Proper Nutrition
Cats require balanced nutrition from high-quality cat food that meets their dietary needs. According to the National Academy of Sciences, cats need specific amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water in their diet. Kittens need around 20-25 calories per 100g of body weight, while adult cats need 15-20 calories per 100g of body weight.
Look for cat foods that contain high-quality animal protein as the first ingredient, like chicken, turkey, salmon or lamb. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat and have high protein requirements. Dry and wet cat foods should contain at least 30% protein on a dry matter basis.
Cats also need dietary fat to provide energy and essential fatty acids. Look for cat food with at least 15% fat content. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain skin and coat health.
Fiber can help with hairballs and digestion. Look for around 5% fiber content in dry food. Cats have no dietary need for carbohydrates, so minimize corn, wheat and soy.
It’s important to pay attention to portion sizes, feeding according to your cat’s age and activity level. Provide unlimited access to clean, fresh water. Rotate wet and dry food to add variety.
Litter Box Access
Cats need to have access to a clean litter box at all times. The box should be scooped at least once per day, if not more often for multi-cat households. Using a clumping, unscented litter is recommended as cats tend to prefer these textures and odors. Cats may have preferences for covered vs. uncovered boxes, or different litter depths, so observe their habits and accommodate accordingly. Generally, cats prefer boxes that are 1.5 times their length. Providing enough litter boxes is also key – the rule of thumb is number of cats plus one extra box.
According to How to Create the Ultimate Litter Box Setup, “A good rule of thumb is to count the number of cats you have and then add one. So, if you have two cats, three litter boxes is ideal. Cats like having multiple options.” Keeping the litter box clean and catering to a cat’s preferences helps ensure they will reliably use their box.
Playtime
Playtime is vitally important for a cat’s physical and mental health. Indoor cats especially need active play sessions with owners to get exercise and mental stimulation. The ASPCA recommends cat owners engage their cats in active playtime for at least 15-30 minutes per day using interactive toys like wands, balls, and laser pointers.
Wand toys in particular are great for encouraging cats to run and jump. Dragging or fluttering the toy engages their natural hunting instincts. Catit Design Senses Play Circuit with Feather Teaser Wand Toy provides different textures and movement for sensory stimulation.
Scratching posts and cat trees allow opportunities for climbing, scratching, and exercising during solo playtime as well. Scratching satisfies cats’ innate need to mark territory. The Frisco 72-in Faux Fur Cat Tree & Condo provides stable platforms for perching up high.
Consistent daily playtime prevents behavior problems and satisfies cats’ needs for predation and exercise. But it’s also an important bonding opportunity. Interactive play strengthens the relationship between cats and their owners.
While cats can play alone, they thrive most with regular play sessions and affection from their trusted humans. So devote at least a few minutes each day to playing with toys like wands and laser pointers. A happy cat means a happy cat parent!
Affection
Cats thrive on affection from their human companions. Positive interactions like petting, brushing, lap time, and play time are key ways cats bond with their owners and receive the affection they crave. According to Dr. Lori Teller, a clinical associate professor at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, “Cats require positive interactions and affection from their owners to be happy.”1 Simple actions like petting your cat while it sits in your lap releases endorphins in its brain that produce feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.
Brushing is another great way to bond with your cat while keeping its coat healthy and shiny. Regular brushing sessions provide beneficial skin stimulation that most cats enjoy. Set aside 10-15 minutes 1-2 times per week for brushing. Look for signs your cat is enjoying it like purring, leaning into the brush, and kneading its paws. Make sure to use a brush suited for your cat’s coat length.
Aim to dedicate lap time for direct one-on-one affection daily. Lifting your cat into your lap while you relax on the couch or settling in bed to read provides it with your undivided attention. Gently pet its head, chin, cheeks, and back while it sits with you. Cats feel content and safe when curled up with their loving owners. Just 10-15 minutes a day of quality lap time can help fulfill your cat’s need for affection.
Enrichment
Cats need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Enrichment refers to activities and items that engage your cat’s natural behaviors and provide an outlet for their energy. Some enrichment ideas include:
Cat trees and tall perches allow cats to climb, scratch, play, and survey their territory from up high. Place cat trees by windows with outdoor views for “cat TV.” Make sure the cat tree is sturdy and offers different levels, scratching posts, and hiding spaces.
Food puzzles and treat balls add challenge to mealtime. They encourage natural hunting behaviors and make cats work for their food. Start with easy puzzles and increase the difficulty over time. Monitor use to avoid overeating.
Window perches give cats a place to relax in the sunshine and watch the world outside. Make sure window screens are secure, and consider cat-proofing houseplants within paw’s reach.
Hiding spots like tunnels, cube beds, and covered cat beds allow cats to retreat when they need alone time. Rotate toys and swap hiding spots to keep things interesting.
In general, provide a variety of cat trees, scratching posts, soft beds, tunnels, cubes, food puzzles, and toys. Rotate items to create novelty and change. Avoid overwhelming your cat with too many new items at once.
Routine Veterinary Care
Regular veterinary care is crucial for cats to maintain optimal health and catch any medical issues early. The standard recommendation is for adult cats to receive a complete veterinary examination at least once yearly.
Annual exams allow the veterinarian to perform a full physical checkup, look for any changes since the previous visit, and discuss preventative care recommendations. Wellness visits typically involve checking the cat’s weight, listening to the heart and lungs, examining the eyes, ears, mouth, and skin, feeling for lumps or masses, and assessing the coat, muscles, bones, and joints. The vet will also discuss the cat’s appetite, thirst, bathroom habits, activity levels, and any other concerns from the owner.
Core vaccines like rabies, panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus are generally boosted every 1-3 years in adult cats, depending on individual risk factors and state laws. Dentistry is also emphasized during the annual visit, evaluating the need for professional dental cleanings and homecare. Routine parasite prevention, such as heartworm, intestinal worms, and flea/tick medications are prescribed on an ongoing basis.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, kittens require veterinary examinations more frequently, typically every 3-4 weeks until 4 months old, to cover the series of vaccines and deworming needed in early life (source).
Safe Indoor Environment
Having a safe indoor space is critical for cats as they are extremely sensitive to their environments. This means removing any toxins, providing shelter, ensuring clean air, creating comfortable spaces, and offering appropriate scratching surfaces.
Toxins like household cleaners, plants, and chemicals should be kept out of reach of cats. Many common houseplants are toxic to cats if ingested, so opt for pet-safe options when possible. Cleaning supplies should be stored securely, and avoid using harsh chemicals on floors or furniture.Morris Animal Foundation
Providing cats with their own retreat spaces and hiding spots gives them a sense of safety and control. Cat shelters like cardboard boxes, igloo beds, and tunnels can become safe havens. Cats also like high perches for overseeing their territory. Place shelters in quiet areas of the home.International Cat Care
Good air quality through ventilation, air filters, and limiting dust helps cats breathe easy. Cats are susceptible to respiratory issues, so fresh circulating air is key.
Cats appreciate soft, warm spots to lounge, like cat beds, blankets, and sun spots. Give them options for napping in cozy nooks.
Providing appropriate scratching surfaces like posts, cardboard, and sisal mats lets cats satisfy their scratching instinct. Place scratchers near areas cats frequent to encourage use.
Companionship
While cats are often considered solitary creatures, most cats crave social interaction and companionship with other animals. Having another cat, dog, or human in the home can provide important socialization and mental stimulation for a cat. According to PetMD, signs your cat may want a feline companion include increased affection and attention-seeking behaviors, as well as anxiety or restlessness when left alone. Cats are social and often form close bonds when introduced properly to other pets or people in the home.
Some key benefits of getting a second cat include having a playmate, reducing stress and loneliness, and providing positive social interaction. It’s important to properly introduce a new cat and give them their own space and resources. But most cats will become fast friends and enjoy having a feline companion to play, groom, and cuddle with.
Outdoor Access
Providing cats with safe access to the outdoors can help satisfy their instincts to hunt, climb, and explore (https://felineengineering.com/blog/outdoor-safety/). Building a “Catio” is a great way to give cats outdoor time in a secure enclosure. Catios allow cats to enjoy fresh air, birdwatch, and bask in the sun while preventing them from roaming. Catio enclosures can be built as attachments to the house or as standalone outdoor structures (https://www.akcpetinsurance.com/blog/6-tips-and-tricks-to-keep-your-outdoor-cat-safe-and-happy).
Another option is leash walking. Start by taking cats out in quiet areas close to home and slowly expand where they walk as they become comfortable. Use a harness and leash designed specifically for cats to prevent escape. Always supervise cats when outdoors.
Even short supervised time outdoors can enrich a cat’s environment. Letting them explore the yard while watching can provide mental stimulation. Be sure to bring them back inside before they can stray too far.
Handling Behavior Issues
Cats can develop unwanted behaviors like inappropriate elimination, aggression, excessive vocalization, and destructive scratching. It’s important to redirect these bad behaviors to more positive outlets. For example, provide appropriate scratching posts and vertical territory for a cat scratching furniture. Give interactive toys for a cat biting or attacking. Place additional litter boxes in quiet locations for inappropriate elimination. Increase playtime and affection if a cat meows excessively for attention. Consult a veterinarian to rule out medical causes and get advice on supplements, pheromones, or medication if needed. With patience, you can curb negative behaviors in a humane way. Cats often misbehave when anxious or stressed, so create a predictable routine and enrich their environment.
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