Cat care basics: what every cat needs at home

The five pillars of a healthy cat environment

1. A safe place. Somewhere enclosed or raised where the cat can hide and feel secure, such as a covered bed, a box on its side or a high shelf.
2. Multiple, separated key resources. Food, water, litter boxes, scratching posts, play areas and resting spots, spread out so the cat never has to pass a rival, a noisy machine or its own litter box to reach food. The guidelines suggest a choice of at least two of each.
3. Opportunity for play and predatory behavior. Cats are built to stalk, chase and pounce. Without an outlet, that energy can turn into stress or rough play with people.
4. Positive, consistent, predictable social contact. Let the cat choose when to interact; most cats prefer frequent, short, gentle contact on their own terms.
5. Respect for the cat's sense of smell. Cats mark their space with scent from their cheeks and paws. Avoid strong cleaning products and air fresheners near their key areas, and do not wash every bed at once.

Litter boxes

The common rule of thumb in both AAHA/AAFP and AAFP/ISFM guidance is one litter box per cat plus one extra, placed in different quiet locations rather than side by side, with at least one on each floor of a multi level home. A single cat should still have two boxes in two places.

• Size: at least one and a half times the cat's length from nose to tail tip, which is bigger than most boxes sold. A large storage container works well.
• Cleaning: scoop at least daily; wash the box regularly with hot water rather than strong chemicals.
• Litter: preferences vary between cats. Unscented clumping litter suits many cats, and you can offer choices in separate boxes to find out what yours prefers.
• Changes in litter habits are often medical. Peeing outside the box, straining or frequent small visits are reasons to see a vet, and a cat that strains and passes nothing needs urgent care (see cat straining to pee).

More detail: how many litter boxes do you need?

Scratching

Scratching is normal cat behavior: it conditions the claws, stretches the body and leaves scent and visual marks. Rather than trying to stop it, give your cat sturdy posts that do not wobble, tall enough for a full stretch, plus some horizontal scratchers. Put them near sleeping spots and in prominent places the cat already likes to mark, then reward the cat for using them.

Play and enrichment

Several short play sessions a day with a wand toy let a cat stalk, chase and finish with a catch, which mirrors how cats hunt. Rotate toys so they stay interesting. Food puzzles and foraging toys, which the AAFP feeding consensus statement recommends, make cats work for part of their food the way they would in the wild, and can help with boredom and weight.

Grooming, claws and teeth

• Coat: long haired cats such as Persians usually need daily combing to prevent mats; short haired cats benefit from a weekly brush, especially as they age and groom less.
• Claws: indoor cats may need their claw tips trimmed; ask your vet to show you how. Older cats' claws can overgrow into the pads.
• Teeth: Cornell reports that studies find 50 to 90% of cats over four years old have some form of dental disease. Regular tooth brushing with a feline toothpaste (human toothpaste is not safe for cats) is the best way to prevent gingivitis; Cornell has a four week training plan to get cats used to it. Your vet should check the mouth at every visit.

Identification and safety

A microchip gives a lost cat the best chance of coming home. In England, since 10 June 2024, owned cats must be microchipped and registered on a database by the time they are 20 weeks old, including cats that stay indoors. Keep your contact details up to date with the database. If your cat wears a collar, use a quick release (breakaway) type.

Indoor only and outdoor access lifestyles both have trade offs. Outdoor access gives exercise and stimulation but brings risks from traffic, fights and infectious disease; indoor cats need extra effort on play, climbing space and enrichment. Many cats do well with safe access to an enclosed outdoor space.

A simple daily and weekly routine