Cat Care
Complete Cat Care Guide: Nutrition, Litter, Play & Health
Cats are independent — but they still rely on us for consistent food, clean litter, mental stimulation and preventive health care. This guide covers the essentials for kittens through seniors.
Feeding your cat
Cats are obligate carnivores — they need meat-based protein and taurine. Choose a complete diet meeting AAFCO or FEDIAF standards. Wet food helps hydration; dry food supports dental health. Many vets recommend a mix.
- Kittens: 3–4 small meals per day
- Adults (1–7 years): 2 meals per day
- Seniors (7+): 2 smaller meals, monitor thirst and weight
Litter box setup
Golden rule: one litter box per cat, plus one extra. Place them in quiet, low-traffic spots. Scoop daily, deep-clean weekly. Avoid scented litters — many cats reject them.
Enrichment for indoor cats
Indoor cats live longer but need enrichment to avoid boredom and obesity. Vertical space (cat trees, shelves), daily play sessions with wand toys and window views all reduce stress-related behaviors.
Kitten vaccination schedule
Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks. Boosters at 1 year, then every 1–3 years depending on lifestyle and local law.
Warning signs — call your vet
Cats hide illness. Contact your vet if you notice: sudden appetite change, hiding, litter box avoidance, weight loss, excessive thirst, difficulty urinating (a life-threatening emergency in male cats) or labored breathing.
Frequently asked questions
How many litter boxes do I need?+
The vet-recommended rule is one per cat plus one extra, placed in separate, quiet locations.
Should I feed wet or dry cat food?+
Both have benefits. Wet food supports hydration and urinary health; dry food is convenient and supports teeth. Many households do a mix.