The Complete Guide to Cat Care
Bringing home a new kitten or adult cat means you’ll need to learn some cat care basics. Everything is necessary, including food, litter, veterinary attention, and grooming.
Being equipped with a basic amount of knowledge and having the right supplies can get you and your new cat started on a long and loving relationship together.
Key Points
Cat care tips include regular grooming, providing clean water, and ensuring a balanced diet.
Regular check-ups and dental care are essential for a cats long-term health.
Cats also benefit from mental stimulation, such as toys and interactive play.
10 Ways To Care For Your Cats Health
1. Schedule Regular Vet Visits: Cats require annual check-ups, and we recommend cats over 7 years old see one of our veterinarians twice a year. These visits can help catch any health issues early and prevent them from becoming more severe.
2. Provide a Nutritious Diet: A well-balanced and nutritious diet is vital for maintaining your cat’s health. Ensure that their diet includes high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. We also recommend that cats eat mostly canned food. This provides a healthier balance of carbohydrates and moisture when compared to dry food diets.
3. Keep Your Cat Hydrated: Water is essential for your cat’s health, and dehydration can lead to urinary tract and/or kidney problems. Provide fresh, clean water and encourage your cat to drink more water by keeping their bowls clean or even trying cat water fountains.
4. Regular Exercise: Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and keeps your cat active. Encourage playtime, provide toys and scratching posts, and allow access to climbing structures for fun activity.
5. Regular Grooming: Cats require extra assistance to stay healthy, even though they can groom themselves. Essential grooming tips include brushing hair, bathing, trimming nails, dental care, and removing ear wax.
Grooming your cat helps:
Reach parts a cat can't reach
Remove loose fur, especially while shedding
Help long-haired cats keep cool in warmer months
Discover issues such as wounds, irritations, or fleas early
Bond with your cat
6. Maintain Clean Litter Boxes: Keeping the litter box clean on a regular basis encourages good home and cat hygiene and helps avoid urinary tract problems. Be sure to scoop the litter 1-2 times per day and do a thorough scrubbing of the box at least once a month.
7. Prevent Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and other parasites can cause serious health issues. Speak to your vet about safe and effective preventative products to protect your cat from these unwanted pests. These precautions should be taken not only by indoor cats who live with other pets who go outside occasionally, but also by any cat who goes outside, even for short periods of time.
8. Vaccinate Your Cat: Vaccinations are crucial for guarding against common feline illnesses like rabies, distemper, and feline leukemia. Speak to your vet about the recommended vaccination schedule for your particular cat.
9. Provide Mental Stimulation: Mental stimulation is crucial for your cat’s overall well-being. Encourage playtime with puzzle toys, handheld cat toys, laser pointers, or food strewn in unexpected locations around the house. Some indoor cats will even tolerate a harness so you can safely take them on a walk outside.
10. Be Alert to Behavioral Changes: Cats are notorious for hiding signs of illness. However, if you notice any changes in behavior or routine, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care immediately. Some signs would include hiding, decreased appetite and changes in social or litterbox habits.
Basics of Caring for a Cat
Decide on a Veterinarian
The first step in bringing a cat home is finding a local veterinarian you can trust and communicate with openly. After making your choice, you can get in touch with your cat's veterinarian to schedule vaccination appointments, ask important questions, and receive vital advice on how to maintain your cat's health and happiness.
A good veterinarian isn’t just there to give your cat their annual checkups. Veterinarians are a wealth of information any time you’re concerned about your cat’s health, behavior or anything else.
Feeding & Fresh Water
Learning how to feed a cat starts with selecting the proper nutrition. Since kittens and adult cats have different nutritional needs, it’s essential to start your cat on an age-appropriate kitten food or adult cat food to make sure they’re getting the right nutrients their body needs to thrive. The amount of food you should feed your cat is usually located on the cat food label itself and is relative to their size and age.
Establish a feeding schedule for your cat so they will know when to anticipate eating. If you plan to feed dry cat food, you can put an entire day’s serving in their food dish every morning and let them graze throughout the day. If you give them wet food, it should be consumed within 20 or 30 minutes of serving and any remaining food should be refrigerated and eaten within 24 hours of serving.
Choosing Cat Supplements
A proper diet for your cat’s age and lifestyle typically offers many of the essential nutrients required. However, supplements can help promote specific aspects of your cat’s wellbeing, especially those where felines commonly need added support, such as urinary tract or digestive health. Every furry friend has their own, unique needs, so consult your veterinarian when considering cat supplements.
For instance, while cat multi-vitamins may help support overall health, supplements with cranberry extract may help maintain a healthy urinary tract. To help aid in supporting upper respiratory health, cats can benefit from a supplement containing L-lysine. Additionally, a pre & probiotic supplement for cats may help keep their gut health in check and regulate their immune system.
Don’t Feed Your Cat Too Much Dry Food
Unlike dogs, cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they rely on meat as the foundation of their diets. The main meal of the day should always be meat, says Werber. He cautions that exclusively feeding dry food diets to cats may cause them to consume too many carbohydrates, which can be unhealthy in large amounts. "We see cats developing type II diabetes and growing obese from too much dry food," Werber explains.
If you have both dogs and cats, you can't feed them the same. Dog food is not good for cats, nor can a cat metabolize carbs the way a dog can. Consider feeding wet food as a part, if not all, of your cat's diet.
Familiarize Your Cat With the Litter Box
A litter box, lots of fresh litter, and appropriate litter box training should be the top priorities for any cat owner. Since adult cats often instinctually look for a sandy surface when they need to eliminate, litter box training might not be necessary. Kittens usually need some training.
As early as four weeks, kittens can start to learn how to use the litter box. Find one that is appropriate to the size of your cat. For example, a kitten might find a large litter box scary and try to avoid it. Therefore, find one that’s a bit smaller.
Introduce your kitten to the litter box or boxes you have in your house and let them explore. Then, put your kitten in the litter box. On many occasions, kittens will instinctively understand that this is the place to urinate. If they don’t, however, don’t worry. Continue to place them in the litter box after naps, after meals or drinks of water. Eventually, they’ll get the hang of it and start to use the litter box independently.
Generally speaking, each cat should have one litter box plus one. So if you have two cats, you need three total litter boxes. You also want to keep the litter box separate from their food and water bowls.
Groom Your Cat
Cats are self-groomers, but contrary to popular belief, they should also be groomed by you—the pet parent. Regular brushing removes loose hair and promotes a healthy, shiny coat. Not to mention, this routine cat care also helps you grow more familiar with your best friend’s body and therefore notice anything out of the ordinary to discuss with your veterinarian.
Although cats are proficient self-groomers and typically don’t require frequent baths, you will occasionally need to bathe your feline in instances where they are dirty or muddy, or if they have a skin condition that requires regular baths. Always be sure to use a cat shampoo because it is specially made with a mild formula to gently cleanse a cat’s sensitive skin and coat.
Lastly, it’s important to clip your cat’s nails every few weeks. This not only prevents their claws from getting too sharp and scratching you (or the couch), but helps avoid any painful broken claws that may occur from nails getting stuck in the carpet or other furniture.
Playtime with cats
As an experienced cat owner can tell you, cats need to be mentally stimulated. Thankfully, there are lots of games you can play with your cat to help strengthen your bond while also providing them with mental and physical exercise.
Whether it’s having them chase a toy on a string that you drag across the floor, giving them a catnip toy or introducing them to cat enrichment games, some of the best times you and your cat will have together will be during playtime.
Travel Safely With Your Pet
Even if your cat wants to, don't let them travel unrestrained in a car. It's distracting to the driver and, in the case of an accident, a cat can become a dangerous projectile. Acquire a cozy travel carrier for your feline companion and educate them to utilize it fearlessly.
Werber also warns to "never, ever leave your cat alone in a parked car." Even in cooler temperatures, and even with the windows cracked, a car quickly becomes uncomfortable for an animal (or human, for that matter). It takes mere minutes for a cat to perish in a warm car. If you are not going to bring your cat inside, leave them at home.
Living a Vibrant Life with Your Cat
Aside from following these eight key cat care tips, consult your veterinarian with any other questions regarding your cat’s health and always be sure to take your feline friend for their annual checkup. Here’s to raising a vibrant fur pal and creating plenty of fond memories for years to come!
Cat Supplies
Finally, make a new kitten supply checklist to ensure you have all the things you need. A collar with an ID tag (even if they’re indoor only), bedding, a scratching post and cat carrier will be must-haves for you and your new cat or kitten as you start your new life together. You should also get your cat microchipped, just in case!
Guidelines for Taking Care of Your Cat
There are a lot of things to keep in mind when owning a cat. Here’s a handy list of things to practice and avoid when owning a cat.
Do
Play with your cat every day. Your cat needs mental enrichment, and daily play will do wonders for their health and quality of life. Teaching them how to walk in a harness or how to use a "catio," which is an enclosed patio or other similar space, to provide them with controlled outdoor access can also be beneficial.
Provide a scratching post or pad for your cat. Scratching posts allow cats to exercise, stretch out their bodies to full length, clean away dead scales from their claws and mark their territory. Your cat may decide to express this instinctive behavior on your furniture if there is not a scratching post available.
Keep litter boxes clean and inviting and in a quiet area. Remove soiled litter at least once a day. For multiple cats, more boxes are necessary. We recommend one box for each cat, plus one more. Boxes should be placed in different areas of the house, if possible.
Don’t
Pick up your adult cat by the scruff of their neck. While mother cats often pick up their kittens this way, an adult cat is too heavy for this treatment, and it could result in pain or injury. Instead, pick up your cat with both hands—one under the chest behind the front legs and one under the abdomen, supporting her rump.
Let your cat chew on string, especially if you’re not watching. It might cause an intestinal blockage that could make them ill if they swallow it.
Give your cat access to windows that don’t have screens. They could jump out after a bird or something else exciting and seriously injure themselves in a fall.
Perhaps this seems like a lot to keep in mind, but don’t worry—caring for a cat becomes second nature in no time. Once you and your new cat have developed a routine, you should have no problem ensuring your cat lives a long, healthy and happy life. Learn more about kitten and cat ownership with tips from our experts on our Pet Expertise page.
17 Most Important Care Tips For Your Cat
1. Take Them to the Vet
Cats need veterinary care just like larger animals. Frequent check-ups guarantee that your kitten is developing normally and that problems will not develop as your cat gets older. Your vet is also an excellent resource for accurate, scientific information, so create a relationship and ask plenty of questions.
2. Prioritize regular grooming.
Although cats are good at grooming themselves, there are steps you can take to keep them in the best possible health. If your cat has very long hair, you can brush it to keep mats and tangles away. Keep an eye on their claws, too, so they don’t get too long.
3. Give them a Teeth Cleaning
Your feline might not like it, but teeth cleaning is important! This prevents gum disease, which could cause heart problems later on. Brush their teeth weekly to prevent tartar, plaque, and tooth decay. The vet could also do this if your cat gives you an attitude about it.
4. Prevent Fleas and Ticks
No one wants an itchy, flea-ridden cat! And your cat doesn’t want to deal with biting bugs, either. Keep them safe with regular flea and tick treatment, whether it’s a spot treatment, a flea collar, shampoo, or pills.
5. Deep Clean if You See Fleas Present
Flea treatment on your cat isn’t the only necessary preventive treatment, especially if the fleas were left to fester. You might need to bomb your home or do a deep vacuum after treating carpets and furniture to ensure that all the eggs are killed.
6. Provide a Nutritious Diet
Cats are fairly good at monitoring their food intake. Either you feed them every day, or you feed them from a container that simply spills more food when they are done. Talk to your vet about what’s best for your cat, but ensure you’re providing them with high-quality, nutritious food.
7. Provide Ample Fresh Water
Your kitty can’t go down to the nearest stream for a drink! For them to stay hydrated and cool, especially in hot weather, make sure the water you are giving them is clean, fresh, and always in plenty.
8. Clean their Litter Box Often
Cats want to urinate and defecate in a clean area. If you don’t clean their litter box, it increases the likelihood that they’ll go to other areas! Keep their litter box clean and Place it somewhere they feel comfortable and private. More than one litter box in a house is also a good idea, especially if you have multiple cats.
9. Clean Up Their Hair
Of course, litter boxes aren’t the only thing that needs cleaning. Your cat is going to shed, which means that you have to vacuum it up. This keeps your home clean and helps keep your space free of allergens and dander.
10. Prevent Spraying
Cats have the instinct to spray their urine as a way to mark their territory. Male and female cats alike exhibit this behavior, and one of the best ways to put an end to it is by spaying or neutering them. A calm cat is less likely to spray, too. Feed or play with them in places they’ve sprayed, so they’re less prone to mark there.
11. Pay Attention to Accidents
If you find that your kitty is urinating or defecating in other areas, it might be a sign of something amiss. Take them to the vet to rule out a urinary tract infection, kidney disease, or digestive issues that could be causing incontinence.
12. Keep Human Food and Liquids Safe
Although cats have also been known to get into food, medications, and cleaning supplies, dogs are the pets that are most likely to do so. Keep trash cans secure and all liquids, cleaners, medications, and other toxic substances far out of reach. This will keep your kitty safe and give you peace of mind that they won’t get into anything that could hurt them.
13. Enroll in Pet Insurance
Speaking of vet visits, you never know when something might happen that costs a pretty penny. Enroll in an accident & illness cat insurance policy so that you have help to pay for eligible vet bills for your pet’s unexpected accidents & illnesses.
14. Provide Scratching Posts
Scratching is in a cat’s instinctual nature. Giving them a specific spot to scratch helps ensure they won’t do so on your nice furniture or curtains! Your cat's general health is also enhanced by letting it stretch its muscles. Carpet squares, sisal, and cardboard are great surfaces to have around if you don’t have a place for a large post.
15. Get a Cat Door
Cats are independent creatures, so if your cat is safe in a fenced-in backyard, install a cat flap door to allow them to come and go as they please. This keeps them from feeling cooped up and gives them more of a chance to stretch their legs and explore.
16. Place a Mat Outside for Mud
If your cat is an outside cat or shares their time indoors and out, place a mat inside and outside the door so that mud and dirt are wiped off as they go about. This keeps your home clean and keeps their paws clean, too.
17. Keep a Cat Carrier in the Car
Even if it’s just to the vet, the car will have to be a mode of transportation here and there. A cat carrier keeps them from getting hurt crawling around the car and also helps them feel safe in a new situation.
Conclusion
You love your kitty so much. Giving your cat the best care possible demonstrates to them that you value them. It also ensures that they’ll be there to wander through your legs and nuzzle your hands for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cats easy to take care of?
Yes, caring for cats can be easy. In general, cats require regular feeding, access to fresh water, and litter box maintenance. Security, comfort, and love are the foundation of cat care.
How often should I feed my cat, and what should I feed them?
Adult cats generally do well with one or two meals per day. It's best to feed them high-quality cat food that meets their nutritional requirements. Wet cat food contains more water, which helps keep them hydrated, while dry kibble can help with dental health.
How can I ensure my cat stays hydrated?
Your cat should have access to fresh, clean water at all times. A cat water fountain will entice your feline to drink more. Wet (canned) cat food also helps them stay hydrated.
For cats, which vaccinations and preventative care are recommended?
Veterinarians highly recommend the FVRCP vaccine and rabies vaccines are required by law in most states. Dental care, microchipping, deworming, flea treatments when needed, and health monitoring are additional preventive care measures.
How do I litter train my cat and maintain proper litter box hygiene?
Most cats instinctively use a litter box, but proper litter training is essential, especially for kittens. Training includes calmly placing the cat or kitten in the litter box periodically and offering plenty of praise and a treat when their duty is done. Keep the box clean by scooping waste daily and doing a complete litter change every two weeks or so
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