General Cat Care : Basic Cat Care Helpful Tips

Taking Care of Your Cat : 

Congratulations on welcoming a new cat into your family! We're sure you're excited to have your furry friend at home. If you're thinking of adopting a cat, we recommend visiting your local animal shelter. You can check our list of available cats in your area or use our shelter finder tool to start your search.

Here are some helpful tips for new cat owners and those who want to improve their pet care skills.

1. Basic Care

Feeding :

It's best to buy high-quality kitten or cat food from a trusted brand. Your vet can assess your cat's needs and recommend the right diet based on factors like age, activity level, and health.

Cats need an important amino acid called taurine for a healthy heart and eyes. Make sure the food you choose is balanced for your cat's life stage. Balanced foods contain taurine.

Always provide fresh, clean water for your cat and remember to wash and refill the water bowls daily.

Treats should only make up a small portion, around 5-10%, of your cat's diet.

Avoid giving baby food to a cat or kitten that is not eating or feeling well. Read the labels carefully and avoid baby food with onion or garlic powder, as they can be harmful to pets.

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If your cat shows signs of not eating, diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy for more than two days, take them to the vet.

To learn more about what foods you should avoid feeding your cat, visit our page on People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets. For additional information on cat nutrition, check out our Cat Nutrition Tips page.

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2. Grooming :

Most cats are good at keeping themselves clean and don't require regular baths. However, it's important to brush or comb your cat's fur regularly. Regular brushing helps keep their coat clean, reduces shedding, and prevents hairballs. For more grooming tips, visit our Cat Grooming Tips page.

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3. Handling :

When picking up your cat, support their front legs with one hand and their hindquarters with the other hand. Lift gently and avoid picking them up by the scruff of their neck or front legs.

4. Housing :

Your cat should have a clean and dry place in your home to sleep and rest. Line their bed with a soft, warm blanket or towel, and remember to wash the bedding frequently. It's best to keep your cat indoors as outdoor cats have a shorter lifespan. Outdoor cats are at risk of accidents with cars, fights with other animals, and attacks from predators like coyotes. They are also more likely to get fleas, ticks, and infectious diseases.

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5. Identification :

If your cat goes outdoors, make sure they wear a safety collar with an ID tag. Use a safety collar with an elastic panel that allows the cat to break free if it gets caught on something. For both indoor and outdoor cats, it's a good idea to have an ID tag or microchip to increase the chances of finding them if they get lost.

6. Litter Box :

All indoor cats need a litter box, which should be placed in a quiet and easily accessible location. In multi-level homes, it's recommended to have one litter box per floor. Try not to move the litter box unless necessary, but if you must, move it a few inches each day. Keep the litter box clean by scooping out solid waste at least once a day. Replace the litter completely with a mild detergent and refill it at least once a week (or less frequently if using clumping litter). Avoid using ammonia, deodorants, or scented products, especially lemon-scented ones, when cleaning the litter box. If your cat refuses to use the litter box, consult your vet as there may be an underlying medical condition. For more information on litter box problems, visit our Litter Box Problems page.

Remember to take good care of your cat and enjoy the wonderful companionship they bring.