The Pet Parent Guide to Cat Guardianship
This course is intended to give new pet parents an overview of considerations to think about when you start your search for your new cat, and some tips about navigating your life with your feline friend!
Welcome
Kittens Versus Adult Cats
Bringing Home an Adult Cat
Bringing Home a Kitten
Approximate Annual Cost to Care for Your Cat
Making Sure the Whole Family is Onboard
Cats and Kids
Preparing Your Home For Your New Cat
Dymystifying Cat Behaviour
How Cats Learn
What Influences Behaviour
Meowing
Out of Box Elimination
Climbing and Jumping on Furniture
Scratching and Destructive Behaviour
Fearful Cats and Hiding
Should You Scold or Punish Your Cat?
Resolving Problem Behaviour
Health, Wellness and Enrichment for Cats
What Is Husbandry?
The Five Freedoms
The Five Domains
Health and Wellness Checklist
Cat Nutritional Needs
Should I Give My Cat Treats?
Human Food That Is Safe For My Cat
Human Food That Is Unsafe For My Cat
Common Plants That Are Toxic For Cats
Feline Enrichment
Should Cats Go Outside?
Can I Take My Cat For A Walk?
Alternative Ways To Provide Outdoor Enrichment
Multi-Cat Households
Play Enrichment
Can Cats Be Trained?
Cat Tricks
The Importance of Rest
Veterinary Care For My Cat
Routine Check Ups
Vaccinations
Prevention for Common Parasites
Heartworm
Ticks
Fleas
Pet Emergencies
Tags, Microchips and Licenses
Pet Insurance
Grooming Your Cat
Nail Trimming
Boarding Facilities
Bringing Home Your New Cat
What to Expect In The First Month
Creating a Sanctuary Room
Environmental Enrichment
Scratching Posts
Vertical Spaces
Providing Hiding Opportunities
Toys and Play
Social Interaction
Introducing Your Cat To Resident Pets
Cat Proofing Your Home
Slow Supervised Introductions
Interacting With Your Cat
Petting Your Cat
Building A Bond With Your Cat
Reading Cat Body Language
What Tail Flicking Means
Recognizing Signs Of Stress Or Fear
Body Language Interpretation - Putting It All Together