Cats have a reputation for being low maintenance. They do not need walking, they groom themselves, and they will, if the mood takes them, pretend you do not exist for most of the afternoon. But “low maintenance” is not the same as “no maintenance”. Good cat care requires a little thought, a little consistency, and the occasional willingness to accept that your cat knows better than you do.

With over 10 million pet cats in the UK and the average cat now living to around 14 years, with many reaching their late teens, the choices you make early on matter.

Here are the cat care tips that, in our experience, count most:

Get the diet right

Cats are obligate carnivores. Unlike dogs, they cannot thrive without meat; they need nutrients such as taurine, arachidonic acid and preformed vitamin A that are found naturally only in animal tissue. Choose a good quality, complete cat food with meat or fish as the first ingredient and be wary of products bulked out with cereal or grain fillers.

Fresh water should always be available, ideally placed away from the food bowl.

Many cats prefer running water, which is why you will often find them drinking from a dripping tap rather than the perfectly clean bowl you have lovingly provided. A water fountain can help.

Stay on top of preventative health

Vaccinations, flea treatment, worming and annual vet check-ups are the quiet foundations of good cat care. Your cat will not thank you for any of them, but they prevent far worse problems down the line. Kittens should be vaccinated from around eight to nine weeks old, with a booster three to four weeks later, protecting against feline parvovirus, cat flu and, for outdoor cats, feline leukaemia virus.

Neutering is recommended from four months of age. It reduces the risk of certain cancers, prevents unwanted litters and tends to make cats calmer and less inclined to roam. Cats Protection estimates that one unneutered female cat can theoretically be responsible for 20,000 descendants in just five years. That is not a typo.

Microchip, and keep the details current

Since June 2024, microchipping has been a legal requirement for all owned cats in England. Cats must be chipped before they reach 20 weeks old, and owners who fail to comply may face a fine of up to £500. The procedure is quick, painless and typically costs between £10 and £30. Crucially, though, a microchip is only as useful as the details attached to it. If you move house or change your phone number, update the database. A chip with outdated information is little more than a very small, very expensive grain of rice.

“Good cat care requires a little thought, a little consistency, and the occasional willingness to accept that your cat knows better than you do.”

Think about their environment

A surprising amount of feline stress comes down to environment. Cats need vertical space to climb, a quiet place to retreat and appropriate scratching surfaces. Providing these is not spoiling your cat; it is meeting a basic biological need. If you want to understand what your cat is telling you about their environment, their body language is the place to start.

The litter tray rule is simple: one tray per cat, plus one spare, in quiet spots away from food and water. Clean them daily. Cats are fastidiously clean animals, and a dirty tray is one of the most common reasons for “accidents” elsewhere in the house. It is not spite. It is standards.

Play with them, every single day

Five to ten minutes of daily interactive play, using a feather wand or similar toy that mimics prey movement, keeps your cat physically fit, mentally stimulated and emotionally bonded to you.

A 2021 University of Exeter study found that this also reduced hunting behaviour by 25 per cent. Indoor cats especially need this; without it, boredom can lead to over-grooming, weight gain and the kind of nocturnal activity that involves knocking things off shelves at three in the morning.

Know when something is wrong

Cats are experts at hiding pain. By the time they look visibly unwell, they may have been struggling quietly for some time. Watch for subtle changes: a dip in appetite, increased thirst, reluctance to jump, a coat that looks unkempt, or a shift in litter tray habits. Trust your instincts. If your cat simply does not seem themselves, that is reason enough for a vet visit.

Looking after a cat well is not about doing anything extraordinary. It is about doing the ordinary things consistently. Because when a cat is well cared for, well fed, safe and understood, you see it in everything they do: the confident stretch across the sofa, the relaxed slow blink across the room, the quiet purr that says, in their own understated way, that all is well.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I take my cat to the vet? At least once a year for a routine check-up and boosters, and immediately if you notice signs of illness or injury. Senior cats, typically those over seven, benefit from twice-yearly visits.

Do indoor cats still need vaccinations? Yes. Feline parvovirus and cat flu can be brought into the home on clothing and shoes. Your vet can advise on the appropriate schedule.

How many litter trays do I need? One per cat, plus one extra, placed in quiet locations away from food and water.

Is it a legal requirement to microchip my cat? In England, yes, since June 2024. Cats must be chipped before 20 weeks of age or owners may face a fine of up to £500. The law does not yet apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, but microchipping is strongly recommended wherever you live.

What should I feed my cat? A good quality, complete cat food with meat or fish as the first ingredient. Cats are obligate carnivores and cannot thrive on plant-based diets. Fresh water should always be available. Your vet can advise on the best diet for your cat’s age, weight and health.

To find out more, or to register your pet with Petasure, visit www.petasure.co.uk.

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