Even if your cat is strictly an indoor cat, you should ensure that he/she is wearing identification as kitty can easily slip through a door left open even a crack.  Many cats are lost each month in Whistler and unfortunately very few of them are ever found again.  There are many predators such as coyotes in the region. Outdoor cats or lost cats can go begging at other people’s homes and may be taken in there by others believing kitty to be a stray because he/she is not wearing identification. If you allow your cat to go outdoors make sure that he is wearing a tag with his name and your telephone number. If you have an indoor cat and do not wish him to wear a collar you should have your cat microchipped. A microchip is a rice-sized device that is injected under your cat’s skin. It is encoded with an identification that can be read by a scanner and used to trace your pet back to you. Animal shelters and veterinary clinics have these scanners and can use them to find the owners of lost animals brought to them. Microchips are also a good idea for outdoor cats as they are a permanent method of identification, whereas collars can be broken or removed.

Indoors only vs. Outdoors

WAG strongly encourages cats to be adopted as indoor only cats. There are many dangers in the Whistler region including predators, cars, and other cats. Cats that are permitted to go outdoors have a much shorter life expectancy that those who do not go outside. Cats which go outdoors are exposed to a multitude of diseases from other cats such as feline leukemia (caused by a virus), feline infectious peritonitis, and feline immunodeficiency virus. They will also be likely to pick up parasites such as tapeworms, fleas, roundworms and ringworm. Outdoor cats are responsible for killing a large number of birds. They may also be accidentally or intentionally poisoned. If you provide you indoor cat with plenty of toys, a scratching post, and you spend time playing with him, he will remain perfectly happy to stay indoors.

Socialize your cat and spend time with him/her

Cats are predators and need to practice their hunting skills. They require play time to vent their energy and hone their skills. When they stalk you or pounce on a toy they are acting upon their predatory instincts. Spending time playing with your cat also socializes them and gets them accustomed to being with people. This will prevent them from becoming fearful and aggressive towards people.

The best time to socialize cats is during kittenhood by exposing them to lots of different people, other cats and dogs. Get them used to being touched and handled. If you are adopting an adult cat who feels threatened by people the process of socialization can take much longer. Be patient, don’t force them. Allow them to approach you and strangers on their own terms and take steps to ensure that when they do approach you it is a pleasant experience for them. If nothing bad happens when kitty comes near you, he will gradually develop confidence and trust in you.

To get your cat used to being handled, start by touching him only when he is relaxed. Touch him in areas you know he will like, such as the top of the head. Slowly include more areas of the body and as long as the cat remains relaxed, praise him. Broad swishes of the tail are one indication that he is becoming agitated. If his ears are back and flat against his head he is also telling you that he is angry and you should leave him alone.  Learn to watch for warning signals in order to avoid being scratched.

Try to incorporate touching into play time as well. Any time your cat bites you or uses his claws on you say “OUCH”, stop playing, walk away and ignore him. You have reprimanded him by bringing an end to his fun. Always avoid using your hands as toys. This teaches him that it is OK to claw and bite at you. Instead, tie a ball to a string, toss it around and drag it across the floor.

Spaying and Neutering

At WAG it is our policy that all animals in the shelter are spayed or neutered prior to adoption. Everyone loves kittens, but they do grow up and become cats.  Unfortunately, some people aren’t as interested in them when they grow up and they end up in shelters like WAG.  Shelters across the nation are filled with cats because people don’t have their pets spayed or neutered.  Neutering helps to reduce the pet population problem and get existing pets into loving homes. 

Unneutered cats are very difficult to live with. An unsprayed female cat in heat will yowl incessantly for days on end, keeping you awake at night and attracting unwanted male cats to your home. Unneutered males will mark their territory by spraying very smelly urine inside your home. They also have a tendency to roam and fight with other males.

Spaying and neutering pets helps them live longer, healthier lives. Spaying reduces the risk of mammary and ovarian cancer in females. Don’t be a part of the overpopulation, be proactive and safe, and have your pet spayed or neutered.

 Remove household hazards

Cats are often tempted to munch on indoor plants but many common household plants are toxic to cats. Check to see if any of your plants are toxic to animals and remove them or move to an out of reach location. Be sure to put away breakable objects and remember that cats like to jump onto high shelves!

There are many household substances that are toxic to animals. Keep cleaners and medications in areas that are inaccessible to cats. Chocolate contains a chemical which is toxic to animals and can if fatal in large enough doses. Don’t leave strong, yarn or elastic bands lying about. If your cat ingests these they become caught in their intestines and cause an obstruction requiring surgery. Tie up cords from blinds to prevent your cat from strangling itself. Remember that antifreeze is extremely toxic to cats. Clean up any spills on your driveway, in your garage etc, and ensure your cat does not come into contact with it.

Ensure your cat receives regular veterinary check-ups

Veterinarians recommend annual exams for pets and more frequent check-ups for older animals. After two years of age, one year for your cat is equivalent to four human years. A lot can change in your body over four years and the same is true for your cat. You veterinarian will help ensure that your cat receives proper vaccinations, will monitor your cat’s health, and provide preventative health care. Routine exams are important because it is your cat’s natural instinct to hide any illness and they may not be any outward warning signals to indicate that your cat is sick.