Looking after your adult cat
Looking after your adult cat
Here’s what you need to know about vet visits, nutrition and everyday care for an adult cat.
Cats may be famously independent (and meticulous) groomers, but even the most self-sufficient feline needs a helping hand from time to time. Regular...
Wellness plans and pet insurance serve different roles in your pet’s healthcare — but they complement each other perfectly. Here’s how they work...
Most graduates of puppy schools will know that treats can be a powerful tool when you want to reward and reinforce good behaviour...
Pets are naturally curious, often exploring their surroundings with their noses and mouths. While some of this curiosity can be harmless, certain plants...
Bringing a cat into your home isn't just about cuddles and playtime. As a cat owner, it's important to understand how to provide...
As pet owners, we want the best for our furry friend. And we especially want them to live long, healthy and happy lives. One...
Our pets often surprise us with their curiosity and occasional unpredictability. While we all hope to avoid emergencies, being prepared with basic first...
Cats may be famously independent (and meticulous) groomers, but even the most self-sufficient feline needs a helping hand from time to time. Regular...
Wellness plans and pet insurance serve different roles in your pet’s healthcare — but they complement each other perfectly. Here’s how they work...
Most graduates of puppy schools will know that treats can be a powerful tool when you want to reward and reinforce good behaviour...
Pets are naturally curious, often exploring their surroundings with their noses and mouths. While some of this curiosity can be harmless, certain plants...
Bringing a cat into your home isn't just about cuddles and playtime. As a cat owner, it's important to understand how to provide...
As pet owners, we want the best for our furry friend. And we especially want them to live long, healthy and happy lives. One...
Our pets often surprise us with their curiosity and occasional unpredictability. While we all hope to avoid emergencies, being prepared with basic first...
Behaviour and understanding your cat
Behaviour and understanding your cat
Even adult cats don’t have it all figured out. Check out our vet-approved advice to help you get to the bottom of strange behaviours and help them develop into a calm, confident cat.
It might sound like a myth, but catnip really does send some cats into a frenzy. One minute they’re lounging around, the next...
Giving your furry friend chances to mingle with humans and in some cases with other pets is so important. It helps them feel...
It might sound like a myth, but catnip really does send some cats into a frenzy. One minute they’re lounging around, the next...
Giving your furry friend chances to mingle with humans and in some cases with other pets is so important. It helps them feel...
Quiz: What’s your pet personality?
Ever wondered which cat or dog breed you’d be? Answer five fun questions to see if you’re more of a laidback Tabby or a spirited Mini Schnauzer.
Quiz: What’s your pet personality?
Ever wondered which cat or dog breed you’d be? Answer five fun questions to see if you’re more of a laidback Tabby or a spirited Mini Schnauzer.
Health care for adult cats
Health care for adult cats
Learn how to spot and manage the most common health issues that affect cats, and how everyday care can help prevent them.
Toilet troubles? FLUTD is a common condition that affects the bladder and urinary tract in cats – and it can turn serious, fast....
Got a thirsty, hungry, unusually energetic feline on your hands? Diabetes is surprisingly common in cats, especially Burmese breeds. This practical guide explains...
Think only dogs pant? Think again. If your cat’s wheezing, puffing or open-mouth breathing, it could be feline asthma. Read on to find...
Want to keep your cat purring with happiness and good health? Vaccinations are your secret weapon for shielding them from nasty diseases. Whether...
While poo may not be glamourous, monitoring it can give you valuable insights into your pet’s health and can help identify potential issues...
Dental disease affects 80% of adult pets and can lead to bad breath, painful teeth, and potentially serious health problems if left untreated....
Is your pet carrying some extra weight? In a world full of treats and cozy beds, it’s common for our pets to become...
Have you noticed your furry friend slowing down with age? Maybe they’re starting to have trouble climbing the stairs, or just seem less...
Taking care of your cat’s teeth is crucial for their overall health at all stages of life. While cats are often seen as...
Toilet troubles? FLUTD is a common condition that affects the bladder and urinary tract in cats – and it can turn serious, fast....
Got a thirsty, hungry, unusually energetic feline on your hands? Diabetes is surprisingly common in cats, especially Burmese breeds. This practical guide explains...
Think only dogs pant? Think again. If your cat’s wheezing, puffing or open-mouth breathing, it could be feline asthma. Read on to find...
Want to keep your cat purring with happiness and good health? Vaccinations are your secret weapon for shielding them from nasty diseases. Whether...
While poo may not be glamourous, monitoring it can give you valuable insights into your pet’s health and can help identify potential issues...
Dental disease affects 80% of adult pets and can lead to bad breath, painful teeth, and potentially serious health problems if left untreated....
Is your pet carrying some extra weight? In a world full of treats and cozy beds, it’s common for our pets to become...
Have you noticed your furry friend slowing down with age? Maybe they’re starting to have trouble climbing the stairs, or just seem less...
Taking care of your cat’s teeth is crucial for their overall health at all stages of life. While cats are often seen as...
Pet age calculator
Curious to know how old your pet really is in human years? Answer a few quick questions to discover their true age and life stage.
Pet age calculator
Curious to know how old your pet really is in human years? Answer a few quick questions to discover their true age and life stage.
More ways to keep your cat happy and healthy
More ways to keep your cat happy and healthy
Check out our vet-approved advice on cat safety, nutrition, training, health and everything in between.
The best diet for cats at every age From kitten to their golden years, learn which foods can help keep your...
Seasonal and everyday safety Seasonal and everyday safety Explore safety guides on summer heat, toxic foods, plants, car travel and more, so you can...
Quiz: Find your pawfect match Sleek, fluffy, chatty or chilled? Answer these 10 questions to discover your purr-fect match. Take the quiz...
Your guide to cat dental care Want to get on top of your cat’s dental health? This easy guide covers everything –...
How to protect your cat from parasites Regular parasite prevention is one of the easiest ways to care for your cat....
The ultimate cat grooming guide From taming tangles and trimming claws to hairball help, this guide covers everything you need to keep...
Common conditions in cats Common conditions in cats Learn how to spot, manage and prevent the most common health issues that affect cats –...
Kitten training and early learning Kitten training and early learning Practical advice and expert guidance to help you manage behaviour, avoid...
The best diet for cats at every age From kitten to their golden years, learn which foods can help keep your...
Seasonal and everyday safety Seasonal and everyday safety Explore safety guides on summer heat, toxic foods, plants, car travel and more, so you can...
Quiz: Find your pawfect match Sleek, fluffy, chatty or chilled? Answer these 10 questions to discover your purr-fect match. Take the quiz...
Your guide to cat dental care Want to get on top of your cat’s dental health? This easy guide covers everything –...
How to protect your cat from parasites Regular parasite prevention is one of the easiest ways to care for your cat....
The ultimate cat grooming guide From taming tangles and trimming claws to hairball help, this guide covers everything you need to keep...
Common conditions in cats Common conditions in cats Learn how to spot, manage and prevent the most common health issues that affect cats –...
Kitten training and early learning Kitten training and early learning Practical advice and expert guidance to help you manage behaviour, avoid...
FAQs
Your top adult cat questions, answered by the experts.
Cats generally reach their full size and stop growing between 1–2 years of age. Smaller breeds tend to finish growing around 12 months, while larger breeds can take a little longer to fill out. If you’re not sure what stage of life your cat is in and whether they will keep growing, check out our Pet Age Calculator.
Yes, cats can be litter trained in later life. Although kittens typically learn litter habits naturally from their mother, adult cats can still be trained or retrained with patience and consistency. First, provide a clean litter box with unscented litter – most cats prefer it to the more fragrant options. Position the box in a quiet, accessible place like a laundry or bathroom. Place your cat in the box after meals or naps to help them learn where to go. When they go in the right place, reward them with praise or treats straight away. If your cat avoids the box, you could try different litter types or locations, but it’s also worth checking in with your vet to rule out any medical issues. Be patient and clean any indoor accidents thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner to remove lingering odours that could attract repeat accidents.
Once cats reach adulthood at around 18 months, their nutritional needs stablise. Look for adult cat formulas that provide a balance of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. These formulas support optimal health and vitality throughout adulthood. Adult cats typically do well with 1–2 meals per day, adjusting portion sizes so they maintain a healthy weight and energy levels. Talk to your vet about the right food and amounts for your cat’s age, weight and activity levels.
No, kitten food isn’t recommended for adult cats. That’s because it’s formulated with higher calories, protein and nutrients to support rapid growth and is often too rich for most adult cats. Feeding your cat kitten food long-term can lead to weight gain and nutritional imbalance once they are fully grown. Adult cats should transition to a complete, balanced adult formula that matches their size, breed and lifestyle. If you’re unsure which diet is right for your cat, your vet can recommend the best option for their age and health needs.
Kittens have 28 baby teeth that begin to fall out when they are around three to four months old. These are replaced by 30 adult teeth by about six or seven months of age.
Cats generally reach their full size and stop growing between 1–2 years of age. Smaller breeds tend to finish growing around 12 months, while larger breeds can take a little longer to fill out. If you’re not sure what stage of life your cat is in and whether they will keep growing, check out our Pet Age Calculator.
Yes, cats can be litter trained in later life. Although kittens typically learn litter habits naturally from their mother, adult cats can still be trained or retrained with patience and consistency. First, provide a clean litter box with unscented litter – most cats prefer it to the more fragrant options. Position the box in a quiet, accessible place like a laundry or bathroom. Place your cat in the box after meals or naps to help them learn where to go. When they go in the right place, reward them with praise or treats straight away. If your cat avoids the box, you could try different litter types or locations, but it’s also worth checking in with your vet to rule out any medical issues. Be patient and clean any indoor accidents thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner to remove lingering odours that could attract repeat accidents.
Once cats reach adulthood at around 18 months, their nutritional needs stablise. Look for adult cat formulas that provide a balance of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. These formulas support optimal health and vitality throughout adulthood. Adult cats typically do well with 1–2 meals per day, adjusting portion sizes so they maintain a healthy weight and energy levels. Talk to your vet about the right food and amounts for your cat’s age, weight and activity levels.
No, kitten food isn’t recommended for adult cats. That’s because it’s formulated with higher calories, protein and nutrients to support rapid growth and is often too rich for most adult cats. Feeding your cat kitten food long-term can lead to weight gain and nutritional imbalance once they are fully grown. Adult cats should transition to a complete, balanced adult formula that matches their size, breed and lifestyle. If you’re unsure which diet is right for your cat, your vet can recommend the best option for their age and health needs.
Kittens have 28 baby teeth that begin to fall out when they are around three to four months old. These are replaced by 30 adult teeth by about six or seven months of age.
Still scratching your head?
Still scratching your head?
Even grown-up cats can keep us guessing. For answers and expert guidance, chat to your vet.
