Like people, as cats grow and age, their needs change. To ensure you’re offering the right care for your cherished one, we’ve put together a brief guide that outlines the main stages of a cat’s life and what you should keep an eye out for.

Kitten: 0-9 months

As a kitten, your cat will be the bouncy, curious and playful creature that you’d expect. Of course, all this energy and a lack of life experience can lead to injuries – be it from climbing a tree or eating something they shouldn’t. So, watch for things like a bloated stomach, not eating, vomiting and excessive thirst. Like a baby, they need plenty of care and attention, as well as a healthy, balanced diet to help them grow.

Young adult: 9 months-3 years

As your kitten becomes a young adult, you’ll notice he or she will test boundaries and still have boundless energy. During this time, “teen cats” are more likely to injure themselves from doing something athletic. For outdoor cats, this is also when road traffic poses the biggest risk. Basically, they’re like teenagers – and make silly decisions as they learn their lessons.

Mature adult: 3-10 years

Once your cat reaches full maturity, you’ll notice they have now fully filled out and are stronger, steadier and a bit more sensible. During this period, they’ll start to become more susceptible to “wear and tear” health issues. Keep an eye out for heart and kidney problems; these may manifest themselves in symptoms like excessive thirst, shortness of breath or lethargy.

Older cat: 10-20 years

Just like older people, as cats age, they may slow down. And, as you’d expect, they may need some extra support if some of their senses become less sharp. Issues might include an overactive thyroid, arthritis, renal failure, heart disease and diabetes. But, with the right care and attention, there’s no reason why they can’t live a slower but equally happy life well into their golden years (or whatever the cat equivalent is).

Cats are independent creatures. That’s why we love them. But it can make introducing a second cat to your home difficult. Unlike dogs which have a pack mentality, cats don’t feel the need for a companion. This means your first cat might not be too happy about having a new “friend”to share their home. Luckily, there are things you can do to help your cats accept each other and, sometimes, even form a bond.

First impressions count

Things need to get off to a good start. If there’s aggression in the initial meeting, this could set the tone for things to come. Here are a few things you could try to slowly introduce your precious pets to each other:    

• Allow your two cats to smell and hear each other, but not touch each other. If possible, keep them separated by an adjoining door.
• Make sure each cat has their own food and water bowl, cat litter box, toys and bed, in a safe and calm space.
• Try and feed the cats near each other (but still separated) for a shared and pleasant experience. Give them a reason to like each other.
• After a couple of days, switch the cats’ locations and allow them to investigate each other’s scent and a new area of your home.

Pleased to meet you…

After a week or so, if there have been no signs of aggression between the two, it’s time to introduce the cats to each other. It might be worth having a friend or family member to help you with this.

• Choose a space where either cat can hide behind furniture or jump up high if necessary.
• If you’re worried that one cat may charge when you open the door or introduce the new cat to the room, install a temporary screen door.
• Put down their food separately and encourage them to eat – but judge how close they can be to each other.
• Be calm and reassuring, rewarding good behavior with treats. Carefully watch how they interact – you may need to separate them again before trying to reintroduce them.
• Once you’re sure they’re not going to fight or chase, use the whole house – the cats will probably find places to sleep and routines which allow them to live peacefully in the same house.

Moving forward

Supervise your cats as they spend more time together. As they become more familiar with each other, allow them more freedom and time in each other’s company. Keep a sharp eye out for signs that things aren’t going well: for example, if one of the cats spends more time hiding or if one consistently harasses the other. To ensure the best home life for all your pets, you might need to seek the help of a qualified animal behavior expert.

Bringing your first cat home is an exciting time for everyone. But it can be scary too – for both you and the cat. You want to ensure everything is in place to make your cat feel at home as soon as possible, from training and toys to health care and food. Here are some pointers to help you enjoy life with a healthy, happy cat from the start.

Know what to expect

Before bringing a cat home, you need to have a clear picture of what being a responsible cat owner means. That means thinking about your lifestyle and ensuring you can provide the care and attention your new family member needs. It also means considering the cost of owning a cat and ensuring you can provide for it.

Find a good vet

Whether you bring home a kitten or an adult cat, you’ll need the support of a trusted and qualified vet. It’s also a good idea to schedule an examination soon after bringing kitty home. You can then also ask any questions you may have: What’s the best food? What immunizations are required? When should my kitten be spayed or neutered?

Food for thought

Cats, like people, need a healthy, consistent and regulated diet. As well as asking your vet for advice, the best way to ensure this is to carefully read the labels of cat foods.Check that the food is suitable for your cat’s life stage and has been approved by the Association of Animal Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Get a routine 

Getting the right food is one thing, feeding the right amount at the right times is another. Ask your vet for advice on establishing a schedule. It’s generally recommended that 3 to 6 month-old kittens are fed three times a day; scaling down to two times a day when they reach 6 months. Hydration is also essential – make sure your cat always has access to fresh water. Cats in warmer climates may need extra hydration.

Use the right cat litter    

No one knows better than us that finding the right cat litter is crucial to a happy cat and home. Take a look at our Litter Tips for everything you need to know about finding the right litter for you and your cat.

Home sweet home

Create a special space where your new cat will feel safe and comfortable. Here, you should have somewhere cozy to sleep, the cat litter box, food and water dishes, and lots of things to play with – toy mice, string, feathers and, if you don’t want your furniture ruined, a scratching post.

Of course, every cat is different, so the above is just meant as a guide. Speak to your vet and local pet store to ensure you’re doing everything you can to have a happy, healthy cat. But, above all else, enjoy your fabulous feline. Forming a bond with your cat is a very special thing, and you can both bring so much joy to each other’s lives.

Refusing to use the box. Going in the wrong spot. Spraying inside. As much as we’d all love our cats to have a healthy relationship with their cat litter box, sometimes things go wrong. But don’t despair. As with all things cat, there’s often an explanation for their behavior and, with the right support, you can usually get things back on track. Or at least back in the box.

1. Box aversion

Why won’t your cat use the cat litter box? It could be the box itself, your choice of cat litter, the location – or it could be all three. One thing’s certain: something needs to change.

Smell

Perhaps your cat litter box has an odor or scent your cat dislikes. Would your cat prefer an unscented variety? There are also certain scents that cats dislike, such as pine, cedar, citrus, eucalyptus and wintergreen, so try to avoid them. If you clean the box with harsh chemicals, it may have an offensive odor. Or, if you don’t clean it enough, the box may smell strongly of ammonia. Cats usually prefer a clean cat litter box.

Type

Or is it the texture? Your cat may prefer a finer clumping cat litter over coarser non-clumping cat litter. Or vice versa.

Size

Is your box the right size? Cats with mobility problems may have trouble getting into a box with high sides. Kittens will have similar problems, no matter how high you think they can jump. And if you have multiple cats, it’s best to give each cat its own litter box.

Location

If the cat litter box is located somewhere your cat isn’t comfortable – somewhere noisy, dark or busy – they won’t use it. They need to feel safe, somewhere they can’t be ambushed on their way in or out. So place your cat litter box in a quiet area where there isn’t a lot of traffic but still easy to access.   

2. The wrong place

There could be a number of reasons why your cat is choosing to go elsewhere. They could prefer a certain surface, or something soft like carpets or clothes. Or a different location may feel safer.

If your cat is only using its box occasionally, it could also be a medical issue. If they have a urinary tract infection, it could be that they can’t make it to the box in time. And once they find a new spot, it might become habit to use it.

3. Spraying
A normal but unpleasant marking behavior of cats is spraying urine to establish territorial boundaries.

This behavior is usually associated with unneutered males and, to a lesser extent, unspayed females. But around 10% of neutered males and 5% of neutered females also spray. This is more likely in houses with over five cats, where territory is precious.

Another reason cats may spray is that they feel their territory is being threatened. Has a new cat entered the home? Or are cats outside coming close to the home? New furniture and carpet smells can cause cats to spray too.

The obvious solution if you have spraying issues is to have your cat neutered or spayed. If you’ve already done this, try and identify the cause of the spraying. Deter other cats from your property and discourage your cat from looking outside by pulling down the shades. Also, using odor neutralizers anywhere your cat has sprayed can stop him or her from doing it again.

4. Health and safety

Any of the above issues can cause concerns about health and hygiene in the home. This is intensified if someone in the home is pregnant.

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite found in cat feces that poses a danger to an unborn child if the mother becomes infected.

To minimize the risk of exposure to toxoplasmosis, ideally a pregnant woman should not change the cat litter box. If this can’t be avoided, she should wear gloves when doing so and wash her hands thoroughly afterward. The cat litter box should also be cleaned daily. Toxoplasmosis cysts in the cat litter box require 48 hours to become infective.

Unfortunately, the family cat is not the only way for a pregnant woman to become exposed to toxoplasmosis. Speak to your doctor for more information.

Cats don’t like frequent change. So, if you’re planning to introduce a new type or brand of cat litter (for example, going from non-clumping to clumping cat litter, or to a different scent), be prepared that your cat might reject using it. Whatever the reason, one thing’s for sure: you need to have a plan of action.

Gradual is good

Rather than making an abrupt change and presenting your cat with the unfamiliar (they hate unfamiliar), give your cat time to adjust to something new. Get it right, and your cat may not even notice you’ve switched.

Begin by mixing a small amount of the new cat litter in with the current brand every day for several days. Continue this method for three to five days. If your cat is particularly adverse to change, you might want to give yourself even longer for the changeover.

Put it to the test

If your cat is rejecting your current brand and you want to know what type they might prefer, put it to the test. Set up an additional box with a new type of cat litter next to your existing brand. It shouldn’t take long for your cat(s) to let you know which they prefer. Once their mind is made up, you can remove the other box.

Speak to an expert

If your cat continues to take issue with their cat litter box, speak to your vet. You might find there are underlying reasons that your cat isn’t using the litter box. Cats are complicated creatures!

Maintaining your cat’s box is a key part of ensuring a healthy litter routine. Here are a few general rules to keep things fresh:

When to scoop

It’s important to scoop the box at least twice a day. It doesn’t take long, and you’ll find that a lot less accidents occur with regular scooping. Once you’ve scooped, add a fresh layer of cat litter to the box. If your cat is defecating near the box but not in it, it might be that the box is too dirty and your cat’s nose is telling it to stay away.

How to scoop

If you plan to use a clumping cat litter, a slotted scoop makes it easier to remove solid waste and urine clumps. Scoop gently and try not to spread wet cat litter around the box as this can spread the smell and repel your cat.

When to change 

How often you change your entire box partly depends on the type of cat litter you are using. If you use scoopable clumping cat litter, the box should be cleaned and refilled with fresh cat litter at least every two weeks.

If you use non-clumping cat litter, then you’ll need to clean and scrub the litter box more often – we’re talking weekly, and way before it reaches the saturation point.

When you do clean your cat litter box, avoid using harsh chemicals. A mild, unscented soap works best and won’t offend kitty.

The right box. The right cat litter. The right location. There are many considerations when setting up your cat’s litter box – and the answers aren’t always obvious. Luckily, we’re here to help you provide a set up your kitty will be comfortable with. Because if you get it wrong… well, we have answers for that, too.    

What type of box?

Aside from the more traditional open cat litter box, here are some other litter boxes you may encounter:

Covered boxes are intended to provide your cat with more privacy and keep odor contained. However, some feel they actually do more harm than good. By reducing air circulation, the cat litter can take longer to dry and the contained odor may be unpleasant for the cat. The covered box can also make larger cats feel cramped and reduce their means of escape should they be ambushed by another animal.

Automated and self-cleaning boxes are meant to make life easier for everyone. But again, their effectiveness is questionable. As well as sometimes being noisy and uncomfortable, the actual cat litter surface can be quite small. Not to mention, the owner is now unable to actually see what’s happening in the box. Not pleasant, but vital to monitoring your cat’s health.

Households with multiple cats may accept sharing a litter box as very young kittens, but as they get older they will need separate facilities.

What’s the right size?

Buy a box to fit the size of your cat, not your home. The box needs to be large enough that your cat can use it several times without the risk of standing on already soiled cat litter. A general rule: your box should be one-and-a-half times the length of your cat.

Where should it go?

Picking a location for the cat litter box is an important part of making your cat comfortable. It needs to be placed somewhere convenient and obvious (consider any physical limitations they may have), somewhere safe (no risk of ambush) and, if you have more than one cat, away from other cats. You also need to make sure it’s away from their feeding area and in a well-ventilated part of the house – for obvious reasons.   

What else do I need?

Some owners like cat litter box liners. These are designed to keep the box itself cleaner and make changing the litter easier. If you do plan to use liners, choose carefully – your cat’s claws can get caught, tearing the liner, and urine can seep through. Liners that are 2 mil thick are generally tear resistant, but it’s good to test and find out what works best for you and your cat.

Follow these basic rules and you’ll be well on your way to a happy kitty with a healthy bathroom routine. And once you find a spot for your litter that your cat is happy with, try not to move it.

Cats originated in the desert, so they instinctually prefer litters with a similar texture to sand. But what litters will work best for you and your cat? Clumping? Clay? Light? Here’s a quick lowdown on the types of cat litter out there, what’s in them and how they work – so you can make an informed decision.

Clay litter

As the name suggests, this is simply cat litter made from dried clay that easily absorbs urine. Its granulated texture allows cats to bury their business. Clay cat litter comes in most of the varieties below.

Clumping

Designed to make it easier to remove urine and solid waste from the box, clumping cat litters are usually made with a clay base that clumps together when wet. This allows you to remove the odor-causing clumps of waste, using a slotted scoop. For many owners, this means they don’t need to completely change the entire box as frequently.

Non-clumping

Non-clumping cat litters typically have larger size granules that absorb urine but do not clump when wet, so there’s no need to scoop out urine clumps. This can mean odor is better absorbed, but the litter may become saturated faster and require more frequent litter box changes.

Scented

Both clumping and non-clumping cat litters are available with some form of odor control. Some of these litters contain a fragrance to cover nasty smells with a fresher alternative. However, because of their highly developed sense of smell, some cats can be put off by heavily perfumed environments.

Unscented

Unscented cat litters are a good alternative for cats and owners who are allergic or sensitive to fragrance. These litters often have additional odor-fighting ingredients to help neutralize odor and keep your home smelling fresh without heavy fragrances.

The rest

Although clay is by far the most popular variety of cat litter, there are other varieties on the market. These include crystal litters and more natural options such as pine, wheat and corn. Another biodegradable option is litter made from recycled paper, which can have the same texture as clay litter and provide long-lasting odor control.