Cat and Kitten Care
Welcoming a cat into your home is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. Whether this is your first cat or your fifth, knowing how to meet their needs sets the foundation for a long, healthy, and happy life together. Here’s everything you need to know.
Diet and Feeding
Kittens have big nutritional needs to support all that growing. Up to one year of age, they should be fed three to four times throughout the day. Adult cats (one year and older) do well with a quarter to a third of a cup of food once or twice daily.
Fresh, clean water should always be available. One thing to skip: cow’s milk. Despite the classic image, milk is not recommended for cats and can cause digestive upset and diarrhea.
Identification
Even indoor cats should wear a breakaway collar with an ID tag at all times. Breakaway collars are designed to release if they get snagged on something, which keeps your cat from getting hurt. Check the fit regularly and adjust as your cat grows. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to slip two fingers underneath comfortably.
Grooming
Brush your cat regularly to reduce shedding and help prevent hairballs. If hairballs become a recurring issue, a hairball remedy can help and is available at PetSmart. Your vet can also recommend options based on your cat’s specific needs.
Ear Care
Check your cat’s ears often for dirt or signs of ear mites, which can cause discomfort and lead to infection if left untreated. Clean them gently using an ear cleaning solution recommended by your veterinarian.
Nail Care
Plan to trim your cat’s nails about every two weeks. Keeping a scratching post accessible at all times gives your cat a healthy outlet for that instinct and helps protect your furniture. Many cats will naturally gravitate to the post if it’s introduced early.
Litter Box
Your cat’s litter box should live somewhere quiet and private, away from their food and water. Keep it clean and accessible at all times. A good baseline is one litter box per cat in your home, though many cats appreciate having an extra option available.
Exercise and Play
Cats are natural hunters and they need outlets for that energy. Scratching posts, crinkly paper bags, catnip toys, and balls are all favorites. Interactive toys that mimic prey movement are especially satisfying for them. Just make sure toys are safe: avoid anything with small bells they could swallow or strings and yarn that could cause serious internal damage if ingested.
Environment and Safety
We strongly recommend keeping your cat indoors. The outside world poses real risks, including cars, theft, poisoning, disease, and injury from other animals. An indoor cat is a protected cat, and with the right enrichment at home, they truly don’t miss what they never had.
Transportation
Whenever your cat needs to travel, use a fully latched carrier. Even the most relaxed cat can startle in an unfamiliar environment, and a frightened cat can leap from your arms before you realize what’s happening. A secure carrier keeps everyone safe.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Use only flea and tick prevention products that are specifically labeled for cats and recommended by your veterinarian. Products made for dogs can be toxic to cats, so this is one area where it’s always worth checking with your vet first.
Veterinary Care
Plan for an annual wellness visit with your veterinarian for a physical exam and any recommended vaccinations. Cats are skilled at hiding discomfort, so regular checkups are one of the most important things you can do to catch anything early and keep them feeling their best.
If you have questions about caring for your new cat or kitten, we’re always here to help. Reach out to us anytime.