Essential cat care: What every owner should know

SINGAPORE – Cats make for deeply rewarding companions, though their needs are frequently misunderstood.

Whether you are a first-time cat owner or have had cats for years, here are the basics of responsible cat care.

Licensing: Mandatory from Sept 1

Under the Cat Management Framework, cat owners need to microchip and license their pet cats by Aug 31. A microchip is a rice grain-size chip containing a unique identification number implanted under your cat’s skin.

When tagged to an owner’s details through licensing, it helps reunite lost cats with their owners.

Nutrition: Cats need meat

Unlike dogs or humans, cats are obligate carnivores. This means their bodies are designed to run on meat-based protein.

Taurine, for instance, is an essential amino acid that cats cannot synthesise or store and must be obtained from meat-based protein. It is critical for heart and eye health.

Look for a complete and balanced diet that is appropriate for your cat’s life stage, as kittens, adults and seniors have different nutritional requirements.

Fresh, clean water should always be available. Many cats are instinctively drawn to flowing water, so if your cat seems reluctant to drink from a bowl, a pet water fountain can make a real difference. Adequate hydration is especially important for preventing urinary tract problems, which are common in cats.

An overweight cat is at higher risk of diabetes, joint disease and a shortened lifespan. Use a body condition score chart as a guide – you should be able to feel your cat’s ribs without pressing hard, but they should not be visibly prominent.

Puzzle feeders are a great way to slow down eating while providing mental stimulation and you can easily make one at home using toilet rolls or cardboard boxes.

Health: Prevention is better than cure

Vaccinations protect your cat against serious diseases. Core vaccines cover feline herpesvirus, calicivirus and parvovirus. Kittens should receive their first dose at six to eight weeks of age, followed by boosters every two to four weeks until four months old, then a booster after one year.

Speak to your veterinarian about whether non-core vaccines are appropriate for your cat’s lifestyle.

Regular deworming and parasite prevention are equally important – and, yes, this applies to indoor cats too. If your cat is ill, take it to a veterinarian; do not attempt self-medication.

If antibiotics are prescribed, always complete the full course or use them as instructed by your veterinarian to reduce antimicrobial resistance.

Sterilised cats live longer, healthier lives. Sterilisation prevents serious reproductive diseases such as pyometra, a potentially life-threatening uterine infection.

Behaviourally, sterilised cats are less likely to roam, caterwaul, fight and urine-mark. Cats should be sterilised from six months of age or earlier, based on veterinary advice.

Behaviour: Understanding your cat

Domestic cats descended from solitary, territorial hunters and these instincts remain very much alive, such as their curiosity.

Meshing your windows and gates can save your cat’s life. High-rise syndrome, when an animal gets injured due to having fallen from height, is entirely preventable. Gaps in mesh or grilles should be no more than 5cm wide.

Learning to read your cat’s body language goes a long way. A relaxed cat will have ears forward, a gently curved tail held upright and a soft posture. A fearful cat will crouch low, tuck its tail and flatten its ears sideways. A defensive cat will arch its back, fluff up its fur and may hiss.

Recognising these signals helps you respond appropriately and avoid unnecessary stress. A word of caution: that exposed belly is rarely an invitation for a rub – most cats find belly contact overstimulating and may scratch or bite in response.

Socialisation during the critical window of two to seven weeks of age can shape a cat’s temperament for life. Handle kittens gently and slowly introduce them to people, sounds, surfaces and other animals.

If you are adopting an older cat, patience and gradual positive exposure to new experiences will still make a meaningful difference.

Enrichment: Nurturing your cat’s natural instincts

Enrichment is not a luxury – it is a necessity. Cats need outlets for their natural hunting instincts, and a bored cat is far more likely to develop behavioural problems such as over-grooming or destructive scratching.

Provide vertical space through cat trees, wall-mounted shelves and elevated perches, which give cats a sense of security. Hiding spots – whether a commercial cat house or a cardboard box – are equally important for cats that need to retreat and decompress.

Scratching posts should be tall enough for your cat to stretch fully and placed in areas your cat already frequents. Toys that mimic prey such as feather wands and soft mice are excellent for play sessions.

If using a laser pointer, always end the session with a physical toy your cat can actually “catch”, as the inability to complete the hunt can cause frustration.

For multi-cat households, provide at least one resource per cat plus one extra – food bowls, water bowls, litter trays and resting spots – spread throughout the home so no single cat can block access.

A pet is for life

Responsible cat ownership is a long-term commitment; the average pet cat can live up to 20 years. The basics are straightforward: Keep your cats safe, feed appropriately, vaccinate, sterilise, enrich and take the time to understand their needs.

If you are considering adding a cat to your family, the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) has many charismatic cats available for adoption through its animal group partners. For more information on Singapore’s Cat Management Framework and licensing requirements, go to the AVS website at go.gov.sg/cat-licensing