Cat Care Basics

Caring for a cat is a rewarding experience that brings joy and companionship to your daily life. Whether you're a first-time cat owner or looking to refresh your knowledge, understanding the fundamentals of cat care will help ensure your feline friend stays healthy and happy.

Nutrition & Feeding

Proper nutrition is the foundation of good health for your cat. Choose high-quality cat food that's appropriate for your cat's age, weight, and activity level. Kittens need food formulated for growth, while senior cats may benefit from specialized diets. Always provide fresh, clean water throughout the day, as cats can be prone to dehydration.

Establish a consistent feeding schedule—most adult cats do well with two meals per day. Avoid leaving food out all day as this can lead to overeating and obesity. Pay attention to portion sizes based on your cat's needs, and resist the urge to overfeed treats, which should make up no more than 10% of daily calories.

Grooming & Hygiene

Regular grooming keeps your cat's coat healthy and reduces shedding around your home. Brush your cat several times a week—daily for long-haired breeds. This helps prevent matting, reduces hairballs, and gives you time to check for any skin issues or bumps. Most cats enjoy gentle brushing once they get used to it.

While cats are naturally clean animals, they still need help with nail care. Trim your cat's nails every few weeks using proper cat nail clippers. If you're unsure how, ask your veterinarian to demonstrate the technique. Provide scratching posts to help keep nails naturally filed and satisfy your cat's instinct to scratch.

Health & Veterinary Care

Schedule regular veterinary checkups at least once a year, or more frequently for kittens and senior cats. These visits allow your vet to catch potential health issues early and keep vaccinations up to date. Stay current on flea, tick, and heartworm prevention as recommended by your veterinarian.

Watch for signs that your cat might not be feeling well, including changes in appetite, lethargy, hiding behavior, changes in litter box habits, or vomiting. Cats are experts at hiding illness, so even subtle changes can be significant. Keep a first aid kit for pets and know the location of the nearest emergency veterinary clinic.

Play & Enrichment

Cats need daily play and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Set aside time each day for interactive play using toys like feather wands, laser pointers, or small balls. This satisfies their hunting instincts and provides necessary exercise. Play sessions are especially important for indoor cats who don't have outdoor stimulation.

Create an enriching environment with cat trees, window perches, and puzzle feeders. Cats love vertical space, so consider adding shelves or tall cat furniture. Rotate toys regularly to keep things interesting, and provide both solo toys and interactive options for when you're not home.

Litter Box Maintenance

Keep the litter box clean by scooping it daily and doing a complete change weekly. Most cats prefer unscented, clumping litter. Place the box in a quiet, accessible location away from food and water bowls. As a general rule, you should have one litter box per cat, plus one extra.

If your cat starts eliminating outside the litter box, it could signal a health issue like a urinary tract infection, or it might mean the box isn't clean enough or is in an undesirable location. Never punish a cat for litter box accidents—instead, consult your veterinarian to rule out medical causes.