FAQ: Supplies for cats

Yes, what matters to a cat is not square metres but vertical space, hiding places and activity. A tall cat tree, shelves and a windowsill bed can create an interesting environment even in a small flat.

Yes, since adult cats sleep a lot during the day and cope well with being alone. Provide toys and food puzzles the cat can use by itself, and give it attention and play before and after work.

Before getting a cat, check with the landlord and, if needed, put it in the tenancy agreement. A scratching post and window screens help avoid damaged furniture and disputes.

Regular brushing removes hair before it ends up on the furniture. A vacuum cleaner with a pet hair brush, lint rollers and washable covers on the cat's favourite spots also help.

Use an enzyme cleaner that breaks down the substances in urine, since ordinary cleaners often just mask the smell. Avoid products containing ammonia, as their smell can encourage the cat to urinate in the same spot again.

Second-hand cat trees, carriers or litter boxes can save money if they are sturdy and clean. Clean and disinfect them with a cat-safe product before use, and it is better to avoid used soft beds and toys.

The safest are non-toxic, durable materials: ceramic, stainless steel, natural wood, sisal and cotton. Avoid items with sharp edges, parts that come off easily and a strong chemical smell.

Good-quality plastic is usually safe, but scratched plastic bowls harbour bacteria, which in some cats is linked to chin acne. Ceramic or stainless steel is often chosen for bowls.

Check that the base of a cat tree or bed is stable, that there are no sharp edges, protruding nails or loose parts, and that zips and buckles are strong. Inspect toys regularly and throw out worn ones.

Eco-friendly products, such as items made from recycled materials or biodegradable litter, are kinder to the environment. For the cat what matters most is that an item is safe, comfortable and suitable, so choose on that basis and treat eco-friendliness as a bonus.

Recalls are usually announced by the manufacturer, the shop or the State Food and Veterinary Service. Keep the packaging with the batch number until the product is used up so you can check whether it belongs to a recalled batch.

Some items, such as bowls or beds, can be used for both animals. But dog food, parasite treatments and some grooming products are unsuitable or even dangerous for cats, so always read the labels.

Cats are wary of new smells and objects, so they need time. It helps to put the item in the cat's favourite spot, rub it with a cloth that smells of the cat or sprinkle it with catnip.

Catnip is a plant whose scent makes many cats briefly playful or relaxed. It is considered safe, but not all cats react to it, and kittens a few months old usually do not react at all.

At first keep them apart and let them get to know each other by smell, then arrange short meetings with the dog on a lead. The cat must always have a high spot or a room the dog cannot reach.

Yes, but a cat is a predator, so bird and rodent cages must be sturdy, securely locked and placed where the cat cannot reach them. Never leave them together unsupervised.

A covered litter box with the entrance facing the wall, or a box in a room accessible only through a cat-sized opening, helps. You can also place the box higher up if your cat can jump into it easily.

In a quiet spot, prepare a roomy box with soft, easily changed bedding, and keep food, water and litter nearby. It is wise to have the pregnant cat seen by a vet and know in advance where to turn if the birth is prolonged.

After the operation keep the cat in a quiet, warm place and stop it licking the stitches with a protective collar or recovery suit. Follow the vet's instructions on feeding, medicines and wound care.

For the first days a protective collar or suit, a low-sided litter box and a bed it does not have to jump into are useful. Later the main thing is to watch its weight, as neutered cats gain weight more easily.