Cat-Care - One-sentence answer
- Aim for a Body Condition Score (BCS) of 4–5/9: you should feel ribs easily without digging and see a slight waist from above.
- Core principles
- Weight is a number; body condition is the truth—judge by shape, not scales alone.
- Prevention beats correction: small daily habits stop creeping weight gain.
- Control the environment: measured meals, active play, safe space to climb and scratch.
- Build a vet relationship early: baseline exam, vaccines, and regular weight/BCS checks.
- Safety first: avoid toxic foods/plants; secure windows and balconies to prevent accidents.
- New owner 14‑day action checklist
- Day 1–2: Set up zones. Litter in a quiet corner, food/water away from litter, and a rest perch or shelf. Provide at least one box per cat plus one extra. Add a scratching post near sleeping area.
- Day 3–4: Choose food and measure portions. Use a measuring cup or gram scale. Split daily food into 3–4 small meals to reduce begging. Place water in multiple spots; consider a fountain if your cat prefers running water.
- Day 5–6: Establish the play-hunt-eat-sleep rhythm. Twice daily, do 5–10 minutes of interactive play (wand toy or chase). End each session with a small meal to satisfy hunting instincts.
- Day 7: Record a baseline. Weigh your cat (pick up with and without cat using a home scale). Note weight, appetite, stool consistency, litter frequency, and any quirks (e.g., hides during storms).
- Day 8–9: Learn BCS by touch and look. Gently feel ribs—should be easily felt with thin fat cover. From above, a slight waist after ribs; from the side, a visible abdominal tuck. Compare weekly photos in the same pose/light.
- Day 10: Kitten or senior? Adjust. Kittens need more frequent meals and growth monitoring; seniors need gentle play and mobility-friendly setups (low-entry litter box).
- Day 11–12: Risk-proof the home. Check windows/screens, remove lilies and other toxic plants, secure human meds/cleaners, and store strings/threads. Add a stable climbing option to encourage activity.
- Day 13: Create a vet file. Book a wellness visit, set vaccine/deworming plan, and ask the clinic to record baseline weight and BCS. Bring your feeding amounts and notes.
- Day 14: Review the week’s data. If weight changed >3% unintentionally or BCS seems off target (≤3/9 too thin, ≥6/9 too heavy), call your vet for guidance. Otherwise, keep the routine and recheck weekly.
- Common mistakes and fixes
- “My cat’s weight is normal for the breed.” → Use BCS; shape matters more than breed averages.
- “Free-feeding keeps cats relaxed.” → Measured meals plus play keep cats satisfied without excess calories.
- “A round belly means healthy.” → A slight waist and abdominal tuck are healthier; roundness can signal fat or bloating.
- “Indoor cats don’t need exercise.” → Daily interactive play and vertical spaces are essential.
- “I’ll change food quickly.” → Transition over 5–7 days to avoid stomach upset.
- When to contact a veterinarian
- Sudden illness signs, labored breathing, collapse, trauma, or bleeding.
- Refuses food or water for more than 24 hours.
- Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours, or any blood in stool/vomit.
- Marked lethargy, hiding, or unresponsiveness.
- Rapid weight loss, pot-bellied appearance, or swollen abdomen.
- Any concerning change in kittens, seniors, or cats with chronic disease.
- Disclaimer
- Educational only, not medical advice; when in doubt, seek veterinary care promptly.