Care for All Cats

 Typical Care

Have you recently adopted a feline companion? Congratulations! We are sure that you will love having your new cat in your home. If you're thinking about adopting a cat, please go to your neighborhood shelter. Use our shelter finder to begin your search, or look through our directory of cats that are available for adoption in your area.

Continue reading for helpful advice for new cat owners and those looking to improve their pet care skills.

Feeding: 

We suggest purchasing brand-name, high-quality kitten or cat food. Your new cat or kitten's health and diet will be evaluated by your veterinarian. What and how much a cat should eat depends on their age, activity level, and health.

For the health of their eyes and hearts, cats require the essential amino acid taurine. The food you choose should be balanced for your cat's or kitten's stage of life. Taurine will be present in foods that are well-balanced.

Your cat's water bowls must be cleaned and refilled on a daily basis, and you must always provide clean, fresh water.

Treats should not make up more than 5 to 10 percent of the diet.

When a cat or kitten refuses food or is not feeling well, many people feed baby food to them. Please read labels carefully: Your pet may become poisoned if the baby food contains onion or garlic powder.

If your pet continues to exhibit signs of anorexia, diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy for more than two days, see your veterinarian.

For a list of prohibited foods, please see our Cat Nutrition Tips page and our People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets page.

Grooming 

While you should brush or comb your cat on a regular basis, most cats keep their coats relatively clean and rarely require a bath. Brushing your cat's coat on a regular basis helps to keep it clean, reduces shedding, and lowers the likelihood of hairballs. For more details, please see our Cat Grooming Tips page.

Handling 

Position one hand behind the front legs and the other under the hindquarters when picking up your cat. Gently lift. Never pick up a cat by the front legs or scruff of the neck.

Housing 

Your pet should have her own dry, clean place to sleep and rest in your home. Use a soft, warm blanket or towel to line your cat's bed. Be sure to frequently wash the bedding. Please confine your cat inside. Indoor cats live longer lives than outdoor cats. Cars or fights with other cats, raccoons, and free-ranging dogs can cause trauma to outdoor cats. It is known that coyotes eat cats. Cats that live outside are more likely to contract infectious diseases and become infested with fleas or ticks.

Identification 

Your cat must wear a safety collar and an identification tag if allowed outside. If the safety collar gets caught on something, it will be possible for your cat to escape with the help of an elastic panel. In addition, if your cat goes missing, an ID tag or microchip can help return them to you, whether they live indoors or outdoors.

Litter Box 

Every indoor cat requires a litter box, which should be in a quiet, easy-to-reach spot. One box per floor is recommended in a home with multiple levels. Unless absolutely necessary, do not move the box, but if you must, only move it a few inches per day. Remember that cats won't use a litter box that smells and is messy, so scoop solid waste out of the box at least once per day. At least once per week, empty everything, wash with a mild detergent, and refill; If you use litter that clumps together, you can do this less often. When cleaning the litter box, avoid using ammonia, deodorants, or scents, especially lemon. Please talk to your vet if your cat won't use the litter box. A medical condition that required treatment may sometimes be the reason behind a pet's refusal to use a litter box. For more information, please see our Litter Box Problems page.

Scratching 

Cats must scratch to survive! The old outer nail sheath is removed when a cat scratches, exposing the sharp, smooth claws beneath. Every two to three weeks, trim your cat's nails to keep them relatively blunt and less likely to scratch furniture or people's arms. A sturdy scratching post that is at least three feet high should be provided to your cat. The rough material that is used to cover the post, such as sisal, burlap, or tree bark, should be strong enough to prevent it from wobbling when in use. Additionally, pads are favored by many cats.

Health 

Your cat should visit the veterinarian at least once a year for an examination and vaccinations, and if she becomes ill or injured, she should see the doctor right away.

Medicines and Poisons

 Don't give your cat any medication that you didn't get from a vet. Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, which offers information on animal poisons 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Spaying and neutering 

Female cats must be spayed by the time they are five months old, and male cats must be neutered. For more information, please see our Spay/Neuter Your Pet page.

Vaccinations

 Your cat's age and health will be taken into consideration by your veterinarian. For more information, please see our Pet Vaccinations page.

Checklist for Cat Supplies 

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• Premium brand food 
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• Food dish 
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• Water bowl 
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• Interactive toys 
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• Brush 
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•  Comb 
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• Safety cat collar with ID tag 
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• Scratching post or scratching pad
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• Litter box and litter 
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• carrier Cat 
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• bed or box with a warm blanket or towel