How to Create a Cat Care Routine That Keeps Your Feline Happy and Healthy

Creating a consistent, thoughtful cat care routine is one of the most impactful things you can do to support your cat’s long-term health and happiness. From nutrition to play, grooming to health checks, every detail matters and your cat will thrive in a stable, well-managed environment.

This guide brings together expert-backed strategies for building a routine that supports your cat’s physical wellbeing, emotional security, and natural behaviours. Whether you're a new cat parent or looking to refine your existing routine, here’s how to make every day a great one for your feline companion.

What Makes a Great Cat Care Routine?

A truly effective cat care routine blends physical care, emotional enrichment, and behavioural stability and it should be established right when you get a kitten. It should be:

• Consistent – Cats crave routine; predictability reduces stress.

• Tailored – Adjust your approach to suit your cat’s breed, age, and personality.

• Comprehensive – Cover all areas: feeding, exercise, hygiene, enrichment, and vet care.

Key components include:

• Daily play and mental stimulation

• Balanced meals and a structured feeding schedule

• Regular grooming

• Ongoing health monitoring

• A safe, enriched environment

Daily Activities for a Healthy, Happy Cat

Interactive play is essential, not just for exercise, but for mental wellbeing too. Try:

• Feather wands and teaser toys to mimic hunting instincts

• Puzzle feeders and treat balls to build problem-solving skills

• Cardboard boxes or paper bags for simple enrichment

Add variety by rotating toys every few days and offering vertical spaces like cat trees, shelves, or perches for natural climbing.

Adapting Your Routine for Breed and Life Stage

Not all cats have the same needs. Here’s how to adjust:

• Kittens: Need frequent meals, gentle grooming, short play sessions, and socialisation

• Adults: Thrive on a regular feeding/play/sleep schedule, with two meals a day and active engagement

• Seniors: May need softer foods, joint-support supplements, and extra help accessing high places

Some breeds also need special care. For example:

• Sphynx cats need regular skin cleaning

• Persians benefit from daily eye and coat grooming

Feeding: Nutrition and Scheduling

Structured feeding supports digestion and behaviour. Stick to consistent mealtimes and choose food based on age, health, and preferences:

• Kittens: 3–4 small meals a day

• Adults: 2 meals daily, with occasional healthy treats

• Seniors: May need more frequent, smaller meals and prescription diets

Avoid:

• Chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, alcohol

• High-carb, filler-heavy commercial foods

• Raw dairy or improperly handled raw meats

Instead, focus on high-quality, meat-based foods rich in taurine, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants.

Grooming: Keeping Cats Clean and Comfortable

Brushing isn’t just about appearance, it prevents matting, reduces hairballs, and builds trust.

• Short-haired cats: Brush 2–3 times per week

• Long-haired cats: Daily brushing with slicker or de-matting tools

Other grooming essentials:

• Nail trims every 2–3 weeks

• Ear checks for dirt or odour

• Dental hygiene through water additives or vet-approved treats

Use tools matched to your cat’s coat and sensitivities. Reward grooming sessions with treats to build positive associations.

Health Monitoring and Vet Visits

Stay proactive with preventive care. Track weight, appetite, litter box habits, and activity levels weekly.

Vet Visit Schedule:

• Kittens: Every 3–6 months

• Adults: Annual check-ups

• Seniors: Every 6 months

Core Preventive Measures:

• Vaccines: FVRCP, Rabies, FeLV (if needed)

• Flea/Tick treatments: Monthly

• Deworming: Every 3–6 months

• Dental cleaning: Annually

Create a health diary to track changes and vet advice.

Behaviour and Body Language

Understanding your cat’s cues builds trust and reduces miscommunication:

• Relaxed: Upright tail, forward ears, slow blinking

• Stressed: Hiding, overgrooming, flattened ears, vocalising

• Aggressive/Fearful: Dilated pupils, arched back, hissing

Redirect negative behaviours like destructive scratching with:

• Strategic placement of scratching posts

• Feliway diffusers

• Gentle redirection and reward-based training

Must-Have Supplies to Support Your Routine

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping playtime or grooming

• Offering low-quality food

• Ignoring signs of stress or illness

• Making sudden changes to routine

Build consistency with a written or digital daily schedule. And when in doubt? Ask your vet or a feline behaviourist for help.

Final Thoughts

A great cat care routine isn’t about perfection, it’s about consistency, observation, and care. By building daily habits around nutrition, play, grooming, and preventive health, you create a calm, healthy rhythm your cat can rely on. And in return? You’ll enjoy a deeper, more trusting bond with your feline companion.

Whether you’re raising a kitten or caring for a senior, remember: your commitment, patience, and attention make all the difference.

Also refer to our Guide: The Ultimate Guide to Cat Ownership in Australia: From Kitten Prep to Litter Box Bliss

Looking for premium products to support your cat care routine? Explore our Litter-Robot™-friendly cleaning sprays, low-dust litters, and top-rated scratching posts in our curated collection.