How to Take Care of a Cat: Guide for Cat Owners

Learning how to take care of a cat is a big responsibility that involves nutritious meals, regular grooming and play sessions, cat-friendly home updates, and regular veterinarian visits. It’s not just about sweet purrs and leg swirls.

But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! In this article we’ll provide a guide to cat ownership covering everything you’ll have to do to keep your cat healthy and happy. Follow our tips and the two of you will be purrfect companions in no time!

Pick a dry or wet cat food labeled “complete and balanced” and formulated for your cat’s life stage and health. Consistency is key when feeding your kitty, so stick to the same feeding schedule daily.

Portion guidelines are generally listed on food packages, so it’s easy to know how much to serve. Keep in mind that these are averages and don’t take into account your cat’s activity level or body condition.

It’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian for feeding recommendations tailored to your cat.

When you’re training your cat or giving them a little play time, it’s A-OK to dole out a yummy snack. Just remember, treats complement your kitty’s regular diet and don’t replace meals.

Although cats are famously good self-groomers, they’re still going to need some help from you. Here’s what that might look like:

It’s time to play beautician! Brushing your cat’s fur regularly will help keep matting at bay, especially if your cat’s a long-haired beauty.

As for the mani-pedi, you’ll want to trim your kitty’s nails every couple of weeks to prevent overgrowth. Setting up a few scratching posts is another way to keep their nails healthy and support their natural inclination to scratch.

You’ll want to help your cat clean their eyes and ears of any debris. While you do it, check for redness, odors, or other changes that might warrant a visit to the vet. 

It’s also good to brush your kitty’s teeth every day. If every day is a stretch, at least try to brush their teeth every few days to cut down on plaque build-up.

Learning how to take care of your cat’s commode is the next order of business.

Cats like clean litter boxes (can you blame them?), so be sure to scoop the poop at least once a day to prevent odor. Keeping the box fresh will encourage your kitty to use it consistently.

If the litter starts to smell and much of the litter is clumped, it’s time to dump it out and start again. Before refilling, wash the box with a mild, unscented soap and let it dry completely.

To avoid oopsies, your cat’s litter box should be in a quiet place and not in the middle of the action (privacy, please!). Also, if you’re a multiple-cat household, you’ll need at least one box per cat.

Your cat is not just a guest; they’re a part of your family now, so the house should reflect their needs, too. Let’s take a look at what that means.

Your home should have plenty of spaces where your kitty can climb, scratch, hide, and perch. Also, keep your windows secured, and be sure there’s nothing dangerous (or priceless) that either of you has to worry about.

Provide your cat plenty of toys, from puzzle feeders to scented and interactive play toys. A word of caution: To avoid injuries, don’t leave out any toys with strings if you’re not there watching your kitty’s playtime.

Carve out some time daily to play and interact with your cat. Keep in mind that cats are independent, so let them determine the pace. If they’re not in a play sort of mood, you’ll know by their bent ears or flicking tail.

Here are a few tips to keep your cat in good health.

It’s important to stay current with checkups and preventative care for your cat. The veterinarian will recommend any vaccinations, parasite prevention options, and health screenings your cat may need.

Learning how to take care of your cat means staying vigilant to any changes in their behavior or appearance. Monitor their appetite, hydration, litter habits, and energy levels, and if anything seems off, contact your veterinarian.

It's a good idea to keep a file of your cat’s medical history, including allergies, and share that with your veterinarian. And, for any medications prescribed, be sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully.

Here are a few ways to keep your cat safe and comfortable.

Be gentle when picking up your kitty! As you lift them, be sure to support their backside and chest. Never pull or lift them by their limbs or scruff.

When there’s someone new in the house, tell them to approach your cat slowly and calmly. If your kitty doesn’t want the company just yet, make sure there’s a hiding spot nearby they can retreat to until they’re ready.

Keep any cleaning products, medications, and small objects out of your cat’s reach. As for indoor plants, make sure they’re not toxic to cats in case they give them a nibble. 

For a quick reference on how to take care of your cat, we’ve made this easy chart listing all of the essentials.

Now that you have the scoop on how to take care of a cat, there’s just one more secret that all cat parents know: When you have yummy food and tasty treats, the rest of it is a snap. Your kitty will eat, play, and bond up a storm.

Case in point: TEMPTATIONS™ Lickable Spoons. More than just treats, they’re pure joy on a spoon. Whether you’re rewarding, bonding, or just spoiling them (no judgment), these are the treats that make moments matter. Me-ow!