Whether your cat has long or short hair, daily brushing should be a regular routine. It's common knowledge that cats groom themselves often, so many owners may assume that additional grooming on their part is unnecessary. But brushing or combing your cat once a day can remove loose hair that could be ingested by your cat when self-grooming, and gives you the time to notice any potentially harmful irregularities such as lumps and sore spots. If your cat is uncooperative with you grooming them try connecting the brushing to a daily happy event such as a meal time. Your cat will begin to associate grooming with a yummy event.

Cats, unlike dogs, cannot go vegetarian for any amount of time. A healthy diet for them consists primarily of meat, and they need it daily. Dry cat food tends to be high in carbs and is harmful to cats in large amounts. Over time, regular meals of dry cat food can lead to diabetes and obesity. Wet cat foods, on the other hand, are usually higher in lean protein that your cat needs to keep healthy.

Just like any other animal, fresh water is essential for your cat's wellbeing. Though they get most of their water intake from their wet food, they can't survive with this as their only source of water. Give your cat access to clean water at all times, indoors or outdoors, and make sure to switch out the water with a fresh supply daily.

Without a pet door, your cat doesn't have any way to get in and out of your home by themselves. This can become life threatening in some situations. There have been many instances of dangerous situations where the cat can become trapped inside the home while the family escapes. Cats can also get trapped outside in the winter or summer due to accidental neglectfulness, or have dangerous encounters with predaceous animals that they can't get away from. Having a pet door can give your cat an escape from life endangering situations, increasing their chances for survival.

Similar to daily grooming, many owners may not realize that cats need help with dental hygiene too. Cats can develop tartar on their teeth just like humans do, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease that could eventually contribute to other diseases if not properly treated. To keep on top of caring for your cat's teeth, be sure to schedule a vet visit annually where your vet should examine and clean your cat's teeth and gums.

Cats may get an antisocial rep, but they need love and attention too! Spending large amounts of time alone indoors can take a toll. Taking time to play with your cat each day will break the monotony and strengthen your bond. You can try different types of cat toys, including some that they can play with when you're not home, and switch them out from time to time to keep things fresh. Even something as simple as petting your cat will make a big difference.

Regular vet visits are a crucial element in keeping your cat healthy. Cats should have a vet appointments yearly until the age of eight, and then bi-annual exams should be done from thereon out. The average life expectancy for cats is about 14 years, and they age much faster than us, so going too long between vet visits means a lot can change for the worst with your cat without being checked. Consistent appointments let the vet catch any potential feline diseases in their early stages, as well as administer any vaccines your cat may need. Vets can also tell you if your cat is at a healthy weight with an annual physical exam.