Cats make wonderful pets but keeping them happy and healthy requires some basic care and attention. Whether you’ve just welcomed a new furry friend into your home or have had cats for years, implementing a few simple tips can help support their overall well-being. This article outlines some key areas to focus on for your cat’s physical and mental health.
Nutrition
A balanced diet is essential for your cat to thrive. Cats require twice the protein of dogs to function optimally due to their carnivorous nature. Look for high-quality cat food that lists meat such as chicken, fish, or meat meal as the first few ingredients. Wet food generally has more moisture than dry kibble and helps ensure proper hydration. However, dry food can still be part of a routine as it supports dental health by reducing plaque buildup.
Feed your cat twice daily and provide fresh water frequently, refreshing it daily. Monitor food and water bowls closely to ensure they remain clean. Never leave uneaten wet food as it can spoil quickly. At a minimum, cats should receive annual wellness exams by their veterinarian. Their weight and body condition should be checked to ensure they are getting the right nutrition for a long and healthy life.
Grooming
Grooming helps remove loose hair, spot health issues early, and provides bonding time. Most cats enjoy gentle brushing a few times weekly but some may need to be conditioned from a young age. Inspect fur for fleas, ticks, mats, or bald spots during grooming. Brush teeth regularly as dental disease is common in cats. Finger-brushing or special pet toothpaste can freshen your breath without stressing cats.
Trim nails about once a month and accustom kittens to this from an early age. Nails that grow too long can curl and dig into paw pads which causes discomfort. Wipe eyes gently with a warm, damp cloth to remove discharge or debris. If you’re concerned is it normal for cats to scratch their ears? Yes, cats scratch their ears regularly as a form of ear cleaning. However, excessive scratching could indicate an underlying issue like ear mites, so monitor this behavior.
Litter Box
Providing an attractively maintained litter box is crucial. There should be one extra box for the number of cats in the home. Scoop waste at least once daily to keep boxes tidy. Scoopable clay or silica clay litters give cats the option to “cover” waste, matching their natural instincts. Thoroughly clean boxes with an enzymatic cleaner weekly. Remove odors that may cause a cat to be eliminated elsewhere in the home.
Environment
Cats feel most secure with elevated areas, hiding spots, and toys for mental stimulation. Scratching posts allow claws to be healthily worn down without damaging furniture. Avoid overcrowding due to stress, play aggression, or sickness spread. Provide multiple litter boxes, food/water bowls, and scratching areas if multiple cats share space. Maintain a consistent routine, playing daily for at least 30 minutes.
Safety
Never let cats roam unattended outside due to hazards like traffic, strange cats/dogs, poisons, or losing familiar scents. Keep non-edible houseplants out of reach as many varieties contain toxins. Secure window screens to stop falls. Use pet-friendly pest control methods. Safely store human medicines, cleaning products, potpourri oils, and rodent poison out of reach. Maintain updated identification like microchips or collars in case pets become lost.
Health Care
Schedule annual exams including physical exams, weight checks, boosters, and testing. Test for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) especially if outdoors. Deworm at least annually for internal parasites. Keep current on boosters for rabies, feline distemper, and chlamydia. Indoor cats still benefit from annual wellness exams. Report any changes in behavior, appetite, or activity levels promptly. Catch issues early for the best treatment outcomes.
