Cat Care

THE CATS CARE HUB

Thoughtful spaces and predictable routines help make everyday life with cats easier.

Cats are independent in some ways and deeply sensitive in others. They value control over their surroundings, predictable routines and places to hide, climb and rest undisturbed. Because cats are skilled at hiding discomfort, good care is as much about quiet observation as it is about food and equipment. This hub covers the essentials of everyday cat care and links to more detailed guides as our library grows.

Is A Cat Right For You?

Cats commonly live well into their teens, so adopting one is a long-term commitment. They usually need less hands-on time than a dog, but they still rely on you every day.

• Time: daily feeding, litter cleaning, play and gentle interaction, plus regular grooming for longer coats.
• Space: flats can suit many cats if you provide vertical space and enrichment. Outdoor access brings benefits and risks, such as roads, so think about your location.
• Costs: plan for food, litter, insurance or savings for vet bills, preventive care, neutering, microchipping and boarding or a sitter when you travel.
• Household fit: some cats enjoy company and others prefer to be the only pet. Consider allergies, young children, existing animals and how busy your home is.

Living with other animals too? Our dog care hub and bird care hub explain how to keep everyone safe and calm under one roof.

Essential Equipment

• Separate food and water bowls, ideally wide and shallow so whiskers do not brush the sides
• A litter tray (a common guideline is one per cat plus one extra) and an unscented litter your cat accepts
• A sturdy scratching post tall enough for a full stretch, plus a horizontal scratcher
• Hiding places and raised perches, such as covered beds, shelves or cat trees
• A secure, easy-to-clean carrier that opens from the top or front
• Wand toys and small toys for chasing, batting and pouncing
• A grooming brush suited to the coat, and a microchip kept registered with current details (required for pet cats in England)

Home Set-Up

Think of a cat’s essential resources as food, water, litter, scratching, resting and hiding places. Spread them around the home rather than grouping them together. Many cats prefer water placed away from food, and litter trays in quiet spots away from both. In multi-cat homes, offering several of each resource in different rooms helps reduce tension. Check that windows and balconies are secure, keep toxic plants (lilies in particular) out of the house, and store cleaning products and medicines safely.

Food And Water

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need nutrients found in animal-based diets. A complete, balanced cat food suited to life stage is the simplest way to cover these needs; dog food and home-made vegetarian diets are not suitable.

• Small, frequent meals often suit cats well, and puzzle feeders can make mealtimes more natural.
• Many cats drink little, so wet food, several water bowls or a water fountain can help with hydration.
• Weigh portions and monitor body condition, as weight gain is common in indoor and neutered cats.
• Change foods gradually over several days.

Behaviour And Enrichment

Play that mimics hunting, with a stalk, chase, pounce and a final “catch”, satisfies natural instincts and helps prevent boredom. Several short sessions a day usually work better than one long one. Scratching is normal behaviour for claw care and scent marking, so provide good outlets rather than trying to stop it.

Cats communicate in subtle ways. A slow blink, an upright tail and a relaxed body often signal comfort, while flattened ears, a twitching tail or hiding suggest stress. Let your cat choose when to interact, and avoid forcing contact, which helps build trust over time.

A Simple Care Routine

How often	What to do
Daily	Fresh water, measured meals, scoop litter trays, short play sessions, and a quick check of appetite, energy and toilet habits
Weekly	Brush the coat (more often for long-haired cats), wash bowls, check claws, teeth and ears, and rotate toys
Monthly	Fully clean and refill litter trays, check weight or body condition, and follow your vet’s advice on parasite prevention
Yearly	A routine health check, vaccination review and dental assessment, plus confirming that microchip details are current

Life Stages

Kittens

Kittens need frequent meals of kitten food, lots of sleep, safe play and gentle handling. Positive experiences with people, the carrier and grooming at this age make later life easier. Ask your vet about vaccinations and the right time for neutering.

Adult Cats

Adult cats do best with stable routines, daily play and plenty of choice about where to rest. Watch weight carefully, and keep up with dental checks.

Senior Cats

Older cats may sleep more, groom less and find jumping harder. Low-sided litter trays, steps or ramps to favourite spots and warm beds can make a real difference. More frequent check-ups are often recommended, as changes in thirst, weight or appetite can be easy to miss.

Signs Worth Discussing With A Vet

• Changes in appetite, thirst or weight
• Toileting outside the tray, straining, or frequent trips with little result
• Vomiting more than occasionally, or diarrhoea
• Hiding, irritability or a change in usual behaviour
• Reluctance to jump, stiffness or a matted, unkempt coat
• Bad breath, drooling or difficulty eating
• Breathing with an open mouth, or rapid breathing at rest

A male cat straining to pass urine and producing little or none needs to be seen urgently. If you are worried, contact your vet without delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should My Cat Live Indoors Or Go Outside?

Both can work. Outdoor access offers exercise and stimulation but carries risks from traffic and other animals. Indoor cats need extra enrichment, climbing space and play. Many owners choose secure gardens or cat-proofed enclosures as a middle ground.

Why Does My Cat Stop Using The Litter Tray?

Common reasons include a dirty or poorly placed tray, a disliked litter type, stress, or a health problem. Rule out medical causes with your vet first, then review the set-up.

Do Cats Need Company?

It varies. Some cats enjoy living with a companion, often a related cat raised together, while others are happier alone. Watch how your cat responds, and introduce any new cat slowly.

For guides on every species, explore our pet care library, or get in touch if there is a cat care topic you would like us to cover.

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