Cats have a range of needs that owners must meet to keep their pets happy and healthy. These include food, water, shelter, care, mental stimulation, exercise, and social interaction. Cats are true carnivores, so a high-protein diet is essential, along with access to fresh water. They also require a quiet, comfortable, and secluded space to call their own, as well as resources like litter boxes, scratching posts, and toys to keep them entertained and stimulated. Regular grooming, such as nail trimming, brushing, and dental hygiene, is another important aspect of cat care. Additionally, providing a safe indoor environment and considering pet insurance can help ensure your cat lives a long and healthy life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Food and water bowls | One food and one water bowl, placed separately and away from the litter tray |
| Diet | High-quality wet food, two times a day; taurine, an essential amino acid, for heart and eye health; treats should be no more than 5-10% of the diet |
| Water | Fresh water, changed at least two times a day; filtered, purified or bottled water is optimal |
| Bed | Soft, warm, and comfortable bed in a quiet, safe, and secluded space |
| Litter tray | Kept away from the food and water area; scoop solid wastes at least once a day, wash with mild detergent and refill at least once a week |
| Scratching post | Sturdy and tall enough for the cat to fully stretch its legs |
| Carrier | Safe, sturdy, and well-ventilated |
| Toys | Puzzle toys, fishing rod toys, cardboard boxes, balls, catnip-filled mice |
| Collar and ID tag | Collar with an automatic release and an ID tag with the owner's name, address, and telephone number |
Food and water bowls
Your cat should always have access to fresh water. It should be changed at least two times a day. Filtered, purified, or bottled water is best, but fresh tap water is also fine. Cats do not like to bend their whiskers while eating or drinking, so make sure that the bowls are large enough to accommodate their whiskers. Remember, cats are very sensitive to smell. If your cat is not drinking from its water bowl, thoroughly wash and rinse the bowl and try again. You can also try filtered water.
When choosing bowls, it is recommended to use stainless steel, glass, or ceramic food and water bowls. Avoid plastic containers, as toxins in the plastic and the porous material encourage bacterial build-up and can cause an infection or acne on your cat's skin. Make sure the bottoms of the bowls are weighted to avoid tipping. If you've adopted a kitten, consider purchasing smaller, shallower bowls designed specifically for kittens. Bowls should be cleaned daily and placed away from the litter box, as cats do not like to eat and relieve themselves in the same location.
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Cat bed
Cats typically sleep for around 16 hours a day, so it's important to provide your feline friend with a comfortable, safe and quiet place to rest. Cat beds should be soft and warm, and it's a good idea to line them with a blanket or towel, which should be washed regularly. Cat beds can be purchased in various styles, from fluffy donut-shaped beds to cute cat couches, and even cat hammocks! When choosing a bed, make sure it is big enough for your cat to stretch out in, as cats do not like to bend their whiskers while eating or sleeping. You could also provide your cat with a window perch or a cat cave to sleep in.
If you have more than one cat, it is recommended that you provide one bed per cat, plus an extra. This also applies to other items such as food and water bowls, litter trays and scratching posts.
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Litter tray
A litter tray is an essential item for a cat owner. The general rule of thumb is to have the same number of litter trays as cats, plus one. The litter tray should be placed in a quiet, accessible location, away from your cat's food and water area. If you live in a multi-level home, it is recommended to have one litter tray per floor.
The litter tray should be kept clean, as cats will not use a messy, smelly litter box. Solid waste should be scooped out at least once a day, and the entire tray should be emptied, washed with a mild detergent, and refilled at least once a week. This can be done less frequently if you use clumping litter. Do not use ammonia, deodorants, or scents, especially lemon, when cleaning the litter tray.
When choosing a litter tray, it is important to consider the size of your cat and the type of litter you will be using. The litter tray should be large enough for your cat to comfortably enter and have enough room to perform their elimination ritual of sniffing, digging, squatting, turning around, and covering up their waste. The litter tray should also be deep enough to accommodate at least three inches of litter.
It is recommended to use an unscented, absorbent, soft, and rake-able litter. Clumping litter can make cleaning easier, and some people prefer pellets. It is important to avoid litter made of wheat or corn, as these can be inflammatory if the cat licks the dust off themselves.
Experimenting with different types of litter and trays may be necessary to find out what your cat prefers.
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Scratching post
Scratching is a normal and healthy behaviour for cats. It helps them to keep their claws healthy, stretch their muscles, and mark their territory. Indoor cats need a suitable alternative to tree bark, which they would use in the wild. A scratching post is an essential part of feline enrichment and can help to protect your furniture from being used as a scratching surface.
When choosing a scratching post for your cat, it is important to consider the material and height. Good scratching surfaces include sisal rope, corrugated cardboard, carpet, or wood. Sisal is a durable material that is similar to tree bark and helps to shed old claw sheaths. It may be a good option for cats that enjoy spending time outdoors. The post should be tall enough for your cat to stretch out their legs and reach tall—around 30 inches off the ground is a good height. The post should also be sturdy and stable so that it won't wobble or be knocked over during use.
There are a variety of scratching posts available on the market, including vertical cat trees, flat scratching boards, and wall-mounted options. Some posts also include hanging toys or balls for added interest and play. If your cat is slow to take to their new scratching post, try placing it next to an old one to help them make the transition.
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Collar and ID tag
Collars and ID tags are essential for cat owners, especially those who let their cats go outdoors. Cats can be adventurous and may wander off, getting lost in unfamiliar surroundings. A collar and ID tag will help identify your cat as having a loving owner and will enable people to contact you quickly and easily.
The ID tag should be attached securely to the collar and display legible contact information, such as your phone number and address. You should also include your cat's name. It is important to check the tag regularly to ensure the information is accurate and up to date. If your cat is particularly adventurous, you may want to invest in a GPS tracker tag.
There are two common ways to attach an ID tag to a collar: using an S-ring and a pair of pliers, or connecting it with a split ring. The collar should be a safety collar with an elastic panel, which will allow your cat to break free if the collar gets caught on something.
You can purchase ID tags from various online and physical retailers, including Chewy, Petco, and Etsy.
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Frequently asked questions
A cat's basic needs include security, comfort, and love. They also have some tangible needs such as food, water, a bed, grooming, and a stimulating and safe environment.
Cats should be fed two to three times a day. Wet food is great for a cat's teeth and is a good source of protein, but it's important to also provide them with dry food to help keep their jaws strong.
Cats are carnivores and require meat in their diet. High-quality, brand-name cat food is recommended. Your veterinarian will be able to advise on the best diet for your cat based on their age, activity level, and health.
Before bringing your cat home, you'll need to set up a quiet, comfortable, and secluded space for them. This could be a spare bedroom or a cosy corner in your living room. You'll also need to get essential items such as food and water bowls, a bed, a litter tray, a scratching post, and a cat carrier.