Adult cats should have annual wellness check-ups, while senior cats (7+ years) benefit from twice-yearly visits. Kittens need more frequent visits for their vaccination series. Always consult your veterinarian if you notice any changes in behavior, appetite, or bathroom habits.
Yes, indoor cats still need core vaccinations. Even if your cat never goes outside, they can be exposed to diseases through open windows, clothing, or accidental escape. Core vaccines protect against serious diseases like panleukopenia and rabies.
With proper care, indoor cats typically live 12-18 years, with many reaching their early 20s. Outdoor cats generally have shorter lifespans due to accidents, diseases, and parasites. Regular veterinary care, proper nutrition, and indoor living can maximize your cat's lifespan.
Cats are obligate carnivores and require animal-based protein. Choose high-quality commercial cat food that lists a specific meat (like chicken, salmon, or turkey) as the first ingredient. Avoid dog food, and steer clear of foods with excessive fillers like corn and wheat.
Portion sizes depend on your cat's weight, age, and activity level. Most adult cats need 20-30 calories per pound of body weight. Use our Nutrition Calculator to get personalized recommendations, and always check the feeding guidelines on your cat food packaging.
Most adult cats are lactose intolerant and cannot properly digest milk. While small amounts may not cause issues, milk provides no nutritional benefit and can lead to digestive upset. Stick to fresh water as your cat's primary hydration source.
Several human foods are toxic to cats: chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, alcohol, caffeine, xylitol (artificial sweetener), and raw dough. Even small amounts can cause serious health issues. When in doubt, stick to cat-specific treats.
Vomiting in cats can have many causes, from hairballs and eating too fast to more serious issues like infections, kidney disease, or intestinal blockages. Occasional vomiting may be normal, but frequent vomiting, vomiting with blood, or accompanied by lethargy requires veterinary attention.
Cats hide pain instinctively. Signs include decreased activity, hiding, reluctance to jump or climb, changes in appetite, excessive grooming or neglect of grooming, aggression when touched, and changes in bathroom habits. If you suspect pain, consult your veterinarian.
Seek emergency care for: difficulty breathing, straining to urinate (especially male cats), severe trauma, collapse or inability to stand, seizures, intense pain, prolonged vomiting/diarrhea, ingestion of toxins, and not eating for 24+ hours.
Use year-round preventive medications recommended by your vet. Keep your home clean, vacuum regularly, and wash your cat's bedding. For outdoor cats or those in high-risk areas, regular preventive treatment is essential as fleas can cause serious health issues.
Short-haired cats benefit from weekly brushing, while long-haired cats may need daily grooming to prevent matting. Regular brushing reduces hairballs, distributes natural oils, and provides bonding time. Start slow and make it a positive experience for your cat.
Most cats need their nails trimmed every 2-3 weeks. Indoor cats especially need regular trims as their nails don't wear down naturally. If you hear clicking on hard floors, it's time for a trim. Use cat-specific nail clippers and be careful not to cut the quick.
Most cats rarely need baths as they self-groom effectively. However, some situations require bathing: severe flea infestations, skin conditions, getting into something sticky or toxic, or certain long-haired breeds. Use cat-specific shampoo and keep water lukewarm.
Check ears weekly for redness, discharge, or odor. Clean only the outer ear with a vet-approved cleaner and cotton ball. Never insert anything into the ear canal. Signs of infection (head shaking, scratching, discharge) require veterinary attention.
Use our Cat BMI Calculator tool. You'll need your cat's weight in pounds or kilograms and their body length (from neck to base of tail). The calculator uses a formula developed by veterinarians to assess whether your cat is underweight, ideal, or overweight.
Our cat age calculator uses the commonly accepted formula: first year equals 15 human years, second year equals 9 human years, and each additional year equals 4 human years. This gives a good estimate, though individual cats age differently based on breed and health.
No, our Symptom Checker is an educational tool only and cannot replace professional veterinary diagnosis. If your cat is showing concerning symptoms, please consult your veterinarian. The tool helps you understand potential issues and urgency, not provide medical diagnoses.