Quick answer: Healthy, happy cats need a complete, animal-protein-rich diet, plenty of water, clean litter boxes, daily play and enrichment, regular grooming and dental care, preventive vet visits, and a safe home with places to climb and hide.
Cats have a reputation for being low-maintenance, but they have very specific needs. When those needs are met, cats are healthier, calmer and much more fun to live with.
We’ve shared our home with cats for years, including our current pair of 12-year-old tabby siblings. Here’s a complete guide to the basics.
Food and Water
- Feed a complete and balanced cat food (meeting AAFCO standards) for your cat’s life stage.
- Measure portions to prevent obesity.
- Include wet food if you can for extra moisture.
- Offer fresh water in several spots, or try a fountain. Many cats prefer water away from their food.
- Never feed dog food as a regular diet.
Litter Box Basics
- A common rule of thumb is one box per cat, plus one extra.
- Scoop at least daily and change litter regularly.
- Many cats prefer unscented, clumping litter.
- Put boxes in quiet, easy-to-reach places, away from food.
- Senior cats may need low-entry boxes on every floor they use.
- Peeing outside the box is often a sign of a medical problem, so see your vet.
Play and Enrichment
Indoor cats need daily play to stay fit and avoid boredom. Wand toys that mimic prey are a favorite. Short play sessions of 10 to 15 minutes, a couple of times a day, work well. Add cat trees, window perches, scratching posts and hiding spots to make your home more interesting.
Some cats, like our Max, never lose their love of chasing a laser or racing up the cat tree. Others slow down with age and prefer gentler games.
Scratching
Scratching is normal and necessary. It keeps claws healthy, stretches muscles and marks territory. Offer sturdy scratching posts (tall enough for a full stretch) and horizontal scratchers near favorite spots. Declawing is an amputation and is opposed by many veterinary organizations.
Grooming and Dental Care
- Brush regularly, especially long-haired cats, to reduce hairballs and mats.
- Trim nails every few weeks.
- Brush teeth with cat toothpaste, or ask your vet about dental options.
- Notice changes in grooming. Cats who stop grooming may be in pain or ill.
Vet Care
- Yearly exams for adults, often every six months for seniors
- Vaccines recommended for your cat’s lifestyle
- Year-round parasite prevention, even for indoor cats
- Spaying or neutering
- Microchipping, even for indoor cats
Safety at Home
- Keep lilies out of the house. All parts are extremely toxic to cats.
- Put away string, ribbon, hair ties and rubber bands.
- Secure window screens.
- Store medications safely. Many human medicines are toxic to cats.
Caring for Senior Cats
Cats are often considered seniors after about 10. Watch for weight changes, drinking more, stiffness and changes in behavior. Make things easier with steps, low-entry litter boxes and warm beds. Our Molly has a heated bed under a dining room chair that she rarely leaves.
Helpful Products
- Cat water fountains: Encourages healthy drinking.
- Cat wand toys: Daily play that mimics hunting.
- Tall scratching posts: Saves furniture and keeps claws healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I feed my cat?
Most adult cats do well with two or more measured meals a day.
How many litter boxes do I need?
A common guideline is one per cat plus one extra.
Do indoor cats need vaccines?
Yes, core vaccines are still recommended. Your vet will tailor them to your cat’s lifestyle.
How do I know if my cat is happy?
Relaxed body language, slow blinks, healthy appetite, playing, grooming normally and seeking you out are good signs.
The Bottom Line
Cats thrive with good food, plenty of water, clean litter boxes, daily play, regular grooming and preventive vet care. Meet those needs, make your home cat-friendly, and adjust as your cat ages for a long, happy life together.
Keep reading:
- Caring for Senior Cats: Life With Our 12-Year-Old Brother-and-Sister Tabbies
- Keeping Indoor Cats Happy and Healthy
- Cat Nutrition Basics: What to Feed for Optimal Health
- Common Cat Health Problems: Causes, Signs and When to See a Vet
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