How to Take Care of a Cat: 10 Tips for New Cat Parents

Welcoming a cat into your home as a family member is a significant decision. While having a cat or kitten can be incredibly rewarding, it also requires understanding essential cat care to ensure they stay happy and healthy.

Contrary to popular belief, maintaining your cat's ideal health and happiness involves more than just providing high-quality food and a comfortable place to sleep. That’s why I’ve created this blog post on how to take care of a cat.

I’ll guide you through all the essential steps to keep your feline friend in peak physical and mental health. This guide applies not only to indoor cats but also to their outdoor counterparts. Let’s get started!

Caring for a Kitten or Adult Cat: A Lifelong Commitment

Before we dive in, I’d like to share an insight I’ve gained as both a homeopathy expert and a pet mom. Many cat owners overlook that welcoming a cat into the family requires significant effort and commitment.

In addition to understanding basic cat care, being prepared for unexpected emergencies should be a top priority. Whether you have a kitten, an adult cat, or a senior feline, including this in your checklist helps prevent wellness issues and unwanted behaviors down the road.

Understanding cat care basics means embracing the challenges of cat ownership.

Many people rush into getting a cat without weighing the pros and cons. While cats are affectionate and playful, they can also shed extensively, trigger allergies in some people, and damage furniture.

When these cons come into play, the initial excitement of having a cat can fade, often leading to neglect and indifference. This neglect can result in serious, even fatal, health issues for cats. That’s why I’ve emphasized from the start the vital connection between cat care and commitment.

Getting a Cat? Don’t Forget Essential Items Like High-Quality Cat Food, Litter Boxes and Scratching Posts

One of the most important aspects of cat care is ensuring you have the right essentials. By providing items like quality food, a comfortable bed, and engaging toys, you not only support your cat's health but also contribute to their overall happiness and comfort.

Before welcoming a new cat into your home, it's essential to be well-prepared with the necessary items to ensure your pet's comfort and well-being. Here's a checklist of must-haves:

• The appropriate high-quality cat food: Ensures your cat receives balanced nutrition.
• Litter boxes: The general rule is one litter box per cat.
• Food and water bowls: Choose ones that are easy to clean.
• Cat tree or perch: Provides a space for your cat to climb and observe.
• A sturdy scratching post: Helps keep your cat’s claws healthy and protects your furniture.
• Cat litter: Options include clumping, non-clumping, scented, and unscented.
• Cat toys: Keep your cat entertained and stimulated.
• Grooming supplies: Includes brushes, nail clippers, and more.
• Cat carrier and bed: For safe transport and a cozy sleeping spot.
• ID tag and collar: Essential for identification in case your cat gets lost.
• Cleaning supplies: For maintaining a clean environment.
• Cat emergency kit: Includes essentials like a pet first aid kit, medications, and contact info for your vet or pet wellness expert.

Whether your cat will primarily be indoors or outdoors, it’s crucial to have all these essentials to keep your pet comfortable and happy. This checklist also helps ensure your cat stays healthy, reducing the risk of disease and illness.

Keeping Your Cat Healthy Involves Establishing a Routine

The most practical way to encourage happy and healthy behavior in cats is by establishing a routine. Although it may come as a surprise, cats are creatures of habit and thrive on consistency. Without a "feline routine," cats can develop physical and mental health problems, potentially shortening their lifespan.

The impact of inconsistency in care routines on cats

A key example is the neglect of regular grooming for your feline friend. Without proper grooming, your cat is at greater risk of exposure to fleas, ticks, and other parasites, which can lead to dangerous medical conditions, such as skin infections or, in female cats, uterine infections. Additionally, these parasites can turn your home into a hotspot for allergies and other health issues, affecting both your cat and your family.

Another crucial aspect is litter box maintenance. Failing to scoop the litter box at least once a day and change the litter regularly can lead to serious issues, including urinary tract infections or litter box avoidance. Maintaining a clean litter box encourages proper hygiene, supports your cat's overall well-being, and helps prevent undesirable behaviors.

Cat care tips should always include regularity

As we continue our discussion, we will explore more of these essential routines in detail. It’s crucial to recognize the importance of establishing these practices to prevent common issues and ensure your cat’s well-being. This principle applies equally to both indoor and outdoor cats, as well as those with a mix of lifestyles.

Cat Emergencies Can Strike Without Warning

While I don't intend to scare you, it’s important to understand that your cat may be prone to various medical conditions under your care. The severity of these issues will largely depend on your knowledge of cat care and your consistency in applying it.

It’s important to note that health problems can be more prevalent among young kittens and older cats. If you have multiple cats, your vigilance—such as closely monitoring for symptoms and maintaining strict hygiene—should increase accordingly.

This is one of the main reasons why having an emergency kit in your home cat care checklist should be a priority, along with regular consultations with your vet or pet wellness expert.

10 Must-Know Tips to Keep Your Cat Happy and Healthy

With that covered, let’s go through the essential cat care tips you should keep in mind. These practical tips are not only applicable to cats but can also be adapted for other pets in your household.

#1. Adopt or get kittens at least 4 months old.

Kittens taken away from their mothers before 16 weeks are more likely to develop behavioral problems, such as anxiety or aggression, later in life. Additionally, they may face nutritional challenges, which can lead to issues like a weakened immune system or improper growth.

If you're looking to get or adopt a new kitten, make sure it is at least 4 months old to avoid serious health and behavioral concerns.

Remember that no matter how high-quality your cat food is or how safe your home may be, very young kittens separated too early from their mothers will still be at risk for various issues. This is because the early weeks are crucial for their development, both nutritionally and socially.

#2. Spay or neuter your feline family members.

Did you know that by spaying or neutering your cat, you’re not only preventing unwanted kittens, but you’re also providing them with several additional benefits? These include less roaming, a reduced risk of infections, lower chances of serious health issues like ovarian and testicular cancer, and contributing to fewer stray cats in your community.

To clarify a common misconception, spaying and neutering are not just for adult cats.

As a pet homeopathy expert, I recommend spaying or neutering cats before they reach 6 months of age. This timing not only ensures that they are treated before reaching sexual maturity but also allows for a quicker recovery at this younger age.

#3. Regular professional consultations prevent cat health issues.

Whether you keep your cat primarily indoors or allow it some time outside, regular consultations with your vet or pet wellness expert are essential for preventing health issues. These visits not only alert you to potential diseases and illnesses your pet may be at risk of, but they also prevent more serious wellness consequences through early intervention.

Remember, it’s crucial to contact your vet or pet wellness expert before your cat or kitten shows signs of illness. At the first sign of any irregularities, consult with a professional to ensure your pet's well-being. This proactive approach also applies to any other animals in your care.

#4. Proper nutrition is essential for your furry friend.

When it comes to proper cat nutrition, it’s essential to focus on key factors to reduce the risk of long-term medical conditions like heart disease or brain dysfunction.

First, cats require plenty of animal-based proteins. Second, they need sufficient amounts of taurine, arginine, and fatty acids in their diet. Third, they must obtain adequate levels of vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, and other essential nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, and potassium.

These essential nutrients not only help keep your cat's teeth and bones strong but also support the health and function of their gastrointestinal system. Regardless of whether you choose wet or dry food, maintaining proper portion control is crucial to ensure your cat receives the right amount of these nutrients.

Finally, ensuring constant access to fresh water is crucial. Rather than simply topping up your cat's water bowl, be sure to replace the water regularly to keep it fresh at all times.

#5. Give your pet a sturdy litter box.

While most people associate litter boxes solely with hygiene, they also serve as a safe haven for your pet and can offer crucial insights into your cat's health through monitoring their habits and waste.

Cats are naturally clean animals that instinctively bury their waste after relieving themselves. When choosing a litter, it's important to remember that there are many options available, each with its own benefits.

Litter comes in both clumping and non-clumping varieties. Clumping litter forms solid clumps when wet, making it easier to clean, while non-clumping litter absorbs moisture but doesn’t form clumps. Additionally, you can choose between scented and unscented options based on your cat’s preference and your household's needs.

Although it may seem straightforward, it's vital to keep the litter box clean on a regular basis. Neglecting this can lead to unpleasant odors, the spread of bacteria, and potential health risks for both you and your cat.

A general rule of thumb is to have one litter box per cat, plus an extra one. For example, if you have two cats, providing three litter boxes is ideal. The same principle applies if you have three or more cats—always aim for one box per cat, plus an additional one.

This ensures that each cat has its own space and reduces the chances of territorial disputes or inappropriate elimination.

#6. "Hunting" keeps your cat healthy and active.

Many cats start showing their hunting instincts as early as 4 months of age. Regardless of their sex, age, or breed, this behavior will emerge at some point in your pet's life. Whether your cat lives primarily indoors or outdoors, these instincts will eventually come into play.

Understanding this instinct can help you provide appropriate outlets for your cat’s natural hunting drive, such as interactive toys or playtime.

If you’d prefer to avoid your new cat hunting small animals, you can provide alternatives such as wands, laser pointers, and other toys that encourage active play. These toys can help satisfy your cat's hunting instincts without the need for real prey.

#7. Regular grooming keeps your cat healthy.

Did you know that regular grooming can help prevent disease and illness in your cat? Whether it's for short-haired or long-haired cats, consistent grooming sessions are essential for maintaining their health and well-being.

Regular grooming not only helps you spot any irregularities on your cat's body but also serves as valuable bonding time, strengthening the emotional connection between you and your pet. Since cats groom themselves regularly, maintaining a consistent grooming routine ensures you don’t disrupt this natural cycle.

#8. Keep your home clean and safe for your pets.

This is straightforward advice: always keep your surroundings clean and safe for your cat. Failing to do so can expose your pet to harmful accidents, such as contact with harsh chemicals that could negatively impact their health. Additionally, sharp objects can cause nicks and cuts, potentially leading to infections.

#9. You absolutely need a scratching post when you have a cat.

Did you know that cats scratch to maintain their claws? Additionally, they scratch to keep their muscles, such as those in their back and front legs, flexible and to mark their territory. This behavior is common in both male and female cats, which is why scratching posts are essential.

#10. Teach, don’t punish, when your cat acts out.

Cat parents, it’s important to be understanding when your pet behaves unpleasantly. Such behavior could be a sign of boredom, stress, or even a medical condition. Be sure to observe any changes in your pet’s body or behavior and respond with care, rather than frustration.

A Final Word

Having a cat is incredibly fulfilling, but to ensure your pet stays as healthy and happy as possible, it’s crucial to keep these cat care tips in mind. I hope you’ve found this article helpful. If you have any questions or need clarification, please share them in the comments section so we can start a meaningful discussion.

About the author

Suzie Cyrenne

HOMEOPATH & CO-FOUNDER OF ZUMALKA

Suzie Cyrenne has dedicated more than 20 years of her life in making and improving natural animal health solutions in the global setting.

Being the co-founder of Zumalka, Suzie is a forerunner in enhancing the lives of pets through natural and homeopathic options using the knowledge she has gained from the Classical Homeopathy School in Quebec.

Through the guidance of her mother-in-law and fellow natural health expert, Denyse Lessard, Suzie constantly devotes herself to create premium pet products that are aimed at dealing with the root causes of wellness problems and not just their symptoms.

Besides immersing herself in books, personal development and visiting new places, Suzie also enjoys keeping herself in tiptop shape by snowboarding and taking daily hikes with her husband and Zumalka co-founder, Matt Lessard, and their Golden-Doodle, Westin.

Find out more about Suzie when you click HERE.