Essential Do's and Don'ts of Owning a Cat
Welcoming a cat into your home is a rewarding experience that comes with specific responsibilities. Ensuring the health and well-being of your feline companion means adhering to a variety of best care practices and avoiding common pitfalls. Below, we explore the key do’s and don’ts of owning a cat, backed by insights from animal health professionals.
DO: Provide Proper Nutrition
- Feed a high-quality, age-appropriate cat food that contains necessary nutrients like taurine, essential for heart and eye health.
- Portion control meals 2–3 times a day instead of free-feeding.
- Introduce food changes gradually to avoid digestive problems.
- Avoid cow’s milk, which can cause diarrhea in cats.
- Use non-plastic food and water dishes to prevent bacterial growth.
DO: Ensure Proper Hydration
- Always offer fresh water using shallow, wide bowls.
- Use water fountains, broth, or wet food to encourage more drinking.
- Monitor water intake, especially in warmer months or for cats prone to urinary issues.
DO: Maintain Litter Box Hygiene
- Provide one litter box per cat plus one extra.
- Keep boxes clean, scooping at least once daily.
- Use unscented, clumping litter and avoid perfumed cleaners.
- Locate boxes in quiet, accessible spaces, away from food and water.
DO: Groom and Monitor Health
- Brush your cat regularly to reduce hairballs and shedding.
- Trim nails every 2–4 weeks to prevent injury and property damage.
- Look for signs of skin problems or parasites during grooming.
DO: Encourage Healthy Scratching Behavior
- Provide scratchers made of sisal or untreated wood.
- Train your cat to use them and reward appropriate scratching.
- Use claw caps if needed, never resort to declawing.
DO: Enrich Your Cat’s Environment
- Engage in daily play with wands, balls, or interactive toys.
- Offer vertical space like cat trees and perches.
- Rotate toys to maintain interest and stimulation.
- Provide hiding spots and lounging areas for rest and comfort.
DO: Create a Safe and Comfortable Home
- Keep your cat indoors to avoid traffic, parasites, and predators.
- Secure harmful items like toxic plants, string, and chemicals.
- Close toilet lids and check appliances before use.
- Offer cozy, quiet spaces for your cat to sleep.
DO: Ensure Identification and Veterinary Care
- Use a breakaway collar with ID tag and consider microchipping.
- Schedule annual vet exams to monitor overall health.
- Keep up with vaccinations like rabies and FVRCP.
- Use only vet-approved medications for treatment or prevention.
- Spay or neuter cats by five months of age.
DON’T: Skip Veterinary Visits
- Even indoor cats need annual check-ups to catch early health concerns.
- Never administer human medications without a vet’s instruction.
DON’T: Declaw Your Cat
- Declawing is a surgical amputation with lasting trauma and behavior issues.
- Opt for trimming, training, or nail caps as safer, humane alternatives.
DON’T: Ignore Behavioral or Physical Changes
- Watch for signs like lethargy, appetite changes, or litter box issues.
- Seek veterinary advice early, even for subtle symptoms.
DON’T: Force Socialization
- Let new cats acclimate gradually, especially if other pets are present.
- Respect a cat’s need for time and space.
DON’T: Allow Unsafe Exploration
- Never permit free-roaming in cars or outdoors.
- Use secure carriers for transport and supervise windows or balconies.
General Supplies Checklist:
- High-quality cat food
- Food and water bowls
- Litter box, scoop, and litter
- Brush or comb
- Scratching post or pad
- Interactive toys
- Carrier
- Comfortable bed or blanket
- Flea/tick prevention
- ID collar and microchip
By following these comprehensive do’s and avoiding risky don’ts, you help build a nurturing, safe, and joyful life for your feline friend.
