ENVIRONMENT

DIET

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR

BEHAVIOUR
COMPANY
HEALTH & WELFARE

Keeping your
cat healthy
and happy

cat

www.rspca.org.uk/cats

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR

cat

Keeping your
cat healthy
and happy

Owning and caring for a cat be very

rewarding, but its a big responsibility
and a long-term commitment in
terms of care and cost. Typically,
cats live for around fourteen years,
but many may live for much longer.
If you own or are responsible for a cat, even
on a temporary basis, you are required by
law to care for him/her properly.

WHAT YOUR CAT NEEDS

There is no single perfect way to care for all cats because

every cat and every situation is different. Many cats
are given outside access, whilst some may be kept as
indoor-only pets. Its up to you how you look after your
cat, but you must take reasonable steps to ensure that
you meet all his/her needs.
Under the Animal Welfare Act, pet owners are legally obliged to
provide for the following five basic welfare needs.
1 A suitable place to live.
2 A healthy diet, including fresh
clean water.
3 The ability to behave normally.

5 Protection from pain, suffering,

injury and disease.

Contents

4 Environment / 7 Diet / 9 Behaviour / 11 Company / 12 Health & welfare

Joe Murphy, Angela Hampton/RSPCA Photolibrary

4 Appropriate company, including

any need to be housed with,
or apart from, other animals.

This booklet
will help you to find
out more about what
your cat needs to
stay healthy
and happy.

WHAT YOUR CAT NEEDS

Environment
MAKE SURE YOUR CAT HAS
A SUITABLE PLACE TO LIVE

Cats are territorial animals and so prefer to stay around their

familiar home. They are active animals so your cat will need regular
opportunities to run, jump and climb but he/she will often feel
safest when high up. They can be frightened of unfamiliar places
and smells so your cat will also need to have safe hiding places
that he/she can go to if he/she is feeling scared.
Home comforts
Cats and kittens need a warm, dry place for snoozing, and
your cat will need a comfortable, draught-free, clean and
quiet place where he/she can rest undisturbed. He/she
also needs to be able to go to the toilet regularly either
in a suitable area outside or in a litter tray well away
from where he/she eats and sleeps.
The litter tray must be kept clean and emptied at least
once a day otherwise, your cat will refuse to use it and
may toilet on the floor instead. If you are housetraining a

new kitten, its a good idea to add a little of the

old litter to the fresh litter when cleaning the

tray this will encourage him/her to use it until

fully housetrained.

WHAT YOUR CAT NEEDS

Environment
Dont use bleaches and disinfectants
containing coal tar and carbolic derivatives
to clean the tray these are poisonous to
cats. Strong-scented cleaning products may
also upset your cat and some cats are even
sensitive to certain types of cat litter and
may not like to use their tray as a result. If
a cat is ill, this may also affect how he/she
uses a litter tray. For example, cats with

A cat flap fitted into one of the external

doors of the house is useful. Your cat will
be able to get in and out easily. The doors
are burglar proof if fitted correctly out
of reach of security locks. Many can be
adjusted so that your cat can come in but
not go out again useful if you do not
want him/her to go out at night to reduce
the risk of traffic accidents.

Keeping cats indoors

Cats can adapt well to an indoor life if
they are kept indoors from an early age,
but cats that have been used to going
outside may find it more difficult to adapt.

Andrew Forsyth/RSPCA Photolibrary, Perets, Julie Vader/istock

The RSPCA doesnt recommend keeping

a cat that is used to going outside, as
an indoor-only cat, unless it is for
health reasons.

bladder infections often experience

pain when urinating. They may begin to
associate the pain with the litter tray and
so start using other areas of the house to
toilet in. If your cat is not using his/her
litter tray, ask your vet for advice.
If you have more than one cat, make sure
you provide enough litter trays, toys, beds
and hiding places for all of them, as well as
enough space for them to get away from
each other if they want to.

In and out
Cats should have access to the house at all
times during the day and night.

If your cat doesnt have the freedom to

go outside, you still need to provide
everything he/she needs to stay healthy
and happy. Make sure he/she has enough
space to exercise, climb and play indoors
and include a variety of resting places for
him/her to use. Remember, cats are
intelligent so can get bored if they dont
have enough to do! Indoor cats need the
same physical and mental stimulation as
outdoor cats, so give your cat lots of
care and attention every day.
If your cat doesnt go outside,
please visit the RSPCA website for
more tips on Keeping cats indoors at:
www.rspca.org.uk/cats/environment/
indoors

WHAT YOUR CAT NEEDS

Environment
Holiday time
Cats become very attached to places so if
you are going away, try to find a responsible
person to care for, and meet all of your
cats welfare needs within his/her familiar
home. Remember to leave them your vets
telephone number and clear instructions
on how to care for your pet. If you are
boarding your cat, check out the cattery
in advance and make sure it is licensed.
Good catteries will insist that all animals
are fully vaccinated and will ask to see
certificates. Also check that the cattery is
never left unattended. Taking familiar items
along when your cat goes into the cattery,
e.g. your cats bed and toys, can help him/
her feel more at home.

If you have to take your cat to a new

location, use a secure cat carrier and
introduce your cat to his/her new
environment gradually. The carrier should
be large enough for your cat to sit, turn
around and lie down naturally in. Putting
familiar smelling items in the carrier may
also help him/her to feel at ease.
For tips on caring for your cat while
youre away, go to www.rspca.org.uk/pets

On the move
If you move house, your cat may try to
get back to his/her previous home so
keep him/her indoors for at least two
to three weeks after you move.
Make sure that your cat seems settled
before letting him/her outside. You may
want to supervise your cat for the first
few times he/she ventures out this
can be reassuring for both of you!
If you have to take your cat out in the
car, make sure he/she is comfortable
and safe at all times.
Check out our factsheet on how to transport your pets safely in the general pet
care section of our website at www.rspca.org.uk/pets

WHAT YOUR CAT NEEDS

Diet

MAKE SURE YOUR CAT

HAS A HEALTHY DIET
Your cat needs a well-balanced diet to stay fit and healthy as well as
access to clean drinking water at all times. How much your cat needs
to eat will depend on things such as age, how active he/she is and
his/her general health. If he/she eats more or less food than necessary,
he/she will become overweight/underweight and may suffer.

Knape, Viktor Lugovskoy, Hagit Berkovich/istock

Feeding time
Cats need a well-balanced, meat-based diet
to stay fit and healthy so your cat would
not be suited to a vegetarian diet. Some
human foods, such as onions, are also
poisonous to cats. Always ask your vet for
advice on what, and how much, to feed
your cat and, once youve found a balanced
diet which suits him/her, then stick to it.
Theres a wide range of products now
available, in either dry or wet form, but
whatever prepared food you choose, always
read the manufacturers instructions.

WHAT YOUR CAT NEEDS

Diet

Place your cats food and water well away

from his/her litter tray (if you provide one).
Feed your cat every day, preferably splitting
the daily ration into several small meals
throughout the day (unless advised
otherwise by your vet). If your cats eating
and drinking habits change, talk to your
vet, as he/she could be ill.

Changing diets suddenly can lead to upset

stomachs. Ask your vet for advice if you
need to change your cats diet due to his/
her age or health problems.
Your cat also needs lots of fresh water
every day. Do not give him/her milk it
can give kittens diarrhoea and sometimes
causes stomach problems in adult cats.

Weight watch
There are a few simple regular checks you can make yourself to help check that
your cat is a healthy weight:
l

Make sure you can see and feel

the outline of your cats ribs
without excess fat covering.
Your cats belly should be tucked
up when viewed from the side.

You should be able to see and

feel your cats waist and it should
be clearly visible when viewed
from above.

If you are in any doubt about your cats weight, always talk your vet.
For further information about pet obesity visit the RSPCA website at:
www.rspca.org.uk/pets

WHAT YOUR CAT NEEDS

Behaviour
MAKE SURE YOUR CAT IS
ABLE TO BEHAVE NORMALLY

Cats are active and need opportunities to exercise.

They naturally spend a great deal of time around
their home territory and may even hunt for food.
They are also playful and often enjoy having fun
with toys and with people.

Andrew Forsyth, Mike Lane/RSPCA Photolibrary, Konradlew/istock

The way a cat behaves depends on his/her

age, personality and past experiences
frightening experiences and punishment
can lead to behaviour problems.
Signs that a cat may be suffering from
stress or fear can include high levels of
grooming, hiding, sleeping hunched or
altered feeding or toileting habits. Cats
that are frightened or in pain may change
their behaviour or develop unwanted
habits such as aggression, spraying indoors,
disappearing or avoiding people.

WHAT YOUR CAT NEEDS

Behaviour
STRESS BUSTERS
Make sure your cat can reach all the
things that he/she needs (bed, water,
litter or outdoors) without having
to pass by close to things or other
animals that may scare him/her. Your
cat will also need easy access to safe
hiding places to escape to if he/she
feels afraid.
Cats are intelligent and they need
regular mental and physical stimulation.
Make sure your cat has plenty of
opportunities to exercise each day
so he/she can stay fit and healthy.
If your cat doesnt go outside, youll
need to provide lots of suitable indoor
activities to keep him/her active
see Environment section on page 5.

Play time!
Cats naturally use objects to scratch, to
mark their territory, strengthen their
muscles and sharpen their claws. Provide
your cat with a sturdy scratching post
which is tall enough for him/her to use
fully stretched, especially if he/she
doesnt go outdoors.
Safe toys and regular opportunities to play
with friendly people and by him/herself
will help keep your cat stress-free, healthy
and happy. You could even try adding
interest to meal times by hiding dried
food or using a puzzle feeder.

10

WHAT YOUR CAT NEEDS

Be observant. If your cats behaviour

changes or he/she shows regular signs of
stress or fear, talk to your vet who may
suggest referral to a clinical animal
behaviourist. Never shout at or punish
your cat, as he/she is very unlikely to
understand and may become even
more nervous or scared.
For further information on finding
a qualified animal behaviourist, take
a look at the RSPCA website at:
www.rspca.org.uk/findabehaviourist.

Company
MAKE SURE YOUR CAT HAS
APPROPRIATE COMPANY

Michelle Gibson/istock, Becky Murray, Chris Brignell/RSPCA Photolibrary

Many cats enjoy and benefit from human company if cats are treated
well as kittens, they can learn to see people as friends and companions.
If your cat is introduced to other animals, such as dogs, early in life,
he/she is less likely to be scared of them as an adult.
Twos a crowd?
Most adult cats will only be friendly to cats
who they have grown up with, particularly
siblings, and may not accept new cats into
their home. Cats who are friends will groom
and rub against each other and may even
choose to share the same bed.
Introducing a second cat may not be the
best way to meet your cats needs, as
many cats are happier living without the
associated anxiety of having to avoid
other cats they dont like.
Cats who are unfriendly to each other dont
like to share (e.g. food, water, litter, beds) or

to pass by each other too closely so think

carefully before getting a second cat. If you
do, ask your vet and/or a behaviourist for
advice on the best way to introduce them.
If you already have cats who are not
friends, make sure that they are able to
avoid each other at all times and that
they can access everything they need
without having to interact at all.
Dont force your cat to interact
with people or animals that he/she
doesnt like, and make sure he/she
can avoid them.

WHAT YOUR CAT NEEDS

11

Health & welfare

MAKE SURE YOUR CAT IS PROTECTED FROM PAIN,
SUFFERING, INJURY AND DISEASE
Individual cats show pain and suffering in different ways. A change in
the way a cat behaves can be an early sign that he/she is ill or in pain.
Cats who are insecure or stressed can also become unwell as a result.
Before deciding to buy/acquire a cat, always
make sure you find out what health and
behaviour problems he/she has, or may be
prone to, for instance as a result of his/her
breed, how he/she has been bred, and how
he/she has been cared for. Always check
with a vet if you are unsure about anything.
Think about taking out pet insurance.
For just a few pounds a month, youll be
covered for unexpected vets bills in the
future and safeguard your pets health.

12

WHAT YOUR CAT NEEDS

Also consider having your cat microchipped.

A tiny microchip is inserted under your cats
skin and can be scanned and matched to
the registered owners contact details.
You must make sure the database you are
registered with has your up-to-date contact
details. A one-off payment for microchipping
your cat means you are more likely to be
quickly reunited if he/she goes missing and
he/she is more likely to receive prompt
veterinary care if injured.

Health and welfare

Health checklist
l

Check your cat for signs of injury

or illness every day, and make sure
someone else does this if you are
away. If you suspect that your cat is
in pain, ill or injured, go and see your
vet immediately.

Take your cat for a routine health

check with your vet at least once a
year. Its a good chance to ask for
advice about things you can do to
protect your cats health, such as
essential vaccinations and treatments
to control parasites (fleas and worms).
For detailed information visit:
www.rspca.org.uk/pets
l

Angela Hampton, Joe Murphy/RSPCA Photolibrary

Please think about getting your

cat neutered, unless arrangements
have been made to care for both
parents and offspring and good
homes can be found for all the
kittens. Neutering can help reduce
the growing number of unwanted
cats, prevent illnesses and some
unwanted behaviours.

POISONING
Its every responsible owners nightmare
if his/her pet is poisoned. Make
sure youre prepared for such an
emergency. Preventing your cat from
coming into contact with poisonous
substances and treating any accidental
poisonings quickly and appropriately
is an important part of responsible
pet ownership.
Never watch and wait in any case of
suspected poisoning. If you suspect
your pet has been poisoned, act fast
and contact your nearest vet for
advice immediately.
Signs of poisoning include vomiting,
diarrhoea, dehydration, hyperactivity,
high temperature and blood pressure,
abnormal heart rhythm and tremors.

Only use medicines that have been

prescribed for your individual cat
human and dog medicines can be
very dangerous to cats.

You can check out our factsheet on

some of the most common poisons
that cat owners should be aware of.
These include paracetamol, some
houseplants such as lilies, ethylene
glycol (the active ingredient in
anti-freeze), some spot-on flea
treatments for dogs, and some
slug and snail baits.

Make sure your cats coat is kept in

good condition by grooming him/
her regularly. Grooming is also a good
way to bond with your cat if he/she
enjoys it.

Read RSPCA advice on what to

do if you think your cat has been
poisoned and how to prevent
poisonings at:
www.rspca.org.uk/poisoning

WHAT YOUR CAT NEEDS

13

FIND
OUT MORE
Cats are amazing animals with complex
needs that must be met if they are to
be kept healthy and happy.
Theres loads more to learn about cats on the
RSPCA website from our top ten cat facts to
detailed advice sheets on various aspects of
cat care. So make sure you visit

www.rspca.org.uk/cats

Grass: Dimitrije Tanaskovic/istock

Keeping your
cats healthy
and happy

14

WHAT YOUR CAT NEEDS

If you are thinking of taking on a cat or kitten, make sure that

youve researched his/her welfare needs and youre committed
to taking care of him/her for life. Please also think about giving
a home to some of the many rescue cats available for adoption
at RSPCA animal centres across England and Wales.
Some rescue cats prefer to live without other pets, while others are used
to living with children and/or other animals so our staff take great care to
make sure each cat is perfectly matched to the right owner. All the cats we
rehome are neutered to prevent unwanted pregnancies and health problems;
and microchipped to give them the best chance of being identified if they
get lost or stolen. Each cat is also fully vaccinated, flea-treated and wormed.
Kittens have at least had their first vaccination.

www.rspca.org.uk/rehoming
This booklet
will help you
find out what
cats need to
stay healthy
and happy.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
www.rspca.org.uk facebook.com/RSPCA twitter.com/RSPCA_official
The RSPCA helps animals in England and Wales. Registered charity no: 219099
The RSPCA only exists because of public donations. An RSPCA in-house publication P01 12.12
Cover photo: Becky Murray/RSPCA Photolibrary, back : Joe Murphy/RSPCA Photolibrary. Illustrations: William Schultz/istock