Paws, coats and ticks in the Kerala monsoon
From June to September, damp is the enemy. Drying, paw checks and tick searches that keep monsoon walks easy.
Bringing home a new cat
The first week: a quiet room, the right litter and a little patience.
Cats are creatures of territory. A new home, however lovely, is frightening at first. A calm first week makes the next fifteen years easier.
Set up one quiet room before your cat arrives: a litter tray away from the food, a water bowl, a bed or box to hide in, and a scratcher. Keep the door closed for the first few days. Let the cat come out of the carrier when ready; do not pull it out.
Use the same food the shelter or breeder used for the first week, then switch slowly over seven to ten days if you want to change it. Most cats prefer unscented clumping litter, about 5 cm deep, scooped every day.
Play helps a nervous cat relax. A wand toy lets your cat chase without having to come too close to you. Short sessions twice a day, ending with a treat or a meal, are ideal.
After a few days, open the door and let your cat explore the house in its own time. Book a vet check in the first two weeks for vaccines, deworming and a health check.
