Cats ask for less than dogs, but what they ask for, they mean. Feed them properly, keep their box clean, give them something to hunt that isn't your ankles, and most cats will stay healthy well into their teens. The average indoor cat lives 12 to 18 years, and the difference between the low end and the high end of that range is mostly routine.
Feeding
An adult cat needs roughly 200 to 300 calories a day, depending on size and activity — a 10-pound indoor cat sits near the low end of that range. That's a lot less than people think, and it's why free-feeding dry food makes so many cats overweight. Measure portions. Weigh your cat every month or two; you should feel ribs under a thin layer of fat, not see them and not lose your fingers searching.
Wet food versus dry food is a real argument, and I'll take a side: feed at least some wet food. Cats evolved from desert animals with a weak thirst drive, and they chronically drink less than they should. Wet food is roughly 75% water, dry food around 10%. Kidney disease and urinary blockages are among the most common reasons cats end up at the vet, and better hydration is the cheapest prevention you can buy. Dry food is fine as a supplement or for dental-specific formulas, but I wouldn't make it the whole diet.
Feed two measured meals a day rather than leaving food out. It costs you nothing and it lets you notice immediately when a cat goes off its food — often the first sign of illness.
Water
Fresh water, changed daily, in at least two locations away from the food bowls. Many cats prefer drinking away from where they eat. A cat needs roughly 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight per day, counting moisture in food. A wide, shallow bowl beats a deep one; whiskers touching the sides put some cats off. If your cat ignores bowls entirely, a fountain runs $25 to $40 and often solves it.
The Litter Box
The rule of thumb is one box per cat, plus one. A single-cat home needs two boxes in two locations. Scoop daily — no exceptions. A dirty box is the number-one cause of cats urinating outside it, and it's entirely preventable. Do a full litter change and wash the box with mild soap every one to four weeks depending on litter type.
Skip covered boxes in most cases. They trap odor, and many cats dislike the enclosed space. And go bigger than you think: the box should be at least as long as your cat from nose to tail base. Most boxes sold in stores are too small for full-grown males.
Grooming
Short-haired cats need brushing once or twice a week. Long-haired cats need it daily — ten minutes with a steel comb prevents mats that otherwise require a vet visit and a sedated shave, which can run $100 to $300. Brushing also cuts down on hairballs and lets you find lumps, fleas, or skin problems early.
Trim nails every two to three weeks. Use cat clippers, take only the clear tip, and keep styptic powder on hand in case you nick the quick. If your cat fights you, do one paw a day rather than wrestling through all four.
Play
Ten to fifteen minutes of interactive play, twice a day, is a reasonable target. A wand toy dragged along the floor mimics prey far better than dangling it in the cat's face — let the cat stalk, chase, and catch. End each session letting the cat actually catch the toy, then feed a small meal. Hunt, catch, eat, sleep: that's the sequence cats are built for, and it prevents the 3 a.m. zoomies better than any product on the market.
Vet Care
Annual checkups for adults, twice a year for cats over about 10 years old. Core vaccines, dental checks, and bloodwork for seniors typically run $200 to $500 a year depending on your area. That sounds like a lot until you compare it to one emergency visit — treating a urinary blockage can cost $1,500 to $3,000. Prevention is the cheapest thing in cat care, and it isn't close.
One thing I'd skip: grain-free diets and most supplements, unless your vet specifically recommends them for a diagnosed problem. Grain allergies are rare in cats, and some grain-free formulations have been linked to heart problems in other animals. Save the money for the vet fund.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How old should a kitten be before I bring it home? Wait until at least 8 weeks, ideally 12. Kittens learn bite inhibition and litter habits from their mother and littermates during that window, and cats separated too early often keep rough play habits for life.
How do I introduce a new cat to the cat I already have? Keep them in separate rooms for the first week, swapping bedding so they learn each other's scent. Then feed them on opposite sides of a closed door, and only allow face-to-face contact once both eat calmly. Expect two to four weeks, sometimes longer.
Is it better to keep a cat indoors? Yes. Indoor cats live dramatically longer — often 12 to 18 years versus 2 to 5 for cats allowed outdoors, where traffic, predators, and disease take a heavy toll. Give indoor cats vertical space and window perches instead.
How can I tell if my cat is in pain? Cats hide pain well. Watch for hiding, reduced grooming, litter box avoidance, reluctance to jump, and changes in appetite. Any of these lasting more than a day or two warrants a vet call.
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