When people think about cat care, the first things that come to mind are the obvious ones: topping up their food bowl, fresh water, and scooping the litter tray. These are all essential tasks, but real cat care is about so much more than just the basics.
Cats may have a reputation for being independent, but anyone who shares their home with one knows that they thrive on attention, routine, and companionship. Spending time with your cat every day is just as important as feeding and cleaning. It’s what makes them feel safe, loved, and truly part of your family.
Playtime and Interaction
Take a few minutes each day to sit with your cat, stroke them, or simply share space together. This quiet time is when you’ll notice little details: a change in mood, a new habit, or signs that something might be off with their health.
Cats are natural hunters, and play is how they satisfy those instincts. Feather wands, toy mice, and puzzle feeders keep them both physically active and mentally sharp. A short play session twice a day can make a huge difference to their wellbeing, especially for indoor cats who don’t go outside hunting.
Not all play has to be so active though. Sometimes it’s as simple as watching birds from the window together or letting your cat chase a crumpled ball of paper across the floor. The key is consistently showing up and making time for them.
Grooming and Care
Brushing your cat isn’t just about keeping fur under control. It also reduces hairballs and gives you the chance to check for fleas, lumps, or sore spots. Many cats enjoy grooming as a bonding activity because it’s like a mini spa session that reassures them they’re safe and cared for.
Creating a Happy Environment
Cats love to climb, scratch, and hide. Providing scratching posts, cat trees, or even good old cardboard boxes can keep them entertained and prevent unwanted scratching on furniture. A happy cat has places to perch, explore, and retreat when they want peace and quiet.
Routine is also key. Cats feel secure when life is predictable, such as mealtimes, play sessions, and cuddle time around the same part of the day give them a comforting rhythm.
Health and Wellbeing
Regular vet visits are essential, even if your cat seems perfectly healthy. Cats are experts at hiding illness, so yearly check-ups, vaccinations, and flea/worm treatments are all part of responsible care.
By spending time with your cat daily, you’ll be the first to notice subtle changes in appetite, grooming, or behaviour. These are all small clues that something might not be quite right.
Care from Moggy Minder
Cat care isn’t just a checklist of chores. It’s the daily act of showing up for your cat and being present with them. Those quiet moments of companionship are what truly make a cat feel loved.
When people ask me what I do when I’m looking after cats, they usually imagine it’s just the basics - topping up food, putting down fresh water, and scooping the litter tray. And yes, those are important. But for me, cat care is so much more than the basics.
It’s about spending time with your cats, learning their personalities, and figuring out what makes them feel safe and loved.
No two cats are alike. Some come rushing up as soon as I walk through the door, eager for strokes and attention. Others are quiet, keeping their distance until they decide I’ve earned their trust.
With the shy ones, I don’t force it. I’ll sit nearby, maybe on the floor, and just chat softly while they watch me from across the room. Sometimes that’s all they want - someone present, but not too close. Over time, it’s lovely to see them relax and decide on their own terms that I’m not so bad after all!
I always ask owners what their cats enjoy, because every cat has their favourite kind of play. Some go wild for a feather wand, others love to chase a ball, and a few are clever puzzle-solvers who like treat toys.
I’ve also noticed how much cats value their favourite spots - a perch on the windowsill to watch the world, a cardboard box to curl up in, or a well-used scratching post. I try to make sure they always have access to these little comforts, because they make such a difference to how settled and content a cat feels. This is one of the main reasons why in-home cat care is really valuable! Your cat can remain comfortable and cared for in their favourite place.
If you’d like me to care for your cats, get in touch, and I’ll look forward to meeting you and your furry friends!