One of the biggest myths about cats is that they are low-maintenance pets. Because cats are often quieter and less demanding than many dogs, people sometimes assume they require very little care. In reality, cats need just as much attention and commitment as dogs. Their needs are different, but they are no less important.

 

Good cat care involves much more than simply providing food and water. Nail care, grooming, parasite prevention, nutrition, litter box maintenance, and routine health monitoring all play an important role in a cat's overall well-being. While these tasks may seem small on their own, together they help keep cats healthy, comfortable, and free from many preventable problems. Understanding the basics of cat care is one of the most important responsibilities of pet ownership.

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Nail Trims

A cat's claws are constantly growing and naturally shed an outer layer called a sheath. If you have ever found what looks like a hollow claw on a scratching post, cat tree, or the floor, you have found one of these shed sheaths.

For a claw to remain healthy, that outer layer needs to shed properly. When nails become too long, the shedding process becomes less efficient, which can lead to retained sheaths, thickened claws, and discomfort.

 

Regular nail trims help keep claws at a healthy length and only take a few minutes every couple of weeks. They can also reduce accidental scratches that occur during play, handling, or when a cat is startled.

Nail care may seem like a small task, but it plays an important role in your cat's comfort and overall well-being.

 

Ear Care

A healthy cat's ear should be relatively clean. While a small amount of clear or light yellow wax can be normal, dark wax is not. Dark debris can be a sign of ear mites, yeast infections, bacterial infections, or other conditions that require treatment.

Cleaning your cat's ears every week or two only takes a few minutes and can help identify problems before they become more serious. Imagine how uncomfortable it would be to have an itchy or painful ear every day with no way to tell someone what's wrong. Cats rely on us to recognize when something isn't right. If you notice dark wax, excessive debris, frequent head shaking, or persistent scratching around the ears, it's a good idea to schedule a veterinary examination.

 

Ear problems have been a recurring issue with many of our cats, even after diligent cleaning and multiple rounds of medication. To help address these chronic infections, we have recently begun using Oti-Packs. We've found that, despite consistent ear cleaning and treatment, many cats continued to struggle with bacterial and yeast infections. Our hope is that this new approach will provide longer-lasting relief and better outcomes for the cats in our care.

 

Combing

Regular combing does much more than improve your cat's appearance. It removes loose hair, reduces shedding, helps prevent hairballs, and provides an opportunity to monitor your cat's skin and coat condition. Grooming sessions are often when owners first discover fleas, skin irritation, wounds, lumps, or other changes that may require attention.

 

At MMCH, we generally prefer combs over brushes. Many cats tolerate them well, and a good comb removes loose fur while allowing you to feel the skin and body condition underneath the coat. For short-haired cats, a simple flea comb can be remarkably effective at removing loose hair and dander. For long-haired cats, a metal comb with both wide and narrow teeth can help prevent tangles and mats from developing.

 

A few minutes of combing each week can make a significant difference in coat health, comfort, and cleanliness. Many cats also learn to enjoy grooming sessions, turning routine care into quality time with their people.

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Chin Acne

Chin acne is something we see fairly often in our rescue, especially in our boy cats. While some cases clear up with routine care, others become chronic and require ongoing management. Every cat is different, and even with consistent treatment, some will continue to have flare-ups. We have also had cats develop similar acne lesions along their tails, not just on the chin.

 

Although it may look like a minor cosmetic issue, chin acne can be very painful. The clogged hair follicles can become inflamed and infected, leading to swelling, sores, scabbing, and discomfort. Some cats develop deep, infected lesions beneath the skin that are very tender to the touch. These cases often require veterinary treatment, and your veterinarian may recommend an antibiotic injection, such as Covenia, if a bacterial infection is present.

 

Keeping the affected area clean is one of the most important parts of treatment. We recommend gently cleaning the chin, or any other affected area, every day. Start by using a WaterWipe to remove dirt, food, oils, and debris. Then follow with a medicated chlorhexidine pad to help reduce bacteria and keep the skin healthy. If there are visible blackheads on the surface, a flea comb can be used very gently to loosen and remove debris before wiping the area. 

 

Daily care and early treatment can make a significant difference. By staying mindful of changes and treating flare-ups promptly, you can help keep your cat comfortable and prevent minor acne from becoming a painful infection.

 

Feeding/Hydration

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require animal-based protein to survive and remain healthy. Their bodies are designed for a diet rich in animal nutrients, and their feeding habits differ considerably from our own. In nature, cats eat multiple small meals throughout the day and night rather than one or two large meals. This natural feeding pattern reflects their role as hunters of small prey animals.

 

While feeding six or seven small meals each day is not realistic for most households, understanding how cats naturally eat can help guide feeding decisions. At MMCH, we generally recommend keeping quality dry food available while also offering wet food two to three times daily. Dry food can provide nutrition between meals, while wet food helps increase water intake and supports urinary tract health.

 

Every cat has different nutritional needs. Age, activity level, body condition, and medical history should all be considered when developing a feeding plan. Some cats do well with free feeding, while others benefit from more structured meal schedules.

 

Over the years, water fountains have consistently been a favorite among our cats. Many cats prefer moving water, and a fountain can be an excellent way to encourage better water intake while ensuring fresh water is always available.

Feeding your cat does not need to be complicated. The goal is simple: provide quality nutrition, adequate hydration, and a feeding routine that supports your cat's individual needs.

 

Litter Box

The litter box is one of the most important parts of a cat's daily environment. Cats are naturally clean animals, and the condition of their litter box can directly influence both their comfort and their bathroom habits. Imagine walking into your bathroom only to find yesterday's waste still sitting in the toilet and having no way to flush it. Most of us would not be very happy about that, and neither are our cats.

 

Litter boxes should be scooped frequently and, at a minimum, twice each day. A clean litter box encourages consistent litter box use, reduces odor, and allows owners to monitor changes in urine and stool that may signal developing health problems. When litter boxes are not cleaned often enough, cats may become stressed or begin searching for a cleaner place to eliminate. For this reason, litter box problems are not always behavioral problems. In many cases, they are cleanliness problems.

 

Peeing outside the litter box is the number one reason cats are returned to shelters. When a cat suddenly stops using the litter box, one of the first questions worth asking is whether the box is being cleaned often enough. Improving litter box maintenance can sometimes resolve issues that might otherwise be mistaken for behavioral concerns. There are more litter options available today than ever before, including clumping, dust-free, flushable, and other specialty products.

 

Finding a litter that works well for both you and your cat can make maintenance easier and encourage consistent litter box use. Regardless of which litter you choose, keeping the box clean remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to support your cat's health, comfort, and overall well-being.

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Parasite Prevention

Parasites are one of the most common health concerns seen in cats, and many infected cats appear completely healthy. They may eat normally, maintain their weight, and show few, if any, outward signs that anything is wrong. While some cats develop digestive upset, coughing, changes in coat condition, or weight loss, many show no obvious symptoms at all.

 

Because of this, parasite prevention is an important part of routine cat care. Even diagnostic testing has limitations. Fecal tests are valuable tools, but parasites do not constantly shed eggs, which means an infected cat can occasionally test negative despite still carrying parasites.

 

At MMCH, parasite prevention is taken seriously. We often use several months of NexGard Combo rather than relying on a single treatment. The goal is to ensure cats are truly cleared of roundworms and other common parasites before moving forward with their care.

 

Over the years, we have learned that parasites and other health issues do not always reveal themselves in obvious ways. In one case, we had a cat that was repeatedly being singled out and picked on by the other cats. Nothing initially appeared wrong, and the cat had already received deworming treatment at a shelter prior to being surrendered to us. Eventually, it became clear that the issue had not been fully resolved, as the cat later vomited a worm, revealing an active infection.

 

Cats are highly sensitive to changes in scent, behavior, and overall health. Sometimes other animals notice that something is different long before people do. If your pets suddenly begin avoiding a particular cat or treating them differently, it may be worth scheduling a veterinary examination as part of the investigation. Parasites are not always the cause, but underlying health issues should always be considered.