Due to their genetic disposition, wolf cats are more energetic and muscular than the average house cat. For this reason, they need high protein food to meet their energy needs and to prevent obesity.
Type of Food:
- Cat food with chicken, turkey or fish mutton, or any other food with a high protein content is the best.
Avoiding:
- It is better to avoid cat foods that contain corn or wheat as they may cause the cat to gain weight or develop an allergy.
Feeding Schedule:
- Adults: It is better to feed them two to three times a day to prevent overfeeding.
- Kittens: Four to five meals should be given to the kittens to help them grow.
Portion Control:
- You should watch their weight and change the portion size accordingly. Obesity is bad for their joints and can decrease their life expectancy.
Hydration:
- As with other cats, wolf cats need water daily. A cat fountain may be helpful as they prefer running water.
Another striking feature of the wolf cats is that they have a dense fur which is quite wolf like. It is very important to comb the pet to prevent matting and control shedding.
Brushing Routine:
- Long-Haired Breeds: Brush daily with a stainless steel comb for de-tangling and to remove shed hairs.
- Short-Haired Varieties: Brush two to three times every week to maintain their soft and shiny fur.
- Shedding Seasons: Brush more frequently during the spring and fall when they shed their undercoat heavily.
Bathing:
- Wolf cats are notoriously adverse to bathing but should be washed when necessary (every 2-3 months) using a mild cat shampoo to help eliminate odours. Light water & warm temperature also helps to keep it calm.
Ear and Dental Care:
- Apply some vet-approved solution to clean the ears once a week to prevent infection.
- Use cat toothpaste to brush teeth two to three times per week to prevent dental disease.
Wolf cats are intelligent and lively animals that need mental and physical stimulation to avoid boredom and destructive tendencies.
Playtime Ideas:
- Catnip: Feather wands, laser pointers or even puzzle feeders can mimic a hunt for the cat and keep them entertained.
- Climbing Trees: Supply tall cat scratching posts or cat towers to satisfy their climbing instinct.
- Outdoor Access: If it is OK, then allow them to go out with supervision as they can explore the environment if they are fitted with a microchip and a leash.
Training:
- It is possible to teach wolf cats some tricks or to train them to walk on a leash if one uses enough time and treats. It is advisable to train them at an early age to establish trust and obedience.
As wolf cats are prone to certain diseases, it is advisable to take them to the vet regularly.
Key Health Concerns:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): A heart disease that is seen in large breeds, ask your vet about blood testing for the disease.
- Joint Problems: Keep your cat at a healthy weight to avoid putting pressure on her hips and knees.
- Eye Issues: Check for cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
Vaccinations and Parasite Control:
- Ask your vet about core vaccines for your cat, which include distemper and rabies.
- Use flea, tick, and heartworm preventives year round.
Wolf cats are said to be quite friendly with their owners and require a lot of attention.
Socialization:
- Spend 30-60 minutes daily in play or gentle petting to deepen the bond. The best way to help your dog overcome its fear is to expose it to new people and environments at a slow pace.
- Enrichment:
- Change the toys and provide hiding places to keep the brain of your pet busy.
- If you are out of the house a lot, you may want to get another cat for your wolf cat as they can become lonely.
Wolf cats are mischievous and active, therefore it is important to make sure that your home is secured to prevent accidents.
Safety Tips:
- To prevent your pet from falling from the windows, cover them with screens.
- Keep plants like lilies, aloe etc. out of reach as they are toxic to cats.
- Provide them with private areas such as small beds or boxes where they can hide when they need some me time.