General Cat Care Guide

Caring for a cat is a rewarding experience, but it also comes with long-term responsibility. With many cats living well into their late teens, it’s important to understand their health, behavioural and environmental needs to give them the best possible life.

Housing & Environment

Cats feel safest in secure, predictable environments. Whether your cat lives indoors or has access to the outdoors, their space should support natural behaviours like climbing, hiding, and scratching.

• Indoor Cats: Indoor cats are typically healthier and live longer. Provide scratching posts, cat trees, hiding spots and interactive toys to reduce boredom and stress.
  ? See our guide: Bored Kitties

• Outdoor Access: Outdoor cats benefit from secure enclosures or cat-proof fencing to protect them from cars, predators, and ticks while preserving local wildlife.

• Resting Areas: Offer soft bedding in a quiet, draft-free area. Most cats like multiple sleeping spots to choose from, depending on the time of day.

Hygiene & Grooming

Good hygiene supports both comfort and health.

• Litter Trays: Always keep trays clean and odour-free. The general rule is one tray per cat, plus one extra. Place them in quiet, low-traffic areas.

• Grooming: Regular brushing reduces hairballs and helps prevent matting. Short-haired cats benefit from weekly brushing; long-haired breeds often need daily attention.
  Dr Terri recommends using a metal comb with short strokes to mimic natural grooming. The Zoom Groom is also a helpful tool. Great for removing loose hair, oils and dander when used dry, and can be used during baths too.

• Bathing: Most cats don't need regular bathing, but if required, always use cat-specific products and make sure the environment is calm and warm.

• Nail Trims: Nail trims help prevent painful overgrowth, particularly in senior cats, and also protect your furniture.

• Grooming Salons: If your cat needs professional grooming, choose a cat-only groomer or one that offers a dog-free environment to minimise stress.

Exercise & Enrichment

Cats need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

• Playtime: Use feather wands, crinkly toys or LED pointers to mimic prey behaviour. This encourages natural stalking and pouncing instincts.

• Climbing & Scratching: Cats enjoy high vantage points and need to scratch. Provide a variety of scratching posts and vertical spaces.

• Puzzle Feeders: Rotate toys and introduce puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys to prevent boredom and promote problem-solving.

Regular enrichment helps reduce behavioural issues and keeps indoor cats content and active.

Nutrition & Hydration

Feeding your cat a balanced diet is essential for long-term health.

• Diet: Always choose commercial cat food formulated for your cat’s age, lifestyle, and health needs. Cats must eat food specifically made for felines, as they require taurine, an essential amino acid not found in dog food.

• Feeding Routine: Cats are natural grazers. Offering several small meals across the day can mimic their wild feeding patterns.

• Hydration: Clean, fresh water must always be available. Most cats prefer their water bowl to be located away from their food. Pet fountains may also encourage drinking.

• Milk: Most cats are lactose intolerant. Avoid cow’s milk. Lactose-free or cat-specific milk is fine as an occasional treat, but is not required in their diet.

Health Checks & Preventative Care

Ongoing veterinary care is key to preventing illness and catching problems early.

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Annual Check-Ups

Book a yearly health check even if your cat appears well. Early detection allows me to implement treatment and preventative strategies before problems become serious.

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Vaccinations

Vaccination protects against common, serious diseases.

• Core Vaccine (F3): I use Fel-O-Vax 3, an inactivated vaccine protecting against:
  • Feline Enteritis (Panleukopenia)
  • Feline Rhinotracheitis (Herpesvirus)
  • Feline Calicivirus
• Non-Core Vaccine: The FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) vaccine may be recommended for cats who go outdoors or live with FIV-positive companions.

Kitten Schedule: Start vaccinations from 6–8 weeks of age, with 3 total vaccines spaced 3–4 weeks apart.
Adults: Require annual boosters to maintain protection.

? You can book a home visit for vaccinations across the Sunshine Coast.

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Worming

Regular deworming protects both your cat and your family.

• Kittens: Every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months.
• Adults: Every 3 months for life (may vary depending on risk level).

Use quality worming products that target roundworm, hookworm, and tapeworm. I can recommend the best options for your cat’s lifestyle.

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Flea & Tick Control

Year-round prevention is essential. Paralysis ticks are a serious risk on the Sunshine Coast. Cats going outdoors are especially vulnerable. I can advise on safe, effective flea and tick control options for cats.

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Dental Care

Dental disease is common in cats and often goes unnoticed until it causes pain or eating difficulties. Cats are prone to issues such as gingivitis and resorptive lesions, which can be very painful but are treatable.

While brushing is not usually practical for most cats, dental diets, treats like Greenies™ Feline, and water additives can help support oral health.

?? Read my blog: Healthy Smiles – Essential Dental Care for Your Dog or Cat to learn more about feline dental disease, signs to watch for, and simple ways to help keep your cat’s teeth healthy.

?? Desexing Your Cat

Desexing is an important part of responsible cat ownership. It helps prevent unwanted litters, reduces roaming and certain behavioural problems, and lowers the risk of some health issues.

Kittens can be desexed from around 4 to 6 months of age, before they reach sexual maturity. Adult cats can also be safely desexed at any age, although early desexing offers the greatest long-term benefits.

?? Read my blog: Why Desexing Your Cat Is Important

Observation & Early Warning Signs

Cats are experts at hiding illness. Subtle changes may be early signs of health issues.

Keep an eye out for:

• Changes in appetite or thirst

• Increased urination or changes in litter tray use

• Weight loss or coat changes

• Behavioural shifts—hiding, vocalising, irritability

• Vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation

If something seems "off", don’t wait—early intervention leads to better outcomes.

Social Needs & Routine

• Companionship: While cats are independent, most benefit from daily interaction. Try to spend 5–10 minutes twice a day grooming, cuddling or playing.

• Reduce Stress: Provide high hiding spots, stable routines, and minimise changes in the home environment. This helps anxious or older cats feel secure.

?? Travel, Boarding & Vet Visits

While most cats prefer the comfort of home, there will be times they need to travel – whether for vet visits, boarding, or emergencies. Preparing in advance can make these experiences far less stressful for both you and your cat.

Cat Carrier Tips:
Learn how to train your cat to accept their carrier, use gentle towel wrapping techniques (the "kitty burrito"), and safely transport them for vet visits.
?? Read the blog: Cat Carrier Tips

Boarding Tips for Cats:
If you need to board your cat while you are away:

• Book early, especially for holiday periods.

• Check that vaccinations are up to date well in advance.

• Choose a facility with quiet, clean, secure enclosures.

• Look for cat-only areas or separate spaces away from dogs.

• Provide familiar bedding or a favourite toy to help them feel at ease.

A little preparation can go a long way in reducing stress and keeping your cat happy and safe while you're away.

Need Advice or Support?

Whether you're a new cat owner, have questions about vaccinations or worming, or just want reassurance about your cat's health or behaviour—I'm here to help.

?? Call today to book a home visit
Let’s keep your cat happy, healthy, and thriving at every life stage.