A little love, every day

Caring for your cat

Good cat care is a mix of everyday comforts, play and connection, and regular help from your veterinarian. Small routines can make a big difference to your cat’s wellbeing.

Explore the care basics
A curious cat crouching and ready to play

Comfort, care
& cozy naps

The everyday essentials

A happy cat starts with the basics

Every cat is an individual. Ask your vet to tailor food, grooming, and health routines to your cat’s age and needs.

Meals & hydration

Food and fresh water

Choose a complete, balanced cat food suited to your cat’s life stage. Follow its feeding guide as a starting point, measure portions, and adjust with your veterinarian to maintain a healthy body condition.

Keep clean, fresh water available every day. Some cats prefer their water away from their food or enjoy a fountain.

A calm home

Litter, rest & safe spaces

Scoop the litter box daily and keep it in a quiet, easy-to-reach place. A common guideline is one box per cat, plus one extra; some cats need them on separate floors.

Offer cozy hiding spots, a comfortable resting place, scratching surfaces, and somewhere up high to watch the world.

Play & connection

Make time for play

Short, regular play sessions with wand toys or other safe toys let cats practice their natural chasing and pouncing behaviors. Let your cat catch the toy sometimes, then put string toys away after play.

Rotate toys and give your cat attention on their terms. Never use your hands as toys.

Gentle upkeep

Grooming & teeth

Brush gently as often as your cat’s coat needs, starting with brief, positive sessions. Regular brushing can help prevent tangles, especially for long-haired cats.

Dental care matters too. Ask your vet how to introduce tooth brushing and which cat-safe products to use; never use human toothpaste.

Health & prevention

Keep up with vet visits

Schedule regular checkups and talk with your veterinarian about vaccines, parasite prevention, dental checks, microchipping, and spay/neuter care. The right schedule depends on your cat’s age, health, and lifestyle.

Notice changes in appetite, thirst, litter-box habits, movement, or behavior and check in with your vet.

Kindness & safety

Let your cat be a cat

Use a secure carrier for trips, keep dangerous household items out of reach, and make sure windows and balconies are safely secured.

Give your cat time to approach and settle. Never give human medicine unless a veterinarian specifically tells you to.

Two cats, one cozy home

Make room for every cat

In a multi-cat home, give each cat their own food and water spots, resting places, hiding places, and chances to play. Spread resources around the home so no one has to compete.

Introduce cats gradually: start with separate spaces, swap scents, then allow brief, calm visual meetings. Go at their pace and ask your veterinarian or a qualified behavior professional for help if tension continues.

Two cats sitting side by side

Keep learning

Cornell Feline Health Center ASPCA cat care AVMA pet owner resources