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Health & Safety

Home  /  Resources  /  Education  /  Health & Safety (current page)

Microchip Information

A microchip is a small chip implanted just under your cat’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. It contains a unique identification number that is linked to your contact information through a microchip registry. Veterinary clinics and animal shelters can scan the chip to identify your cat and help reunite lost pets with their owners.

All cats adopted from Simply Cats are microchipped and registered at the time of adoption.

Please note: A microchip is not a GPS tracker and does not show your cat’s location. It is a permanent form of identification only.

Simply Cats Alumni Microchips

Cats adopted from Simply Cats are microchipped through 24PetWatch, now connected with PetPlace.

You can use their registry to update your contact information and report your cat as lost if needed.

Phone: 1-866-597-2424
Website: www.petplace.com

When Should You Update Your Microchip Information?

A microchip only works if the information connected to it is accurate. To ensure your cat can always find its way back to you, update your cat’s microchip record anytime you:

  • Move to a new address
  • Change your phone number
  • Change your email address
  • Privately rehome your cat
  • Need to update emergency contact information

Not Sure Which Microchip Company Your Cat Is Registered With?

If you don’t know your cat’s microchip number or the company it is registered with, contact the veterinary clinic, shelter, or rescue where you adopted your cat.

If you have the microchip number but are unsure which registry manages it, use the AAHA Microchip Registry Lookup Tool.

If Your Cat Is Lost

If your cat goes missing, follow the steps in our Lost or Found Cat guide, which includes reporting your cat as lost through the microchip registry and verifying your contact information.

If your cat is found and scanned, the microchip can help connect them back to you.

 

If you’ve adopted your cat from Simply Cats and have questions about your cat’s microchip, contact us at
adoptions@simplycats.org.

Household Hazards

Cats are naturally curious and capable of squeezing into small spaces, chewing unusual items, and climbing where they shouldn’t. A quick “cat-level” safety check of your home can prevent many emergencies.

Common Household Hazards

  • Strings and linear objects: Yarn, dental floss, thread, ribbon, rubber bands, fishing line, and similar items can cause life-threatening intestinal injury if swallowed. Store securely out of reach.
  • Cords and blinds: Secure blind cords and drapery pulls to prevent entanglement. Cover or conceal electrical cords to prevent chewing.
  • Appliances: Keep washer, dryer, and dishwasher doors closed, and always check inside before starting the appliance. Cats may climb inside and become trapped.
  • Cabinets and cleaners: Use childproof latches where chemicals, medications, or small objects are stored.
  • Candles and open flames: Never leave burning candles unattended. Cats can ignite their fur by brushing past them.
  • Windows and balconies: Check that screens are secure. Cats can push through loose screens and fall.

Toxic Substances

Many common plants, foods, and household products are toxic to cats. Always research unfamiliar items before bringing them into your home.

For a comprehensive and regularly updated list of toxic plants and substances, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control website.

Common Toxic Plants

  • Lilies (extremely dangerous, even small exposures)
  • Poinsettias
  • Oleander
  • Azalea
  • Dieffenbachia
  • Holly
  • Mistletoe

Common Toxic Household Items

  • Mothballs
  • Fabric softener sheets
  • Batteries
  • Tobacco products

Common Toxic Foods

  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Chocolate
  • Coffee grounds and caffeine
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Yeast dough

Holiday Safety

  • Secure Christmas trees and avoid tinsel, ribbon, ornament hooks, and exposed wiring.
  • Keep candy and chocolate out of reach.
  • Avoid seasonal plants like poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe.

If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, immediately contact the ASPCA’s Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 (available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year) or your veterinarian.

 

Need support?
Contact us at info@simplycats.org.

Long-Haired Cat Care

Not all cats have the same grooming needs. Coat length and texture determine how much maintenance is required.

Short-haired cats are often able to keep their coats in good condition through normal self-grooming. Long-haired cats, however, have finer, denser fur that tangles more easily and can trap loose hair close to the skin. Without regular brushing, this can quickly turn into painful mats.

Routine grooming helps prevent matting, reduces hairballs, and allows you to monitor your cat’s skin and body condition.

Why Daily Grooming Helps

  • Removes dirt and loose hair
  • Distributes natural skin oils for coat health
  • Prevents tangles and mats
  • Reduces hairballs
  • Minimizes shedding in the home

Start Slowly

Choose a calm, familiar location. Keep grooming tools nearby and pair sessions with treats or gentle praise.

Begin with short sessions, 2 to 3 minutes long, when your cat is relaxed, such as after eating or playing. Gradually increase the duration as your cat becomes more comfortable.

Be Gentle & Methodical

Use a soft brush and work from head to tail in the direction of fur growth.

Follow with a wide-toothed comb to address common tangle areas:

  • Behind the ears
  • Under the chin
  • Inside the front legs
  • Along the belly

For long-haired cats, gently part the tail down the middle and brush outward on each side.

Never cut out mats with scissors. A cat’s skin is thin and can be easily injured. Severe matting should be addressed by a professional groomer or veterinarian.

When Matting Becomes a Medical Issue

Severe matting is more than a grooming concern. Tight mats pull continuously on the skin, which can cause discomfort, restricted movement, and bruising beneath the surface.

Mats can also trap moisture, debris, and bacteria against the skin. This may lead to skin infections, sores, hot spots, or hidden wounds that are not visible until the mat is removed.

If mats are large, tight to the skin, or causing changes in behavior such as irritability, decreased mobility, or reluctance to be touched, seek veterinary or professional grooming care promptly.

Preventive brushing is far safer and less stressful than removing established mats.

Watch for Stress Signals

If your cat becomes tense, flicks their tail sharply, growls, or tries to leave, pause the session. End on a positive note and try again later.

Grooming should feel predictable and safe. Starting when cats are young helps build lifelong tolerance, but older cats can learn through gradual, positive experiences as well.

Key Takeaway

Short, consistent, and positive grooming sessions prevent bigger problems later. Go slowly, respect your cat’s limits, and build comfort over time.


Need support?
Contact us at info@simplycats.org.

Declawing

Scratching is a normal and necessary feline behavior. Cats scratch to remove the outer nail sheath, stretch their bodies, mark territory visually and with scent, and regulate emotion. Removing a cat’s claws removes part of their natural anatomy and behavior.

What Is Declawing?

Declawing (onychectomy) is not simply nail removal. It is a surgical amputation of the last bone of each toe (the third phalanx).

Because the nail’s growth center is embedded within this bone, the entire bone must be removed to prevent regrowth. This means the procedure removes bone, nerves, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and the joint capsule.

This is considered a major surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia, multimodal pain management, and structured post-operative care.

Not a Medical Necessity

Declawing is not medically necessary for the cat. It is performed to address scratching behavior, which is a normal and biologically driven activity.

Leading animal welfare and veterinary organizations strongly discourage elective declawing.

Documented Risks

As with any amputation procedure, risks include:

  • Anesthetic complications
  • Hemorrhage
  • Infection
  • Acute and chronic pain
  • Nerve damage
  • Bone fragment regrowth

Peer-reviewed research has associated declawing with chronic pain, inappropriate elimination, and biting behaviors compared to non-declawed cats.

Because claws are part of a cat’s balance and weight distribution system, removing them permanently alters biomechanics and gait.

Legal & Welfare Considerations

Declawing has been banned in multiple U.S. states and numerous municipalities, and it is prohibited in many countries worldwide due to animal welfare concerns.

Modern veterinary medicine aims to protect normal feline anatomy whenever possible.

Indoor Living

Declawed cats are at a significant disadvantage if allowed outdoors. Without claws, they cannot defend themselves or climb to escape danger. For this reason, declawed cats must remain strictly indoors.

Our Position

Declawing permanently alters a cat’s anatomy for a behavior that is natural and manageable. We do not support declawing and strongly encourage guardians to address scratching behavior through environmental and behavioral solutions rather than surgical amputation.

Key Takeaway

Declawing is an amputation procedure, not routine nail care. Scratching is normal. With appropriate guidance and setup, destructive scratching can be managed without surgery.


Need support?
Contact us at info@simplycats.org.

Managing Allergies to Cats

Many people with mild to moderate cat allergies successfully live with their pets. With medical guidance and environmental management, symptoms can often be reduced to a manageable level.

Start with Proper Testing

Consult an allergist for formal testing. Many people are sensitive to multiple allergens, not just cats. Proper testing can help determine what specific cat proteins your body is reacting to.

Reducing overall allergen load in the home often improves symptoms significantly.

Understanding Cat Allergies

Most cat allergies are triggered by a protein called Fel d 1, which is produced primarily in a cat’s saliva and skin glands.

When cats groom, this protein spreads onto their fur and skin. As saliva dries, microscopic allergen particles become airborne and settle on walls, furniture, carpets, and clothing.

People are not allergic to cat hair itself. They are reacting to proteins carried on dander and fur.

Allergic responses vary widely between individuals. Some people are highly sensitive to very small amounts of allergen, while others tolerate higher levels. There are no truly hypoallergenic cat breeds, and even hairless cats produce allergenic proteins.

Medical Management

Treatment options may include antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, or immunotherapy (allergy shots). Work with your allergist or primary care provider to determine what is appropriate for your situation.

Create an Allergy-Reduced Zone

Designate at least one room, ideally the allergic person’s bedroom, as a pet-free space.

  • Keep the door closed consistently.
  • Use HEPA air purifiers.
  • Consider allergen-impermeable mattress and pillow covers.

Reduce Allergens at the Source

Some cat foods are now formulated to help reduce the amount of active Fel d 1 present in a cat’s saliva and dander. For example, Purina Pro Plan LiveClear has been shown in studies to reduce active Fel d 1 levels in cat hair and dander. While this does not make a cat non-allergenic, lowering the overall allergen load in the home may help reduce symptoms for some individuals, especially when combined with environmental management strategies.

Reduce Environmental Allergen Load

  • Use HEPA air purifiers in main living areas.
  • Vacuum frequently with a HEPA-filter vacuum.
  • Wash bedding, couch covers, curtains, and pet bedding regularly.
  • Minimize dust-trapping materials such as heavy drapes and carpeting when possible.
  • Avoid strongly scented products that may further irritate airways.

Bathing and Grooming

Regular grooming may help reduce surface allergen levels. If bathing is tolerated, use only cat-safe, unscented, non-medicated shampoos and follow veterinary guidance.

Bathing reduces surface allergens temporarily and must be repeated regularly to maintain the effect.

Important Considerations

If someone in the household has severe or life-threatening asthma triggered by cats, careful medical guidance is essential before bringing or keeping a cat in the home.

For many families, a combination of medical treatment, environmental control, and realistic expectations allows them to successfully live with cats despite mild to moderate allergies.

Key Takeaway

With accurate diagnosis and a structured management plan, many people are able to safely and comfortably share their homes with cats.

 


Need support?
Contact us at info@simplycats.org.

Feeding Your Cat

Feeding plays a central role in your cat’s health, weight, behavior, and longevity. A consistent, thoughtful feeding plan supports both physical and emotional well-being.

Nutrition Considerations

Cats are obligate carnivores and benefit from diets high in animal-based protein and moisture.

The current recommendation is that all cats ideally eat a diet of 100% canned food. There is no nutritional or health benefit to feeding dry food, and dry-food diets are associated with many common health concerns in cats.

  • Moisture matters. Canned food is approximately 70% water and helps meet a cat’s natural hydration needs. Cats are designed to obtain most of their fluids from prey, not from drinking separately.
  • More appropriate protein. Canned diets generally contain a higher proportion of animal-based protein and fewer plant-derived fillers.
  • Lower calorie density. Because of its high moisture content, canned food is significantly lower in calories per volume than dry food, even many “weight loss” dry formulas.

When selecting canned foods, consider choosing options without carrageenan. Carrageenan is a thickening agent used in some canned diets and has been associated with gastrointestinal inflammation in laboratory studies. While research is ongoing, many veterinarians recommend avoiding it when possible, especially for cats with sensitive stomachs.

For more information, see Weight Management for Cats and Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease.

How Much to Feed

An average adult cat of healthy weight and moderate activity level requires approximately 200 calories per day. Individual needs may be higher or lower depending on age, body condition, health status, and activity level.

Check the calorie content listed on the food label (kcal per can or per cup) to calculate appropriate portions.

  • Average adult cat (canned only): Approximately 5–6 oz per day, divided into multiple meals.
  • Adult cat eating canned and dry: Approximately 3 oz canned plus a small measured portion of dry food daily.
  • Growing kittens: Free access or multiple generous meals (3–4 per day minimum) until about 7–9 months of age, depending on growth and body condition.

Transitioning to a New Food

If you plan to change your cat’s diet, do so gradually over 7–14 days to prevent digestive upset.

  • Days 1–3: 75% current food, 25% new food
  • Days 4–7: 50% current food, 50% new food
  • Days 8–14: 25% current food, 75% new food
  • Then transition fully to the new diet

If decreased appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea occur, slow the transition.

Feeding Schedule

Cats do best with multiple small meals per day rather than unlimited access to food.

Feed at consistent times each day to reduce stress and better monitor appetite and health.

While not recommended, if dry food is part of a cat’s diet, provide measured portions to allow better weight control and appetite monitoring. Free-feeding dry food often leads to overeating and weight gain.

Using Food for Enrichment

Food can provide mental stimulation as well as nutrition.

  • Place small portions in different locations to encourage movement.
  • Use food-dispensing toys to mimic natural hunting behavior.
  • Rotate enrichment tools to maintain interest.

If your cat is new to your home, introduce food puzzles only after the cat is fully settled and eating reliably.

Monitoring Appetite

Know your cat’s normal eating habits. Sudden decreases in appetite can signal stress or medical concerns.

If your cat eats little or nothing for more than 24–48 hours, contact your veterinarian. Overweight cats and young kittens are at greater risk for complications if they stop eating.

Key Takeaway

A moisture-rich, meat-focused diet with measured portions supports long-term health. Consistency, appropriate nutrition, and daily appetite awareness are key.

 


 

Need support?
Contact us at info@simplycats.org.

Benefits of Spay/Neuter

Spaying and neutering is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your cat’s health and support the broader community.

Health Benefits

  • Prevents uterine infections and significantly reduces the risk of mammary cancer in females.
  • Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer in males.
  • Reduces roaming, fighting, and hormone-driven behaviors.
  • Lowers exposure to communicable diseases such as Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), which are more commonly spread through fighting.

On average, spayed and neutered cats live longer than unaltered cats due to reduced risk of disease, injury, and reproductive-related complications.

Behavior Benefits

  • Reduces urine marking and spraying behaviors.
  • Decreases vocalizing associated with heat cycles.
  • Reduces escape attempts related to mating behaviors.
  • May decrease certain forms of aggression linked to reproductive hormones.

Community Impact

Cats can reproduce as early as four months of age. Without intervention, even one unspayed female and her offspring can contribute to exponential population growth in a short period of time.

Spaying and neutering prevents unplanned litters and reduces strain on shelters and community resources.

Key Takeaway

Spaying and neutering supports longer, healthier lives for individual cats while helping prevent overpopulation and suffering in the broader community.

Need support?
Contact us at info@simplycats.org.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do for your cat’s long-term health and quality of life.

Why Weight Matters

Excess weight reduces mobility, comfort, and lifespan. Even modest extra weight can increase the risk of serious medical conditions, including:

  • Diabetes
  • Urinary tract disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Fatty liver disease

Creating a Safe Weight Loss Plan

If you believe your cat is overweight, consult your veterinarian before starting a weight loss program. Rapid weight loss can be dangerous for cats.

Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate diet and daily calorie amount based on your cat’s ideal weight.

Canned food is generally lower in calories and higher in moisture than most dry foods and may support healthier weight management.

Smart Treat Strategies

  • If dry food is part of your cat’s diet, reserve a portion of the measured daily amount to use as treats.
  • Use treat balls or food puzzles to make meals more interactive and increase activity.
  • Offer small, measured meals rather than free feeding.
  • If your cat begs for food, try offering play or attention instead of extra calories.
  • Provide multiple fresh water sources throughout the home.

Encouraging Activity

  • Rotate the location of food bowls or divide meals into small portions placed in different areas to encourage movement.
  • Move food away from favorite resting spots.
  • Engage your cat in at least 10 minutes of active play daily.
  • Rotate toys regularly to maintain interest and stimulation.

Multiple-Cat Households

Feeding cats separately is often the most effective strategy.

  • Feed each cat in a separate room.
  • Offer meals for a set period (15–20 minutes is typical), then remove uneaten food.
  • Avoid leaving food out when unsupervised, as it’s difficult to monitor intake.

Key Takeaway

Healthy weight management is about consistency, portion control, and enrichment. Gradual, veterinarian-guided weight loss supports long-term health and comfort.

 


 

Need support?
Contact us at info@simplycats.org.