FAQ

At Heart'nsoul

Q:What type(s) of food do you feed?

A:Here at Heart'nsoul we feed TLC Whole Life All Natural Cat food. Please see "Diet - TLC" for more information.

Q:What type of litter do you use?

A: Here at Heart'nsoul we use pine pellet litter. It is 100% biodegradable, naturally attacks and reduces odors (big bonus!) and is virtually dust free (so important with the extreme faced breeds!). Pet Stores sell pine pellet litter in smaller bags and charge a huge fortune for it so we highly recommend checking out a feed mill in your area and purchasing pine pellet horse BEDDING (which is exactly the same product as pine pellet litter!).

Q:What type of litter boxes do you use?

A: Here at Heart'nsoul we use uncovered litter boxes and although we are not against covered litter boxes we highly recommend that if you purchase a Heart'nsoul kitten, that you start off with an open litter box and slowly introduce a covered litter box to prevent urinating and defecating outside of the litter box.

Q: Do you cage your cats or kittens?

A:At Heart'nsoul our cats are raised and loved underfoot. Of course, we cannot have unplanned breeding going on so our stud cat(s) have their own large enclosures. Our newborn kittens and their moms are kept in either our bedroom in octagon tents or in medium sized enclosures until they are old enough to walk around and eat and drink on their own. At this time, they are moved to our kitten nursery, which is a SAFE room where the kittens can play and have room to run around with their moms until it is time to be weaned. We do not like to have our young kittens in the main part of the house in the fear that they will be trampled by our children or our rambunctious English Bulldog, or possibly disliked and hurt by our older cats. It is also very important to not introduce kittens to any cats aside from their mother until they have been fully vaccinated. Our kittens are well socialized and loved as we spend plenty of time in our kitten nursery with them.

Q: What shampoo(s) do you use on your kittens and cats?

A:At Heart'nsoul we really love (and recommend) using WAHL Pure-N-Clean shampoo. It is a hypo-allergenic, colorless shampoo with a light scent, providing mild cleaning with thick lather leaving a "brilliant, deep shine". Tearless, natural pH balanced and biodegradable. We recommend this shampoo to kitten buyers because it is easier to obtain then the shampoo we most often use which is Chris Christensen Clean Start. We also use Davis Miconazole in our bathing routine. This is a an anti-fungal shampoo used to treat ringworm and dermatitis. We had, in the past (2010), dealt with ringworm after we brought a new cat into our cattery from Nevada. We also show our cats and one in three cats at a show hall carry ringworm spores. Since Persians and Himalayans are prone to developing ringworm infections we like to incorporate Miconazole into our weekly bathing routine to prevent our cats from getting ringworm. We also highly recommend to anyone looking at adopting a cat to treat their cats once a week for four to six weeks using an anti-fungal shampoo. It's better to be safe than sorry and unfortunately ringworm is becoming more and more common in catteries and shelters and animals with ringworm are regularly being taken through veterinary offices and show halls. It is becoming quite a widespread issue and as we all know, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Q: How often do your cats and kittens visit your veterinarian?

A: Here at Heart'nsoul, our kittens see our veterinarian at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and if still here (not adopted) at 16 weeks. During each visit the kittens are given a full examination and receive their FVRCP vaccine. It is of the utmost importance the they receive three FVRCP vaccines four weeks apart. At the 16 week check up they also receive their Rabies vaccine. After that, our cats see our veterinarian annually for their FVRCP and Rabies booster as well as a full examination to ensure they are healthy. And of course, our cats and kittens see our veterinarian when ever else we are at all concerned about any thing.

Q: Where is your vets office and who is your veterinarian?

A: My vets office is just a 5 minute car ride from my home! We use Ostrander Veterinary Clinic located in Mt. Elgin, ON. The veterinarian we use most often is Dr. Julie Boutin.|

Q:At what age do you let your kittens leave your care?

A:Here at Heart'nsoul we do not allow our kittens to leave any earlier than 12 weeks of age, after they have received their second FVRCP vaccine and have been given a second examination by our veterinarian.

Q: What disinfectant do you use?

A: At Heart'nsoul we use two disinfectants. One is good ol' bleach and water dilute 1:10 and the other is Virkon Disinfectant, possessing wide spectrum virucidal, bactericidal and fungicidal activity.

FAQ

General

Q:How many litter boxes should I have?

A: The general rule is to have one litter box PER CAT plus ONE additional. If you have multiple cats, obviously this isn't always an option. I would however not have any more than two cats sharing one large litter box.

Q: How often should I clean the litter box?

A: I can't stress enough how important it is to clean a litter box at least once per day. Cats are very "clean" animals and do not like to step in their own feces and urine. If their litter box is not kept clean, they may resort to going some where else. Many pet owners become furious with their cats when this happens but in many cases it is the owners fault for not keeping their cats litter box clean enough. And unfortunately, many times, when a cat starts going to the bathroom outside of the litter box, they continue to do so. So, be smart - keep your cats litter box CLEAN.

Q:Should I allow my cats to free feed?

A: I am personally all for free feeding but in certain circumstances, such as a medical issue or when a cat is over weight, free feeding is not an option. However, for the most part, I feel that cats should be able to eat when they feel like doing so (just as we do).

Q: How often should I brush my cat?

A: This all depends on the breed of cat you have and the cats level of tolerance. Short and medium-haired cats are generally fine with weekly brushing to remove dead hair and redistribute skin oils. Cats with short hair rarely need to be bathed unless they are unusually dirty or unable to clean themselves due to poor health. Long-haired cats need to be brushed several times a week or even daily to keep tangles and matting under control. The Persian and Persian-related cats benefit from a daily brush. They also may need to be bathed every month or two to keep the long coat clean. Benefits of brushing your cat include: keeps the coat and skin clean and in good condition, reduces the amount of hair on your clothes and furniture, decreases hairballs, helps allergy sufferers tolerate your cat better, helps discover certain health issues that you may not have noticed if you had not spent the time grooming your cat (wounds, fleas, ticks, lumps, rashes, weight loss, ingrown toenails, ear infection).

Q: How often should my cats nails be trimmed?

A: Every 2-4 weeks your cats nails should be trimmed.

Q: How often should I clean my cats ears?

A: Cats ears do not need to be cleaned all that often. There are solutions that can be purchased at pet stores to be used in your cats ears when they have been bathed (to help clean and "dry" the ears). We like Naturvet Ear Wash with Tea Tree Oil. After applying a couple drops and massaging the base of the ear, you allow your cat to shake his/her head to get rid of any loose debris and then you take a cotton ball and gently wipe the cats ear clean (don't go too deep). Personally, I would only do this every few months as it isn't necessary unless your cat has ear mites or an infection in which case your vet will prescribe certain drops for you to use and will give you instructions on how to use them.

Q: My cat scratches my furniture, what options are there aside from de-clawing?

A: There are many other alternatives. Having scratching posts are a good idea and to help attract your cat to these even more, try spraying them with catnip. Keeping your cats nails trimmed regularly will also help prevent them from scratching the furniture. Soft Paws are acrylic nail caps that are glued onto your cats claws. The idea is that the blunt nail will not be sharp enough to cause damage. Unfortunately these need to be replaced quite often (every couple weeks) but they come in a large range of colors and IMO, are a much better alternative than de-clawing.

Q: Are there cats for allergy sufferers?

A: Many people feel that if a cat is "hypo-allergenic" that they won't cause allergies. This is NOT true. There is a difference between hypo-allergenic and non-allergenic. Sadly there are NO non-allergenic cats. Hypo-allergenic cats produce FEWER allergens than regular cats. A protein (Fel D1) is the allergen in the cat's saliva is what causes problems for allergy sufferers. Once your cat licks her coat, the allergen-laden spit dries and becomes airborne, seeking a warm home in your nose and sinuses. Some breeds of cats produce less of this protein than others, making them hypo-allergenic (Balinese, Oriental Short hair, Javanese, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, Sphynx and Siberian).

Q: Should I adopt another cat to keep my current cat company?

A: There is no easy answer to this question. Many things need to be taken into consideration. Such as: is your cat older? Friendly towards other cats? Dominant? How long has he/she been an "only" cat? Is your current cat altered? A male or a female? The list goes ON.

The simplest answer is that if you are planning to buy a new kitten, unless you are going to be home every day and plan to spend plenty of quality time with your new addition, that yes - getting two kittens rather than just one would be ideal. In particular, if the kittens are siblings or have been raised together. If you have a kitten or young cat and are looking at getting him/her a companion, if the kitten/cat is altered and you are adopting another kitten or young cat (that is altered) chances are, they will get along just fine after getting to know each other. But bringing in a new kitten/cat when you have an older cat who is not use to being around another feline is not the best idea - although in many cases things work out just fine, especially if the older cat has a gentle disposition. And if you have a cat who is quite dominant, although he/she may tolerate another cat/kitten, chances are, he/she would be the type of cat that would prefer to be an "only pet". Keeping two unaltered cats together no matter what the age, is not a brilliant idea.

Q: Should I adopt a kitten or an adult cat?

A: Kittens are fun, active, playful and lets face it, adorable. BUT, there are many cats who are in need of homes (purebred and not) and who are also fun, active, playful and super cute/beautiful. Personally, it all depends on what you are looking for. Many feel that there won't be a connection if they adopt a cat but truth be told, that's not true. I've heard many wonderful stories about adopted adult cats who have become super close to their new owners, forming a very close bond with them. Cats are smart and know when they have been given another chance. Once they have realized that they are in their new home permanently, they really start to bond with their new owner (savior). So don't overlook adopting a cat if getting a kitten isn't some thing you feel the need to do. OR perhaps you could even think about adopting a cat AND adopting a kitten!!

Q:How often should my kitten see the vet?

A: Typically kittens should see a veterinarian three times in the first 16 weeks of life (8wks, 12wks and 16wks). Each time your kitten should receive an FVRCP vaccine and have a complete physical examination done. At the 16 week check up the vet will also administer a Rabies vaccine, which in Canada is the LAW. It is so important for your kitten to receive the three FVRCP vaccines to ensure they are fully protected! One vaccine will do NO good - they need to have the boosters! After they have received their three FVRCP vaccines and their Rabies vaccine, they only need to see the veterinarian annually (or when needed) for a physical examination and a FVRCP and Rabies booster. At their 16wk check up it would be a smart idea to book your kittens spay/neuter for when they will be 6 months of age. Be sure that your kitten has been fully de-wormed as well.

Q: Is a Persian the right breed for me?

A: You can only really answer this question yourself. Yes, the Persian is a beautiful cat and they always have this cuteness about them regardless of their age! But, the breed has it's ups and downs and you should really do your research before purchasing ANY breed of cat to ensure you can handle the work involved in caring for them properly and so you know of the common health issues that affect the breed. Persians require regular brushing (daily) and bathing (monthly) to keep them looking (and feeling) great. Due to having the "extreme" face, the breed can have/develop: brachycephalic airway syndrome (partial blockage of airflow through the upper respiratory tract); excessive tearing or epiphora (overflow of tears down the face that results from either obstruction of tear drainage through the tear duct system or overproduction of tears the overwhelms the normal drainage system); ulcerated cornea (because of the breeds large eyes it is very easy for adults or kittens to scratch their eyeball or to become scratched in the eyeball); small nostrils; skin infections (due to the excess tearing, if their faces are not cleaned properly each day, with the lack of circulation to the face, it is very easy for the Persian to develop infections and fungus in the folds on their face); Malocclusion's (the short wide, head causes increased tooth crowding, causing the teeth to rotate or overlap). To learn more about these conditions feel free to visit this website ( http://www.worldofdani.com/healthproblemsextremepersiansen2.htm ). Personality wise, I don't think any one could go wrong with the Persian. They are a quiet and relaxed breed, and one of the most affectionate and loyal breed of cat.

Q: How are Persians with children?

A: Being a breeder of these beautiful cats, I can say with great certainty that if raised from a young age with children, they will become your child's best friend. These cats are very docile, loving and gentle - not to mention playful at times as well. But, if you have children you must be sure to tell this to the breeder you are planning to get a kitten from. And if at all possible, you should get a kitten from a breeder who has children. Not ALL Persians will tolerate children especially if they have not been raised with them. So just be careful and ask questions. Each cat has a different personality, so this should also be taken into consideration because even if raised with children, although MOST, not ALL will be fond of them.

Do you have a question that you would like answered about Heart'nsoul Cattery OR about felines in general? If so, please CONTACT US