A Journey into British breed and feline care

Cats in General

​

Feeding

Balanced diet: Cats need a diet rich in animal protein. Choose high-quality food or cat-specific wet food.

• Kittens: They feed three to four times a day to meet their high energy needs.

• Adults: Eat twice a day to maintain a healthy weight.

Wet food: Include wet food in the diet, as cats have a natural habit of drinking little water. This helps ensure proper hydration and prevents kidney problems such as stone formation.

• Offer wet food in controlled portions and remove the plate as soon as the cat finishes eating to avoid contamination.

Separate meals: Do not allow cats to eat from other people's plates. Everyone should have their own plate to avoid conflict and ensure they get the right amount of food.

• Fresh Water: Provide clean, fresh water 24 hours a day. Choose stainless steel bowls and water fountains, as they help keep the water fresh for longer and prevent problems like feline acne. If your cat avoids drinking water from bowls, try water fountains to encourage consumption.

• Avoid: Milk (can cause digestive problems), human foods such as chocolate, onions, garlic, and fatty or spicy foods, as they are toxic or not appropriate for the cats' digestive system.

• Food supplements: Offer malt regularly to help eliminate hairballs. In the winter, consider supplements that support immunity, and in cases of oily skin, consult your veterinarian about specific options.

​

Behaviour and Socialization

Adaptation period:

• Start by introducing your cat into a small space, such as a quiet room. This helps reduce initial stress and allows him to become familiar with his surroundings little by little.

• Gradually allow access to other areas of the house, expanding the space as you feel more confident.

• Create a "safe haven" for your cat: a place where your cat knows they can hide and has access to food, water, and a litter box. This offers comfort and safety during assembly.

Interaction with humans:

• Let the cat smell it first before trying to touch it. This shows respect and allows him to feel comfortable with your presence.

• Respect the cat's limits. Forcing interactions can lead to stress or distrust. Forcing interactions can lead to stress or distrust.

• Use interactive toys to create bonds in a fun and safe way.

Introduction to Other Animals:

• Keep the animals initially separated in different places. Swap toys or blankets between them so they can smell each other. Offer food to both of you on either side of a closed door, creating positive associations with the other's presence. Reward with treats, such as churu, when both exhibit calm behaviours, helping to build good memories and positive associations.

• Supervise all initial interactions to avoid conflict.

Routines and Sounds:

• Cats are animals that value schedules and routines. Establish a fixed time for eating, playing, and resting.

• Avoid paying attention to the cat at night, even if it tries to bother you. This helps establish healthy sleep habits.

• Be aware of your cat's vocalizations. He will use different sounds to communicate hunger, discomfort, or affection.

• Be consistent in teaching educational commands like "no" or using sounds like "pfff," which mimic natural cat sounds.

Hair Care

In spring and autumn, our beloved cats shed more hair as their body adapts to temperature changes. This hair loss is a natural process that helps it adapt to the climate. So if you notice that your cat loses more hair during these months, don't panic!

• British Shorthair weekly brushing is enough to remove dead hair and stimulate circulation.

• British Longhair frequent brushing (2-3 times a week) is necessary to prevent tangles and reduce the risk of hairballs.

• Use suitable brushes, such as soft-bristled brushes or wide-toothed combs, which are gentle on the cat's skin.

• For pets not intended for shows, consider a hygienic coat finish in the tail area if necessary.

• Cat whiskers (or vibrissae) are essential for the sensory perception of these animals.

They are extremely sensitive and therefore are quite noticeable to mechanical stimuli. If the hair breaks in the middle, it is not painful. However, the situation is different if you pull on your cat's whiskers or if the root becomes inflamed. Basically, a mustache is made up of the root and the hair itself, rooted in a hair follicle (also called a hair follicle). The latter is not only surrounded by a lining of epidermis, but also by a blood sinus. Therefore, this blood sinus is what makes cat whiskers unique as they have exposed nerve endings in their walls. This allows the vibrissae to receive touch and stimuli and transmit them to the central nervous system (CNS). Interestingly, cats don't just have whiskers on their heads, but also on other parts of their bodies. This allows them to identify touch in different situations: when eating, walking or grasping things. Moustaches can be found in the following areas:

• On the muzzle (mouth, chin, over the eyes) and on the ears

• On the inner and outer legs

• Between the toes of the paws

The absorption and transmission of stimuli in the vibrissae is a sophisticated system that contributes to orientation in space. Because when your cat's whiskers come into contact with something, the blood in the breasts vibrates. These vibrations then reach the nerve endings, which in turn transmit these stimuli to the CNS. It is there that the total perception of touch occurs and it is from that moment that the animal can react to stimuli.

• Orientation, in addition to having a very clear vision, the whiskers also help a lot. Because they don't need light to recognize objects and other limitations in space.

• Mood indicator, in addition to the touch function, your cat's whiskers have another important function: to communicate with other cats. In this way, they can use these special hairs as mood indicators.

For example, when cats grow their whiskers, it could mean "I'm particularly attentive." If, on the other hand, you put your whiskers on the ground, it may be a sign that you are in severe pain.

For this reason, for animal welfare reasons, you should not cut or remove the whiskers (the vibrissae) of cats and any other animals.

​

Hygiene & General Care

Litter Box:

• Always keep it clean and in a quiet place. Cats are hygienic animals and can avoid/refuse to use a dirty box.

• If you have more than one cat, provide the number of litter boxes equal to the number of cats, plus an additional box (number of cats + 1).

• Use quality litter that controls odors and won't irritate the cat's paws. Cats are hygienic animals and can avoid a dirty box.

• Use a quality box that controls odors and does not irritate the cat's paws.

• If you opt for an automatic collection box, try to choose the one that best protects your cat, there are safe and intelligent litter boxes, but there are others that are quite dangerous.

Weekly Hygiene:

• Clean eyes, nose and ears with moist pads specifically designed for cats.

• Use wipes to clean the tail if necessary, and consider leg softeners.

Nails:

• Mow regularly to avoid accidental scratches and damage to furniture.

• Never cut the pink part (blood vessels) of the nails. Cut only the white punch.

• Provide scratching posts for the cat to naturally sharpen its nails and meet its needs for stress release and relaxation.

• Declaw : amputation/complete removal of the cat's claw is an inhumane act and comparable to the amputation of human fingers, in addition to being prohibited in many countries. Château DuForte is expressly against this cruel practice.

Baths:

• Only when necessary, because the cats already clean themselves. Consult the veterinarian for suitable products and use warm water.

• Consider emergency dry shampoos or occasional baths with suitable products recommended by the veterinarian.

 

Caring for cats in excess of cold

Shelter and comfort:

• Provide a warm space protected from drafts.

• Padded beds and blankets help keep the cat warm.

• If your cat lives outdoors, make sure it has an insulated, dry shelter.

Controlled heating:

• Use heaters or heating pads, but always monitor to avoid burns.

• Make sure the cat can leave the heated area if desired.

Diet and hydration:

• The cold increases the need for calories. Adjust the diet with guidance from a veterinarian.

• Keep the water available and prevent it from freezing outdoors.

Coat hygiene:

• Brush regularly to keep the hair knot-free and with good insulating capacity.

• Avoid unnecessary baths in winter, as the fur takes longer to dry.

Warning signs:

• Tremors, lethargy, or difficulty moving may indicate hypothermia. Consult a veterinarian immediately.

 

Caring for cats in excess of heat

Cool environment:

• Provide shaded and ventilated places.

• Use fans or air conditioning if necessary, but avoid direct exposure.

Constant hydration:

• Make several bowls of fresh water available around the house.

• Add water fountains to encourage consumption, as cats love running water.

Heat relief:

• Offer damp towels or cold beds, especially on very hot days.

• Lightly wet the cat's ears and paws with a damp cloth to help with cooling.

Avoid times of extreme heat:

• If the cat has access to the outside, limit the exit during the hottest periods of the day (between 11 am and 4 pm).

Warning signs:

• Panting, lethargy, excessive salivation, or vomiting may indicate heat stroke. See a veterinarian immediately.

 

Health

Warning Signs:

• Periodically check your cat's teeth and gums for signs of dental problems.

• Offer toothpaste cookies to help maintain oral health.

• Lack of appetite or weight loss.

• Apathetic or withdrawn behaviour.

• Persistent breathing problems, diarrhoea or vomiting.

• Changes in urinary frequency or defecation (may indicate kidney or digestive problems).

Vaccinations and Deworming: Strictly follow the protocol indicated by the veterinarian to prevent common diseases and parasites. Even cats that live exclusively indoors should be dewormed regularly, as they can be exposed to parasites brought by humans from the street or other animals.

Vaccination:

• 8 weeks of age: Administration of the first trivalent vaccine, which protects against rhinotracheitis, calicivirosis and feline panleukopenia.

• 12 weeks of age: Trivalent vaccine booster.

• 16 weeks of age: Vaccination against feline leukemia (FeLV), especially recommended for cats that have access to the outdoors or that live with other cats.

• From 12 weeks: Rabies vaccination, which, although not mandatory for cats in Portugal, is recommended, especially if you plan to travel with your cat outside the country. The trip can only take place 21 or 30 days after the vaccine, depending on the rules of the destination country.

• Annually: Boosters of the vaccines mentioned to maintain immunity.

It is important to note that the vaccination plan may vary according to the cat's lifestyle (indoor or outdoor) and the risk of exposure to certain diseases. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your veterinarian to define the most appropriate protocol.

Deworming:

• Internal deworming (against intestinal parasites): It should start at 15 days of age and be repeated every 15 days until 8 weeks of age. After this period, monthly deworming is recommended until 6 months and every 3 months thereafter.

• External deworming (against fleas, ticks and other ectoparasites): It can be started from 8 weeks of age, using products suitable for the age and weight of the cat. The frequency of application depends on the product chosen (pipettes, collars, sprays), and is usually monthly.

Regular check-ups: Schedule vet visits at least once a year to ensure your cat's health is up to date.

Hairballs: It is normal for cats to vomit hairballs occasionally, especially during shedding seasons. Brush them regularly and offer malt to reduce the formation of hairballs in the stomach.

Monitoring cats' weight regularly, such as once a month, is an essential practice for maintaining their health and well-being. Here are the main reasons and the importance of this surveillance:

• Identify health problems early

• Significant weight loss: It can be a sign of problems such as:

  • Chronic diseases: kidney failure, diabetes or hyperthyroidism.

  • Infections: such as viruses or bacterial infections.

  • Gastrointestinal problems: Which hinder the absorption of nutrients.

  • Parasites: such as worms, which can lead to weight loss.

• Excessive weight gain: May indicate:

  • Obesity, which increases the risk of diabetes, joint and heart problems.

  • Fluid retention, associated with problems such as heart or liver disease.

• Evaluate nutrition and diet: By weighing your cat regularly, you can adjust the amount or type of food they consume, ensuring they receive the appropriate nutrients for their age, breed, and activity level.

•  Monitor age-related changes

  • Puppies and puppies: Should gain weight consistently, stagnation can indicate developmental problems.

  • Adult cats: Weight should be stable, changes can be signs of health problems or lifestyle changes.

  • Elderly cats: tend to lose weight due to loss of muscle mass, but excessive loss should be investigated.

• Complement to clinical assessment Weight recording regularly facilitates veterinary consultations by providing the professional with detailed information about the animal's history.

• How to weigh the cat?

  • Use a precision scale (such as digital kitchen scales) for small cats, or a bathroom scale for larger cats, subtracting their weight if you hold them in your lap.

  • Write down the values monthly and track weight trends over time.

  • If you notice negative or positive variations above 5-10% of your usual body weight, it is important to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. Sudden changes usually indicate a problem that needs attention.

​​

Heat and Neutering / Sterilization

Heat Behaviour in Females

Female cats go into heat in cycles known as "seasonal polyoestrous," which means they can go into heat multiple times during the reproductive period of the year, especially in the spring and summer. During heat, cats exhibit behaviours such as:

• Loud and persistent meows to attract males.

• Rubbing against objects, people or other animals.

• Mating posture (position with the rear raised and tail deviated).

• Increased agitation and search for opportunities to escape from home to find a male.

These behaviours can last anywhere from 4 to 10 days, depending on whether or not mating occurs.

Heat Behaviour in Males

Males do not go into heat, but react to the heat of females. They are stimulated by smell and hearing when detecting pheromones and the cat's calls. Some common behaviours include:

• Territorial marking with urine, which has a strong odour.

• Meows and cries to attract the female.

• Attempts to escape from home to find hotties in heat.

• Increased aggression, especially in disputes with other males.

These behaviours can be continuous as long as there are females in heat nearby.

​

Importance of Neutering/Sterilization

Neutering is an essential measure to control these behaviours and promote the well-being of cats and owners. Benefits include:

• Reduction of Unwanted Behaviours:

  • Neutered females no longer go into heat, eliminating incessant meows and agitation.

  • Unneutered females tend to loose or not gain weight as their hormones are in constant change,

  • Neutered males are less likely to mark territory with urine and are less likely to fight.

• Disease Prevention:

  • Females have a lower risk of developing uterine infections (pyometra) and breast cancer.

  • Males have a lower risk of testicle related diseases and aggressive behaviours that can lead to injury.

• Improvement in Quality of Life:

  • Neutered cats tend to be more calm, affectionate and focused on the domestic environment.