Practical, general guidance for living with cats

Settling a new cat into your home

Almost every difficulty in the first weeks comes from moving too fast. A cat arriving in a new home has lost every familiar smell, sound and routine at once. Start with one quiet room containing food, water, a litter box placed well away from the food, a hiding place and a scratching surface.

Let the cat set the pace. Sit in the room and read aloud rather than reaching for them. Expand their territory only once they are moving around confidently and eating normally. Hiding for several days is normal, not a sign of a problem.

Litter boxes

Most litter box problems are box problems. The general guideline is one box per cat plus one extra, placed in quiet locations with clear sightlines and no dead ends, and never next to food or a noisy appliance.

• Scoop at least daily; cats avoid soiled boxes
• Most cats prefer unscented, fine-grained clumping litter
• Uncovered boxes suit more cats than covered ones
• Low sides help kittens, senior cats and arthritic cats
• Clean accidents with an enzymatic cleaner, never ammonia-based products

Sudden changes in litter box behavior can indicate a medical problem, including urinary conditions that are genuinely urgent. Contact a veterinarian rather than assuming it is behavioral.

Feeding and water

Cats are obligate carnivores with a low natural thirst drive. Fresh water should always be available, and including wet food supports hydration. Feeding quantities depend on age, weight, activity and health, so your veterinarian is the right source for specifics.

Change foods gradually over several days. Never let a cat go without eating for more than a day or so — cats who stop eating can develop serious complications quickly, and that is a reason to call a veterinarian rather than wait.

Grooming and handling

Short-haired cats generally manage their own coats but benefit from occasional brushing. Long-haired cats need regular brushing to prevent painful mats. Introduce brushing in short sessions and stop before the cat becomes irritated.

Get cats used to having paws, ears and mouth touched early. It makes nail trims, medication and veterinary examinations dramatically easier for their whole life.

Enrichment and play

Indoor cats need their environment to supply what the outdoors otherwise would: height, hunting opportunities, novelty and things to watch. Two short play sessions a day, food puzzles, vertical climbing routes and a window view make an enormous difference to behavior. See our enrichment guide for specifics.

Routine veterinary care

Cats conceal illness extremely well. Regular wellness examinations catch changes in weight, teeth, kidneys and joints while they are still manageable. Keep vaccinations and parasite prevention current according to your veterinarian's recommendations, and know where your nearest emergency service is before you need it.