A clean litter box is the single most important factor in keeping a cat using it. Cats have a sensitive sense of smell, and a dirty box is one of the main reasons for accidents around the house. How often to clean Washing the box Empty the box, wash it with warm water and mild … Read more
Indoor cats need play to stay fit and avoid boredom, which can lead to weight gain, overgrooming or destructive behavior. The best toys let a cat do what it is built for: stalk, chase, pounce and catch. Interactive toys (the most important) Wand toys: a stick with feathers, fabric or a mouse on a string. … Read more
Excess weight is one of the most common health problems in pet cats. It increases the risk of diabetes, arthritis, urinary problems and skin issues, and makes grooming difficult. Weight loss works, but in cats it must be slow and supervised. Never put a cat on a crash diet A cat that eats too little, … Read more
Cats are territorial and attached to their surroundings, so a move or an adoption is a big change. Most cats settle in within a few days to a few weeks if they are given time, space and a safe starting point. Prepare a base camp room Before the cat arrives, set up one quiet room … Read more
Persians, Maine Coons, Ragdolls, Himalayans and other long-haired cats are beautiful, but their coat tangles easily. Regular grooming prevents painful mats, reduces hairballs and lets you check for skin problems. The tools Brushing routine Dealing with mats Small tangles can be teased apart with your fingers or the end of a comb, holding the hair … Read more
Scratching is a normal, healthy cat behavior. Cats scratch to remove the old outer layer of their claws, stretch their muscles, mark territory with scent glands in their paws, and release energy. You cannot stop a cat from scratching, but you can teach it to scratch the right things. Choose a post your cat will … Read more
A common guideline is that a healthy cat needs about 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight per day (roughly 50 ml per kilogram), from all sources combined. An average 10-pound cat therefore needs around 7 to 9 ounces, about one cup, a day. That includes water in food, which … Read more
Some human foods are safe as an occasional treat, but cats have very specific nutritional needs. They are obligate carnivores: they need nutrients found in animal tissue, such as the amino acid taurine and vitamin A in its active form. A complete, balanced cat food should make up nearly all of their diet, and treats, … Read more
A sudden, lasting increase in appetite (polyphagia) in a cat deserves attention, especially if the cat is losing weight at the same time or is older. Sometimes the cause is simple, like a new, less filling food. Sometimes it is a medical problem that is easy to treat if caught early. Medical causes Hyperthyroidism Very … Read more
Cats often nibble on plants, out of curiosity, boredom or because they like the texture of leaves. Choosing non-toxic plants lets you have greenery without the risk. The ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants database is the best reference to check any plant. Cat-safe houseplants These are listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA: Non-toxic … Read more
