Cats
Cats are all around us; in ours homes, on the streets, and online. But a lot of what we see and share about them isn’t the full story. On this page, learn how cats behave, how to read their signals, and how best to care for their needs.
Common name
Domestic cat
Scientific name
Felis catus
Type
Mammal
Diet
Carnivore
Dos and don'ts
How to be a cat expert
To be a great cat owner, you have to understand how a cat’s body works. Cats are amazing biological machines with super senses and special needs. Here’s how you can help them stay happy and healthy.
Do
- Let them sleep: Cats are professional nappers and need 12–18 hours of sleep every day to stay healthy. If your cat is sleeping, leave them alone so they can recharge their energy.
- Give them space to climb: Cats are naturally agile and love to jump. Make sure they have a cat tree or a safe, high shelf where they can look down and feel safe.
- Feed them meat: Cats are carnivores. They need special nutrients found only in animal-based food to keep their heart and eyes working properly.
- Play every day: Cats are expert hunters. Use toys like feather wands or balls to let them practice their pouncing and stalking skills. This keeps their brain and muscles strong.
- Be quiet and gentle: Cats hear frequencies that humans and even dogs can’t hear. Avoid loud noises or high-pitched shouting, which can be very scary for their sensitive ears.
- Watch their body language: Cats communicate with their whole bodies. A twitching tail usually means "I’m annoyed", while a slow blink means "I trust you".
Don't
- Don't wake a sleeping cat: Sleep is vital for a predator. Interrupting their rest can make them stressed or grumpy.
- Don't force a cuddle: Cats are independent. They like to choose their own friends and decide when it’s time for attention. If they walk away, let them go.
- Don't give them milk: Even though it’s in cartoons, most cats get a bad tummy ache from cow's milk. Fresh, clean water is the only drink they need.
- Don't sneak up on them: A cat’s whiskers are highly sensitive to vibrations. Startling them can trigger their ‘fight or flight’ reflex and make them feel unsafe in their own home.
Keeping hydrated & the milk myth
Most cats are lactose intolerant. Their digestive systems aren't built to handle cow's milk, and it can cause severe stomach pain and diarrhoea.
Fresh water is the only drink a cat needs.
The secret of sun safety
Did you know that cats can get sunburn, just like we do? This is especially dangerous for white cats, or cats with pale-coloured ears and noses. Because fur is thinner in those spots, the sun’s UV rays hit the skin directly. If your cat loves sunbathing, apply cat-safe sunscreen to their ear tips and the bridge of their nose to keep them covered.
Taking the time to get your cat used to sunscreen will keep them safe – and means you get to spend more one-on-one time with your feline friend.
Sunscreen rules for cool cats
Before you put sunscreen on your cat, spend a few days getting them used to the bottle. Let them look at and sniff it while giving them treats, and gently touch their ears or nose, with the bottle close by.
- NEVER use human sunscreen. It often contains Zinc Oxide or Salicylates, which are highly toxic to cats if they lick them off.
- Only use products specifically made for pets.
- Keep cats indoors during the hottest part of the day (11am – 3pm).
- If your cat is very frightened – or tries to run away – leave the sunscreen for a while. It’s important to keep cats safe from the sun, but there’s no need to cause them stress.
