Cats make fantastic companions for us humans and owning a cat can have a positive impact on our health. Cats can reduce stress, improve our mood and our sense of well-being. It's important to remember that cats have specific needs that need be met in order to ensure their health and well-being. Here are some tips on how to care for your cat:

Provide a balanced diet

Cats are obligate carnivores and require a diet that is high in animal protein and low in carbohydrates. Provide a high-quality cat food that meets their nutritional needs as well as fresh water. If your cat isn't a big drinker, consider a water fountain for your cat with different drinking levels.  

Regular veterinary care

It’s important to take your cat to the vet for regular check-ups and annual vaccinations. This will help to ensure that your cat stays healthy and happy. 

Grooming 

Cats are known for their grooming habits, but they may still require some assistance in keeping their coat clean and healthy. Brush your cat regularly to prevent matting and hairballs. Ask your vet nurse to show you how to trim their claws if your cat does not spend much time outside or using a scratching post.

Playtime 

Cats require mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom. Make sure to provide your cat with a variety of toys and engage in playtime to keep them entertained and active. Take the time to learn what type of toys they like; toys that move, rustle, wand toys and toys that mimic their prey are usually a hit. Household basics can also be a cheap win, a rolled up piece of paper or empty toilet roll can provide hours of fun!

Litter box maintenance 

Cats are clean animals by nature and require a clean litter box. Make sure to scoop the litter box regularly and change and disinfect their litter box as needed.

Neutering

Neutering is one of the most important parts of cat ownership. Neutering is a simple operation known as 'spaying' for female cats and 'the snip' for male cats. It prevents unwanted pregnancy and can help to alleviate undesirable behaviours such as urine spraying to mark territory, fighting and wandering off.

When your female cat is about four months old, she'll start to attract the attention of male cats, who'll want to mate with her. This is why it's important to have her spayed before she reaches four months, so she doesn't get pregnant while she's still a kitten herself. She does not need to have a litter of kittens before being neutered.

Once she's been spayed, your kitten will be able to do all the things cats enjoy doing, like going outdoors, climbing trees and playing.

By neutering your male cat, you will help to protect him from a nasty disease called FIV, which is the cat version of HIV. It's spread through cat bites, often between males fighting over a female. NOTE: It can't be caught by people.