2. Make fresh water always available
Cats have a naturally low thirst drive — an evolutionary trait from their desert-dwelling ancestors. This makes chronic dehydration a real risk, especially for cats on dry food diets.
- Keep multiple water stations around the home
- Place water bowls away from food bowls (cats prefer separate sources)
- Consider a cat water fountain — moving water encourages more drinking
3. Schedule regular veterinary checkups
Even when your cat seems perfectly healthy, annual vet visits are essential. Many feline conditions — including hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, and dental issues — develop silently and are best caught early.
Recommended checkup frequency
- Kittens (under 1 year): every 3–4 weeks until 4 months, then at 6 months and 1 year
- Adult cats (1–10 years): once a year
- Senior cats (10+): every 6 months
At each visit, your vet will typically check weight, teeth, ears, eyes, heart, and update any needed vaccinations or parasite prevention.
4. Keep up with vaccinations and parasite prevention
Vaccines protect against serious, often fatal diseases. The core vaccines for cats include rabies and FVRCP (covering feline distemper, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus). Your vet may also recommend Felv (feline leukemia) depending on your cat’s lifestyle.
For parasite prevention, a monthly or quarterly treatment for fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms is standard — even for indoor-only cats, who can still be exposed through shoes, windows, or other pets.
