Caring for a cat depends on many things: its breed, age and sex. But there are some general rules that apply to every cat. Here are seven essential tips every cat owner should know.
1. What Should Your Cat Eat?
Your cat’s diet deserves special attention. Cats are obligate carnivores: they need nutrients found in animal tissue, such as taurine, so they can’t be vegetarian.
The most important thing is that your cat’s food is complete and balanced, meaning it provides everything a cat needs. Good-quality commercial cat foods labeled “complete and balanced” (in the US, look for an AAFCO statement on the label; in the UK, “complete” food) are formulated to meet all of a cat’s nutritional needs.
- Wet food contains a lot of water, which helps keep cats hydrated and supports urinary health. Many vets recommend including some wet food in your cat’s diet.
- Dry food is convenient and can be used in puzzle feeders, but it’s high in calories, so measure portions carefully to prevent weight gain.
- Homemade diets can be good for cats, but only if they’re formulated by a veterinary nutritionist. Meat alone, or meat with leftovers, doesn’t give a cat everything it needs, and some human foods, like onions, garlic, grapes and chocolate, are toxic to cats.
Always provide fresh water, and avoid sudden diet changes: switch foods gradually over about a week.
2. How to Give Your Cat Pills and Supplements
Sometimes your cat will need medication or a supplement. The easiest ways are:
- Hide the pill in a pill pocket or a small piece of tasty food. Check with your vet before crushing pills, since some can’t be crushed or mixed with food.
- Ask your vet whether the medicine is available as a flavored liquid, a chewable treat or a transdermal gel from a compounding pharmacy.
- If you need to give a pill directly, place it at the back of your cat’s tongue, then follow it with a little water or a treat so it doesn’t get stuck in the esophagus. Wrapping your cat gently in a towel can keep you both safe.
Never force liquid into your cat’s mouth quickly, as it can be inhaled into the lungs. Read more: how to give a cat a pill.
3. How to Bathe a Cat
Cats groom themselves very well, and most healthy short-haired cats rarely, if ever, need a bath. Long-haired cats, hairless breeds such as the Sphynx, senior and overweight cats, or a cat that has gotten into something dirty or sticky may need one now and then. If you do bathe your cat, follow these rules:
- Use only shampoos made for cats. Human and dog shampoos can irritate a cat’s skin, and some dog flea shampoos contain permethrin, which is toxic to cats.
- Avoid the eyes, ears and nose. Clean your cat’s face with a damp cloth instead.
- Bathe your cat in a warm room, and use lukewarm water, about 100°F (38°C). Cats get cold quickly when wet.
- Move slowly and calmly to reduce stress. A rubber mat in the sink or tub helps your cat feel more secure.
- Dry your cat thoroughly with a towel, or with a hair dryer on a low, warm setting if your cat isn’t frightened of it. Keep it in a warm room until it’s completely dry.
- Brush your cat afterward to remove as much loose hair as possible.
For fleas, a vet-recommended spot-on or oral flea treatment is far more effective than a bath.
4. Where Should Your Cat Sleep?
Cats spend most of their lives asleep: 12 to 16 hours a day or more. So your cat’s sleeping place should be comfortable. Cats usually choose their own spots. If you’ve bought a cat bed or a cat house, put it where your cat already likes to spend time, ideally somewhere quiet, warm and slightly raised, where it can watch the room. Sprinkle a little catnip on it or put a blanket that smells of you inside to encourage your cat to use it. Many cats love heated pads in winter and sunny windowsill perches all year round.
The place where your cat sleeps should be warm, dry and clean, so it feels as comfortable as possible.
5. What Should Your Cat’s Litter Box Be Like?
Most kittens learn to use a litter box quickly: just show them where it is a few times. If a kitten doesn’t get the idea, dab a tissue in its urine and put it in the litter box, so the smell guides it there.
When setting up a litter box, consider your cat’s habits:
- Size: the box should be about 1.5 times the length of your cat. Many commercial boxes are too small for adult cats.
- Covered or open? Covered boxes keep litter inside and look tidier, but many cats prefer open boxes, which don’t trap smells. If your cat likes to dig vigorously, choose a box with high sides; for kittens and senior cats, choose one with a low entry.
- Litter: most cats prefer unscented, fine-grained clumping litter.
- Number: provide one litter box per cat, plus one extra.
- Location: a quiet, easy-to-reach spot, away from food and water bowls.
- Cleaning: scoop at least once a day, and wash the box regularly with mild soap and water.
6. What About Scratching?
Scratching is essential for every cat. It keeps claws healthy, stretches muscles and leaves scent marks. If you want to protect your furniture, clothes and carpets, give your cat a scratching post. You can buy one at a pet store or make it yourself. Choose a tall, sturdy post covered in sisal rope, and add a horizontal cardboard scratcher too. If you teach your cat where it’s allowed to scratch from the start, your furniture will stay safe. Read more: how to get your cat to use a scratching post.
Trimming your cat’s claws regularly and vinyl nail caps can also help. Never have your cat declawed: it’s painful and harmful, and it’s banned in many places.
7. How to Deal with Cat Hair
If you want to keep your home clean, you’ll need to put in a little effort:
- Brush your cat regularly.
- Clean furniture and carpets with a vacuum pet hair attachment, a rubber glove or a lint roller.
- Damp-mop floors and wipe surfaces with a microfiber cloth.
- Cover your cat’s favorite spots on the sofa and bed with washable throws.
Read more: how to get rid of cat hair in your home.
Bonus tip: take your cat for a checkup with your vet at least once a year (twice a year for senior cats), keep its vaccinations and parasite prevention up to date, and spay or neuter it. These simple steps help your cat live a long, healthy life.
