Caring for
Cats

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Cats are one of the world's most beloved companion animals, known for their intelligence, independence, and unique personalities. Although they are often seen as low-maintenance pets, cats require proper nutrition, enrichment, healthcare, and a suitable environment to live happy and healthy lives.
 
Whether you're bringing home your first kitten or caring for a senior cat, understanding your pet's natural behaviours and needs is essential for responsible ownership. This page provides an introduction to cat care and links to more detailed guides covering every aspect of feline wellbeing.
 
Cat Facts
Scientific name: Felis catus
Average lifespan: 12–18 years, with some cats living into their twenties
Diet: Obligate carnivore
Average litter size: 3–5 kittens
Domestication: Approximately 9,000–10,000 years ago
 
Cats are natural hunters with strong instincts to climb, scratch, stalk, and explore. Providing opportunities for these behaviours through enrichment and appropriate environments is important for both their physical and mental wellbeing.
 
Popular Cat Breeds
There are many cat breeds, each with different appearances, temperaments, and care requirements. Some of the most popular breeds include:
 

• British Shorthair

• Maine Coon

• Ragdoll

• Siamese

• Bengal

• Persian

• Sphynx

• Scottish Fold
   

While pedigree cats have specific characteristics, many wonderful pets are mixed-breed domestic cats. Regardless of breed, every cat deserves an environment that supports its natural behaviours and individual needs.
 
Cats Lifespan and Life Stages
A cat's lifespan depends on factors such as genetics, healthcare, diet, and whether they live indoors or outdoors. Many indoor cats live well into their teenage years and beyond.
 
Cats progress through several life stages:
 

• Kitten (0–12 months): Rapid growth, socialisation, and learning.

• Adult (1–10 years): A period requiring consistent nutrition, enrichment, and preventative healthcare.

• Senior (10+ years): Older cats may need changes to their diet, exercise, and veterinary support to maintain their quality of life.
   

Regular veterinary care, a balanced diet, and proper weight management can help cats live longer, healthier lives.
 
Is a Cat Right for You?
Cats can make wonderful companions, but they are still a long-term responsibility. They require daily care, mental stimulation, veterinary treatment, and financial commitment throughout their lives.
 
Prospective owners should consider:
 

• The costs of food, litter, veterinary care, and insurance.

• Providing opportunities for play, climbing, scratching, and exploration.

• The time required for social interaction and daily care.

• Long-term commitments that may last 15 years or more.
   

Responsible ownership means understanding and respecting a cat's natural behaviours while meeting its physical and emotional needs.
 
Essential Areas of Cat Care
Good cat welfare involves several key areas of care. Explore our detailed guides to learn more about:
 

• Setup: Creating a safe, enriching, and cat-friendly home environment.

• Enrichment: Encouraging natural behaviours through play, climbing, scratching, and exploration.

• Food and Diet: Understanding feline nutrition and feeding requirements.

• Grooming and Cleaning: Maintaining coat health, litter hygiene, dental care, and overall cleanliness.

• Health: Preventative care, vaccinations, common conditions, and recognising signs of illness.
   

Frequently Asked Questions
 
How long do cats live?
Most cats live between 12 and 18 years, although many indoor cats can live into their twenties with excellent care.
 
What do cats eat?
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require nutrients found in animal-based proteins to remain healthy.
 
Do cats need enrichment?
Yes. Cats benefit from enrichment that allows them to climb, scratch, hunt, play, and explore. Mental stimulation is essential for preventing boredom and supporting wellbeing.
 
Are cats good pets for first-time owners?
Cats can be excellent companions for first-time owners, provided their needs for enrichment, healthcare, nutrition, and social interaction are properly understood and met.
 
Should cats live indoors or outdoors?
Both indoor and outdoor lifestyles have advantages and risks. Many owners choose to keep cats indoors while providing enriching environments, secure outdoor spaces, or supervised access to the outdoors to keep them safe and mentally stimulated.