Cat questions, answered.

Being ready means having a realistic plan for food, litter, veterinary care, enrichment, scratching, grooming and long-term costs. Also consider whether the cat's temperament and needs fit your household.

Prepare food and water bowls, suitable food, a litter box and litter, a scratching surface, a safe resting area, toys, identification and a plan for veterinary care. A quiet starter room can help a new cat settle.

An apartment can work well for many cats when they have safe vertical space, hiding places, scratching options, play, predictable routines and appropriate litter facilities. Secure windows and balconies are especially important.

A quiet starter room can give a new cat time to decompress before exploring the rest of the home. Let the cat set the pace and gradually introduce new spaces, people and other animals.

Kittens usually need more supervision, play, socialisation and routine-building. Adult cats can have established personalities and habits. Consider your time, household and the individual cat rather than choosing by age alone.

Kittens often use their mouths during play and exploration. Redirect biting toward appropriate toys, avoid turning hands into toys, and end overly rough play calmly. Persistent or unusually aggressive behaviour deserves closer assessment.

Scratching and climbing are normal ways for cats to exercise, explore, maintain claws and interact with their environment. Provide sturdy scratching surfaces, vertical options and rewarding places to climb.

Kittens spend a large part of the day sleeping and resting as they grow. Provide a quiet, comfortable sleeping area and allow rest between active play periods.

A kitten may vocalise at night because of a new environment, separation, hunger, discomfort or a disrupted routine. Make sure basic needs are met and build a predictable bedtime routine rather than responding with punishment.

A new kitten should have a veterinary plan covering an examination, preventive care, nutrition and vaccination according to the veterinarian's assessment and local disease risks. Urgent symptoms should be assessed promptly.

Some cats follow people because they enjoy proximity, routine or interaction. Others may be seeking food, play or reassurance. Look at the wider pattern instead of assuming one behaviour has a single meaning.

Licking can be social grooming, attention-seeking or a familiar interaction. Context matters, especially if licking becomes sudden, repetitive or linked with other behaviour changes.

Cats vocalise for many reasons, including attention, food, frustration, greeting and changes in their environment. A sudden increase in vocalisation, especially in an older cat, is worth discussing with a veterinarian.

Cats can become active when the household is quiet, especially if play, food or attention has become part of the nighttime routine. Increase appropriate daytime enrichment and keep nighttime responses calm and consistent.

Hiding can be normal when a cat is resting or adjusting to change, but persistent or sudden hiding can also occur with fear, stress, pain or illness. Consider the timing and any other changes in behaviour.

A common starting point is one litter box per cat plus one extra, placed in quiet and accessible locations. Individual cats may need different arrangements depending on household layout and preferences.

Choose a quiet, easy-to-reach location where the cat can use the box without being trapped or disturbed. Keep it away from food and water and make access easy for older or mobility-limited cats.

Urination outside the box can have medical, litter-box, environmental or behavioural causes. A sudden change should not simply be treated as a training problem

Check litter-box cleanliness, location, size, access, litter type and household stressors. If the change is persistent or sudden, discuss it with a veterinarian because medical problems can affect elimination.

Remove waste regularly and keep the box clean enough that the cat can use it comfortably. Many cats are sensitive to dirty boxes, strong scents and abrupt changes in litter or cleaning products.

Scratching is a normal feline behaviour used for claw maintenance, stretching, communication and marking. Provide sturdy scratching surfaces that match your cat's preferred texture and orientation.

Make an appealing scratching post or pad more accessible than the sofa, place it near the problem area and reward its use. Protect the furniture temporarily while the new habit develops.

Stretching and scratching often occur together after rest. Put a suitable scratching surface near favourite sleeping areas so the cat has an easy outlet for this normal behaviour.

Most cats benefit from appropriate scratching options. Offer more than one type when possible, including surfaces with different textures and both vertical and horizontal choices.

Many cats prefer a scratching surface that allows a full-body stretch. Stability also matters because a post that wobbles can quickly become unattractive.

Use a mix of interactive play, safe climbing and hiding spaces, scratching surfaces, food-based activities and opportunities to explore. Rotate activities rather than leaving every toy available all the time.

There is no single amount that suits every cat. Offer regular interactive play opportunities and adjust based on age, health, temperament and interest. Short sessions can be useful when repeated throughout the day.

Puzzle feeders can provide opportunities for cats to work for food and engage in natural foraging behaviours. Introduce them gradually and make sure the difficulty matches the individual cat.

Cats may lose interest when a toy becomes predictable or when its movement does not match their preferred play style. Rotate toys and vary movement, texture, hiding and play patterns.

Watching outdoor activity can provide visual stimulation for some indoor cats. Make sure windows and balconies are securely protected and give the cat other enrichment options as well.

Yes. Cats can learn behaviours through consistent, reward-based training. Keep sessions short, use rewards the cat values and avoid punishment.

Pair a consistent cue with something your cat enjoys, start in a quiet environment and reward the cat immediately for approaching. Gradually practise in more distracting areas.

Yes. Place the scratching surface where the cat already wants to scratch, make it stable and rewarding to use, and temporarily make unwanted surfaces less appealing.

Carrier training is easier when the carrier becomes a familiar, positive part of the environment. Leave it accessible, add comfortable bedding and reward voluntary exploration before practising short trips.

Punishment can increase fear and stress without teaching the cat what behaviour you want instead. Identify the underlying need and reinforce an appropriate alternative.

The right amount depends on the cat's age, size, body condition, activity, health and the food's calorie density. Use the food label as a starting point and ask your veterinarian for individualized guidance.

Feeding frequency can vary by age, health, household routine and individual preference. Kittens generally need more frequent meals than many adult cats.

Many adult cats do not digest lactose well, so regular cow's milk can cause digestive upset. Fresh water should be the main drink unless a veterinarian recommends otherwise.

Fish should not automatically become the foundation of a cat's diet. Use a complete and balanced cat food appropriate for the individual cat, and discuss unusual diets or frequent treats with a veterinarian.

Some human foods can be dangerous to cats, including certain onions and garlic, chocolate and other substances. If you think your cat has eaten something potentially toxic, contact a veterinarian or animal poison service promptly.

Brushing needs vary with coat length, density and the individual cat. Long-haired cats often need more frequent grooming, while short-haired cats may need less.

Many healthy cats groom themselves effectively and do not need routine baths. Bathing may be appropriate for certain medical, coat or contamination situations under suitable guidance.

Introduce dental care gradually and use products made for cats. If your cat has painful gums, heavy tartar, bad breath or resists because of discomfort, ask a veterinarian for an oral examination.

Claw trimming can be useful for some cats, particularly when claws become overgrown or snag. Introduce handling gradually and avoid cutting into the quick.

A new or strong odour can come from the mouth, ears, skin, litter area or another source. Persistent or sudden odour, especially with other changes, deserves veterinary attention.

Yes, many cats and dogs can share a home, but compatibility varies. Introductions should be gradual, with safe spaces and controlled interactions rather than forcing immediate contact.

Start with separate spaces and allow the cats to become familiar with each other's scent before controlled visual and physical introductions. Move forward only when both cats remain comfortable.

There is no universal timeline. Some introductions progress quickly while others take weeks or longer. Rushing can increase conflict, so follow the cats' behaviour and progress gradually.

First separate cats safely and identify triggers. Resource competition, territory, fear and poor introductions can contribute to conflict. Persistent aggression warrants veterinary or qualified behaviour support.

Many cats can live comfortably with children when children are taught respectful handling and the cat has places to retreat. Never force interaction or prevent a cat from escaping.

Make the carrier familiar before travel by leaving it accessible, adding comfortable bedding and rewarding calm exploration. Practise short, low-stress sessions before longer journeys.

Use gradual carrier training, secure transport, a familiar-smelling item and a calm environment. Ask your veterinarian about travel-specific advice if your cat becomes extremely distressed.

Consider health history, temperament, age, living environment, existing pets, expected costs and the cat's ongoing care needs. Ask the rescue or shelter what is known about the individual cat.

Indoor cats can do well when their environment supports play, climbing, scratching, hiding, foraging and social needs. Safety and enrichment are especially important.

Sometimes two compatible cats can benefit from being adopted together, especially when they already have a strong bond. The right choice depends on the individual cats and the household.

Provide access to cool, shaded areas, fresh water and good airflow. Watch for signs of heat stress and seek veterinary help if your cat becomes severely distressed, weak or has breathing difficulty.

Use secure, properly installed cat-proofing or netting designed for the space. Never rely on a cat's ability to judge a balcony edge safely.

Yes, provided the home is enriched and secure. Vertical space, hiding places, scratching areas, play, safe windows and suitable litter facilities can make an apartment more functional for an indoor cat.

Parasite risk varies by environment and lifestyle. Use prevention recommended by a veterinarian for your cat's age, weight and health, and never use a dog parasite product on a cat unless specifically confirmed safe for cats.

Focus on the individual cat's health, temperament, age and previous experiences. Plan veterinary care, parasite prevention, nutrition, enrichment and a gradual settling-in period.