, and intestinal parasites
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Ringworm, a contagious fungus that can spread to people
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Toxoplasmosis and other parasites found in soil and wildlife
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Poisoning from antifreeze, rodent bait, toxic plants, etc.
Though leash training your cat may seem like a good compromise, this practice can still put your cat at risk for encountering all of the aforementioned dangers. A harness does not protect our cats from diseases or toxins! Even a perfectly trained cat can be spooked by unexpected sounds, other animals, or traffic and slip out of their harness - cats are like Jello!
A safer option is a catio - a fully enclosed outdoor space that lets your cat enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and birdwatching without the risk. These can be a window, sealed-in balcony, or a backyard enclosure. With a little effort, indoor cats can be just as happy and fulfilled: window perches and bird feeders for entertainment, climbing shelves and scratchers for exercise, and puzzle toys and interactive play for mental stimulation.
Your cat bringing a bird to your doorstep isn’t as endearing as it may seem! Cats are one of the leading reasons for the decrease in the bird population. This includes feral AND friendly outdoor cats. Keeping our pet cats indoors helps us protect both cats and other wildlife.
Your cat depends on you to keep them safe! Let’s set them up for a long, healthy, and happy life indoors where they’re loved and protected.
More on indoor vs outdoor cats: The Dangers of Outdoor Cats - Ethos Veterinary Health
More on the environmental risk of outdoor cats: The Case for Indoor Cats | Wildlife Center of Virginia
More on leashing your cat: Should I walk my cat on a leash? – RSPCA Knowledgebase