How to Care for Cats & Kittens
Everything you need to know to be an amazing cat owner — from feeding and grooming to health and playtime! 🐾
Feeding Your Cat
Cats need the right food to stay healthy, playful, and happy. Here's everything you need to know about feeding your furry friend!
Kittens (under 1 year)
Kittens need to eat 3–4 times a day because they're growing fast! Use kitten-specific food — it has extra protein and nutrients.
Adult cats (1–7 years)
Feed adult cats twice a day — once in the morning and once in the evening. Measure the food so they don't overeat.
Senior cats (7+ years)
Older cats may need special senior food that's easier to digest. Ask your vet what's best.
Fresh water always!
Cats need clean water every single day. Change it daily and wash the bowl regularly. Some cats love a dripping tap or a water fountain!
Foods cats should NEVER eat
Chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, raw fish, and anything with caffeine are toxic to cats. Keep these away from them!
The Litter Box
A clean litter box is one of the most important things for a happy cat. Cats are very clean animals and won't use a dirty toilet!
Where to put it
Place the litter box somewhere quiet and private — not near their food or water. Cats like some privacy when they go!
Scoop every day
Scoop out the poop and clumps once or twice a day. Cats hate dirty litter boxes and might start going elsewhere if it's not clean.
Full clean weekly
Once a week, empty the whole box, wash it with mild soap and warm water, and add fresh litter. Never use strong chemicals — cats are sensitive to smells!
How much litter?
Pour about 2–3 inches of litter into the box — that's about as deep as your finger is long. Cats like to dig and bury!
One box per cat
If you have more than one cat, you need one litter box for each cat, plus one extra. So 2 cats = 3 boxes!
Grooming & Hygiene
Cats are naturally very clean — they spend up to 50% of their waking hours grooming themselves! But they still need a little help from you.
Brushing
Short-haired cats need brushing once a week. Long-haired cats (like Persians) need it every day to stop knots forming. Use a soft brush and be gentle!
Bathing
Most cats rarely need baths — they clean themselves! But if your cat gets really dirty or has fleas, use a cat-safe shampoo and warm (not hot) water.
Nail trimming
Trim your cat's nails every 2–3 weeks using special pet nail clippers. Only cut the clear tip — never the pink part (that's called the quick and it hurts!).
Clean ears
Check your cat's ears weekly. Healthy ears look clean and pink inside. If you see dark gunk, smell something bad, or your cat scratches their ears a lot, see a vet.
Dental care
Yes, cats need their teeth brushed too! Use a special cat toothbrush and cat toothpaste (never human toothpaste — it's toxic to cats). Aim for a few times a week.
Playtime & Exercise
Play isn't just fun — it's essential for your cat's health and happiness. Active cats are healthier, less bored, and less likely to get into mischief!
How much play?
Kittens need 3–5 play sessions per day, about 15 minutes each. Adult cats need at least 2 sessions a day. Interactive play is the best kind!
Wand toys
Feather wands and string toys let you play WITH your cat. Move the toy like a real prey animal — dart it, hide it, make it twitch. Cats go wild for this!
Puzzle feeders
Hide kibble in a puzzle toy or treat ball. Your cat has to figure out how to get the food out — it exercises their brain AND their body!
Boxes and tunnels
Cats LOVE cardboard boxes. Leave an open box on the floor and watch what happens. Crinkle tunnels are also amazing for hiding and pouncing!
Cat trees & climbing
Cats love to climb and perch up high. A cat tree gives them a safe place to scratch, climb, nap, and watch over their kingdom.
Health & Vet Visits
Keeping your cat healthy means regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and knowing the signs that something might be wrong.
Vaccinations
Kittens need a series of vaccinations starting at 8 weeks old. After that, cats need booster shots every 1–3 years. Your vet will keep track!
Annual check-ups
Even healthy cats should see the vet once a year. The vet will check their weight, teeth, heart, and overall health — like a yearly MOT for your cat!
Fleas & worms
Treat your cat for fleas and worms regularly using vet-recommended products. Check for flea dirt (tiny black specks) in their fur by combing it over white paper.
Microchipping
A microchip is a tiny chip (smaller than a grain of rice) placed under your cat's skin. If they ever get lost, a vet or shelter can scan it to find your contact details.
Spaying & neutering
Most cats are spayed (females) or neutered (males) at around 4–6 months old. This keeps them healthier and prevents unwanted kittens.
🚨 Warning signs — call the vet if you notice:
- ⚠️ Not eating or drinking for more than 24 hours
- ⚠️ Vomiting or diarrhoea more than twice
- ⚠️ Difficulty breathing or coughing
- ⚠️ Hiding and being unusually quiet
- ⚠️ Limping or unable to jump
- ⚠️ Eyes or nose discharge
- ⚠️ Straining to use the litter box
Sleep & Comfort
Cats are champion sleepers! Understanding their sleep habits helps you give them the cosy rest they need.
How much do cats sleep?
Cats sleep 12–16 hours a day — and kittens and senior cats can sleep up to 20 hours! It's completely normal. They conserve energy like wild hunters.
Give them cosy spots
Cats love warm, soft sleeping spots. Provide a cat bed, a soft blanket, or even a dedicated pillow in a quiet corner. They'll pick their favourite and stick to it!
Sunny window spots
Cats adore warm patches of sunlight. A sunny windowsill with a soft cushion is basically a luxury cat spa. Bonus: they can watch birds outside!
Night-time activity
Cats are crepuscular — most active at dawn and dusk. Play with them before bed to tire them out, or they might wake you up at 3am wanting to play!
Kneading
When your cat pushes their paws in and out on a soft surface (or you!), they're "making biscuits." It's a comfort behaviour from kittenhood — it means they're happy!
Kitten Growth Stages
Kittens grow and change incredibly fast in their first year. Here's what to expect at each stage!
Eyes and ears are closed. Kittens can't regulate their own temperature — they need their mum or a heat pad. They only nurse and sleep.
Eyes open (they're all blue at first!). Start to wobble around and hear sounds. Baby teeth begin to appear.
Start playing with siblings, using the litter box, and eating soft food. Personality starts to show!
This is the earliest a kitten should leave their mum. They need socialising with humans now to grow up friendly.
Boundless energy! Adult teeth come in. Time for vaccinations and a vet visit. Loads of play and exploration.
Growth slows down. Time to spay or neuter. Start transitioning to adult cat food around 12 months.
Congratulations — you have a grown-up cat! They'll be with you for 12–20 years if well cared for.
Ready to meet your perfect breed?
Now that you know how to care for a cat, explore our breed database to find your perfect furry match!