Cats groom themselves using their tongue, which has tiny hooks that trap loose hair. Swallowing too much fur leads to hairballs in the stomach. Brushing your cat 2-3 times a week (daily for long-haired cats) removes loose undercoat, minimizes shedding around the house, and prevents painful hairballs.
Check your cat's ears weekly. Healthy ears are pink and clean. Wipe them gently using cotton balls moistened with a pet-safe ear cleaner — never use cotton swabs (Q-tips) inside the canal. For eyes, wipe away tear stains gently with a soft, damp cloth using different sections of the cloth for each eye.
Trimming claws every 2 weeks prevents them from becoming overgrown or scratching furniture. Hold the paw and press the pads gently to extend the claws. Look for the pink area inside the nail called the "quick" (which contains blood vessels). Cut only the sharp, clear tip of the nail, avoiding the quick.
A clean litter box is essential for a happy cat. The golden rule is to have one more box than the number of cats you own (e.g. 2 boxes for 1 cat). Scoop waste daily, and wash the box with mild soap once a week. Place boxes in quiet, easily accessible locations far away from their food bowl.
