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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.