Cat Care Checklist: Daily, Weekly and Yearly Basics

We run the NicheStuff store; some links in this post go to products we sell.

Cats have a reputation for being independent, but they still depend on us for almost everything: food, water, a clean litter box, play, health care and a safe place to live. The good news is that most of cat care is simple routine. This checklist breaks it down into what to do every day, every week and every year, plus the warning signs that mean it’s time to call your vet.

Daily cat care

Feeding

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need nutrients that come from animal protein. Choose a food labeled “complete and balanced” for your cat’s life stage. Many cats do well with two or more measured meals a day rather than a bowl that’s always full, which helps prevent weight gain. Wet food adds water to the diet, and many vets suggest including some.

Fresh water

Cats often don’t drink much, so make water appealing. Refill bowls daily, try a wide, shallow bowl, and place water away from the food and the litter box. Some cats prefer running water from a fountain.

Litter box

• Have one box per cat, plus one extra, in quiet spots on each floor of your home.
• Scoop at least once a day. Most cats dislike a dirty box and may go elsewhere.
• Use unscented, clumping litter unless your cat prefers something else.
• Choose a box big enough for your cat to turn around in. Larger is usually better.

Play

Indoor cats need daily play to stay fit and avoid boredom. Two or three short sessions of 10 to 15 minutes with a wand toy work well. Let your cat stalk, chase and finally “catch” the toy, then offer a small meal or treat to finish the hunt. Our guide to reading your cat’s body language will help you see when your cat is having fun and when it’s had enough.

Quiet time and safe spaces

Cats like high perches and hiding places. A cat tree, window perch or shelf lets your cat watch the world from a safe height, and a covered bed or box gives it somewhere to retreat.

Weekly cat care

• Brushing: once or twice a week for short-haired cats; daily for long-haired cats to prevent mats and hairballs.
• Nails: check every week or two and trim the sharp tips if needed. Go slowly and stop before the pink quick.
• Litter box wash: empty and wash the box with mild, unscented soap regularly, then refill with fresh litter.
• Scratching posts: check that posts are sturdy and tall enough for your cat to stretch fully. Scratching is normal behavior that keeps claws healthy and marks territory.
• Toy rotation: swap toys in and out so they stay interesting.
• Weight and body check: run your hands over your cat to feel for lumps, check the ears and look at the teeth and gums.

Yearly cat care

• Vet check-ups: at least once a year for adult cats, and often twice a year for senior cats. Your vet will advise on vaccines and parasite prevention based on your cat’s lifestyle.
• Dental care: dental disease is very common in cats. Ask about dental checks and whether tooth brushing or dental diets would help.
• ID: keep your cat’s microchip registration current, even for indoor cats who might slip out of a door.
• Spay or neuter: if your cat isn’t already, talk to your vet about it.

Bringing home a new cat

A new cat may hide for a few days. That’s normal. Start with one quiet room containing food, water, a litter box, a bed and a hiding spot, then let the cat explore the rest of the house at its own pace. Let it come to you; many cats prefer gentle strokes on the head and cheeks, and not all cats like their bellies touched. If you’re still deciding which pet suits you, see our guide to choosing the right pet for your lifestyle.

Indoor or outdoor?

Many vets and animal welfare groups recommend keeping cats indoors, or giving them supervised outdoor time in a catio or on a harness. Indoor cats avoid traffic, fights and many diseases, and it protects wildlife too. Indoor cats do need more play and enrichment to stay happy.

Cat-proofing your home

• Keep lilies out of the house completely. All parts of true lilies, even pollen and vase water, can cause kidney failure in cats.
• Store medications, cleaning products and essential oils out of reach.
• Tidy away string, ribbon, hair ties and rubber bands, which can cause serious problems if swallowed.
• Check window screens are secure.

Warning signs: call your vet

Cats are good at hiding illness, so small changes matter. Call your vet if your cat:

• Stops eating for more than a day
• Strains in the litter box or produces little or no urine (in male cats this can be an emergency, so call right away)
• Vomits often, has diarrhea or loses weight
• Drinks much more than usual
• Hides more than usual, stops grooming or seems painful when touched
• Has trouble breathing or breathes with an open mouth

Our picks for a happy cat

A window perch

The Cat Window Hammock Bed hangs by a window and gives your cat a cozy, elevated spot to nap in the sun and watch the birds.

A nice bowl

The Aevan Epoch Stoneware Pet Bowl is a handmade stoneware bowl fired twice at high temperature for durability. Stoneware is heavy, so it doesn’t slide around the floor.

Scratching and nail care

The Original Cat Nail File Enrichment Box is an oak box with a nail-file surface. Add catnip, treats or toys inside, and your cat files its nails while it digs and plays. It’s a nice extra between nail trims.

FAQ

How often should I feed my cat?

Most adult cats do well with two or more measured meals a day. Kittens need to eat more often. Your vet can help you work out how much your cat needs.

How many litter boxes do I need?

The usual rule is one per cat, plus one extra. Two cats would have three boxes, ideally in different places.

Can I leave my cat alone for a weekend?

It isn’t a good idea to leave a cat alone for more than about a day. Even with an automatic feeder, someone should check daily on the food, water, litter box and the cat itself. Our guide to low-maintenance pets for busy people covers feeders and pet cameras.