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GoodRx Guide

Cat Health: Your GoodRx Guide

Sophia KellerGhanasyam Bey, DVM
Written by Sophia Keller | Reviewed by Ghanasyam Bey, DVM
Published on January 9, 2023

Caring for your cat

Cats are notoriously complex, but caring for them doesn’t have to be. While every feline has their own personality, there are steps you can take to help any cat have a long, happy, and fulfilling life.

At minimum, your cat needs:

  • Annual vet visits and vaccinations

  • Quality cat food and fresh water

  • A litter box filled with clean litter

  • Exercise in the form of play time and enrichment

Each cat has their own preferences when it comes to food, toys, and places to sleep. If you have never had a cat before, here are some basic supplies you will need to get started:

  • Ceramic or stainless steel food and water bowls

  • Scratching posts or pads

  • ID tag and break-away collar

  • Interactive toys

  • Brush and deshedding comb

  • Cat bed or blankets for them to lie on

  • Cat carrier

With the basics out of the way, read on to get into more of the specifics of cat care.

Quiz: What human foods are safe for cats?

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Feeding your cat

Cats are natural carnivores, which means they get most of their nutrients from animal products. They also have difficulty digesting sugars and starches. So you should limit the amount of carbohydrates they eat, as they aren’t able to absorb the nutrients they need from those foods. Eating carbohydrates can also make them gain weight.

When choosing a cat food, make sure you read the label to ensure that it will meet your cat’s nutritional needs. Here are some key things to look for:

  • Taurine

  • Vitamin B (or niacin)

  • Methionine

  • Vitamin D

These nutrients are vital, because they supply your cat with amino acids that they do not produce otherwise. 

It is also important to make sure that your cat drinks enough water. Cats don’t need as much water as dogs do, but that also means they seek it out less. You can encourage your cat to drink more water by putting out extra water bowls or getting a cat water fountain. Introducing wet food into their diet can also help to keep them hydrated.

Your cat’s enrichment, exercise, and playtime needs

Cats are often considered to be low-maintenance pets, but that doesn’t mean you can just plop them in a room with nothing to do. Cats, like everyone, need to exercise and have fun in order to feel happy and fulfilled. 

When left to their own devices, cats can resort to destructive behaviors, such as:

There are a few things you provide to give your cat the best possible environment:

  • Food and treat puzzles or toys

  • Scratching posts/pads

  • Cat trees, towers, or shelves (cats love to go up high!)

  • Playtime with a variety of toys

Playing with a cat involves feeding into their hunting instincts. This is why many cats like chasing tiny balls or toys with feathers: they resemble prey. Try a few different types of toys to find out which ones you cat likes best. Then make sure they’re regularly able to chase their toys of choice. But make sure they get to catch their toys sometimes, too!

Taking your cat to the vet

Many people think that cats don’t need to visit the vet every year. But going to the vet is a good habit to get into. Annual visits to the vet help to:

  • Monitor your cat’s weight

  • Keep your cat’s vaccinations up to date

  • Catch any possible illnesses or conditions early

Vaccinations are an important part of preventing disease, even for indoor cats. At a minimum, cats should receive their core vaccinations against:

  • FVRCP — feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), calicivirus (C), and panleukopenia (P) 

  • Rabies

  • Feline leukemia virus (for kittens)

Kittens will follow an initial vaccine schedule that requires them to get multiple shots across several weeks. Older cats will need vaccine boosters every 1 to 3 years. 

When a kitten is around 6 months old, they should be spayed (female cats) or neutered (male cats). This is a procedure used to sterilize your cat and will prevent them from having babies. Cats can be spayed or neutered at any age, however. Sterilizing your cat can prevent disease, manage overpopulation, and help to keep their behavior in check.

Common cat health conditions

The best way to figure out what specific conditions your cat may be at risk for is by consulting with a veterinarian. However, there are a few health conditions that are common among cats, including:

  • Fleas, ticks, and other parasites

  • Upper respiratory infections

  • Ringworm

  • Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)

  • Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) 

  • Dental diseases

Many of these common health issues can be prevented through measures such as vaccines, medications, and preventative care. Another way to help ensure your cat stays happy and healthy is by keeping them at an ideal weight

Cats are also at risk for a number of chronic health conditions, such as:

  • Hyperthyroidism

  • Diabetes

  • Cancer

  • Urinary issues

  • Liver disease

  • Arthritis

  • Heart disease

Regular visits with your local vet will help you routinely check for possible conditions that can arise. If health issues occur, your veterinarian will suggest an appropriate treatment plan for your furry friend.

Common concerns

Should I let my cat outside?

The decision to allow your cat to go outside should be carefully considered. In general, it’s safer for cats to live exclusively indoors. This protects them from outdoor threats such as cars, other animals, and diseases. And indoor cats typically live longer than outdoor cats. If you decide to keep your cat indoors, make sure they do not leave the house unsupervised.

However, some cats do well outside, especially if you live in an area where your cat won’t encounter many dangers. Outdoor cats tend to have more access to enriching activities and weigh less. And you can use tracking collars and other devices to help keep them safe. But if you let your cat go outdoors, it’s particularly important to make sure they’re always up to date on all their vaccinations, including rabies.

Does my indoor cat really need vaccinations?

Yes. Your cat can be at risk for certain illnesses and conditions even if they never leave the house. Most indoor cats should receive the FVRCP vaccine, which is considered a core vaccine for cats. It protects against three very dangerous airborne viruses. 

In some states, cats are required to have a rabies shot by 6 months old and to get boosters throughout their lifespan. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) provides a guide with information about the rabies vaccination laws in all 50 states.

Should I declaw my cat?

No, cats should never be declawed. The AVMA  discourages declawing as an elective procedure. Declawing your cat can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, and other problems. For example, a declawed cat may experience pain scratching in the litter box, making them more likely to stop using the litter box.

Scratching is part of a cat’s natural behavior, but there are ways to deter your cat from destructive scratching. Trimming your cat’s claws, using nail caps, and providing plenty of scratching posts can help keep your furniture safe. 

If your cat is already declawed, they should not be allowed outside. Without claws, they cannot defend themselves against potential dangers. 

Is it possible to introduce another cat into my home?

It is possible to add another cat to your household. Cats are often considered solitary creatures, but they get along just fine with other cats. Many cat advocates even recommend adopting cats in bonded pairs.  

However, before you get a new cat, you should consider your current cat’s age, energy level, and experience with other cats. While some cats may be quick to warm up to a new friend, others will be stressed out by having a newcomer around. And if you do introduce a new cat to your home, take it slow.

References

American Animal Hospital Association. (n.d.). AAHA-AVMA feline preventive healthcare guidelines.

American Animal Hospital Association. (2020). Core vaccines for pet cats.

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American Animal Hospital Association. (n.d.). Core vaccines for pet cats.

American Association of Feline Practitioners. (n.d.). Vaccination for your cats.

American Association of Feline Practitioners. (n.d.). Visiting your veterinarian.

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (n.d.). Common cat diseases.

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (n.d.). General cat care.

American Veterinary Medical Association. (2021). State rabies vaccination laws.

Brister, J. (2018). Feeding cats.

Brooks, W. (2001). Declawing and alternatives for cats. Veterinary Partner.

Brooks, W. (2001). Neutering your male cat. Veterinary Partner.

Brooks, W. (2001). Signs, symptoms, and diagnosis of hyperthyroidism in cats. Veterinary Partner.

Brooks, W. (2001). Spaying your female cat. Veterinary Partner.

Cat Friendly Homes. (n.d.). What your cat needs to feel secure.

DeGioia, P. (2021). What first time cat owners should know. Veterinary Partner.

Lundgren, B. (2021). Senior cats’ health issues. Veterinary Partner.

M. H. (n.d.). Environmental enrichment for cats. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

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Wildman, M. (n.d.). How to introduce new cats to your home. The Humane Society of the United States.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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