Tips on how to care for your cat

Cats make wonderful companions, but every cat needs the right care to stay healthy and content. Some breeds have particular needs, especially while they're growing up. Here are some practical tips to help you look after your cat well.

Grooming

Most cats keep themselves clean and rarely need a bath. Brushing or combing regularly stops the coat becoming matted, keeps it clean and shiny, and reduces shedding and hairballs. Long-haired cats need more frequent grooming.

Feeding

Feed a good-quality, complete cat food and talk to your vet about what suits your cat. Their age, health and activity level all make a difference.

• Always provide fresh drinking water every day.
• Cats need taurine and other essential nutrients for heart and eye health. A complete, balanced cat food suited to their life stage will provide these.
• If your cat stops eating, or has vomiting or diarrhoea lasting more than a day or two, contact your vet.
• Keep treats for training or special occasions. Cats can put on weight easily.
• Avoid feeding your cat anything other than cat food. Some human foods are poisonous to cats and should be avoided.

Handling

Lift your cat gently, with one hand behind their front legs and the other supporting their hindquarters. Never pick a cat up by the scruff of the neck or by the front legs.

Somewhere to rest

Your cat needs a safe, clean and quiet place to rest and sleep that they can call their own. Provide a warm, soft bed with a blanket, and wash bedding regularly.

Many UK cats enjoy going outdoors. If your cat lives indoors, provide plenty of play, climbing and scratching opportunities.

Litter trays

Indoor cats, and outdoor cats that are kept in at night, need a litter tray. Put it somewhere quiet and easy to reach. In a home with more than one floor, it helps to have a tray on each level.

Cats like a clean tray, so remove waste often, ideally after each use, and wash the tray every week. Avoid strong-smelling or citrus cleaners, which can put cats off using it. If your cat keeps going outside the tray even though it's clean, there may be a medical reason, so book a check-up with your vet.

Cat necessities

A basic checklist of supplies for your cat:

• Food and water bowls
• Good-quality, complete cat food
• Plenty of toys
• A suitable brush and comb
• Warm, soft bed with a blanket
• Litter tray and litter
• Something to scratch, such as a scratching post
• An ID tag on a quick-release collar, if your cat wears one

Vaccinations, neutering and vet care

Your vet will recommend which vaccinations your cat needs and how often. Keep them up to date, as they protect against serious diseases.

Vets and charities usually recommend neutering your cat from around 4 months old; ask your vet about the right time.

Take your cat for regular check-ups, along with any tests your vet recommends, especially as your cat gets older.

Identification

In England, it has been a legal requirement since 10 June 2024 for pet cats to be microchipped by 20 weeks old and registered on an approved database, with your details kept up to date. Microchipping is strongly recommended elsewhere in the UK.

If your cat wears a collar with an ID tag, use a quick-release collar that snaps open if it gets caught.