Domestic Cat

The domestic cat (Felis catus) has lived alongside humans for approximately 10,000 years, beginning with the agricultural settlements of the Fertile Crescent in the Middle East where wildcats (Felis silvestris lybica) were attracted by the rodents feeding on stored grain. This mutualistic relationship — cats controlling rodents, humans providing a reliable food source — led to the gradual domestication of the cat over thousands of years without the selective breeding pressure that shaped dogs. As a result, the domestic cat remains genetically very close to its wild ancestor and retains much more of its ancestral behaviour than the domestic dog. In Australia, the domestic cat is by far the most common pet cat, with millions of non-pedigree cats in Australian homes. The RSPCA and all major animal welfare organisations strongly encourage adoption from shelters as the primary source for domestic cats.

Daily fresh food and clean water, a clean litter tray, regular veterinary check-ups, vaccination, desexing (essential — prevents unwanted litters and reduces roaming, fighting and disease), microchipping (legally required in most Australian states), parasite prevention and an indoor or contained lifestyle are the foundations of responsible domestic cat ownership in Australia. Annual veterinary checks including dental assessment are important. Keep strictly indoors or in an enclosed outdoor space — cats are declared a threatening process to Australian native wildlife and must be contained.

Depends on coat type. Shorthaired: brush weekly with a rubber grooming glove or soft brush. Longhaired: brush two to three times per week minimum to prevent matting — daily during shedding seasons. Clean ears as needed. Brush teeth regularly — dental disease is the most common preventable health condition in all cats. Trim nails every two to three weeks. Regular flea and tick prevention is important for all cats, including strictly indoor ones.

Early and positive socialisation during the sensitive period of 2–7 weeks of age is the single greatest determinant of a domestic cat's adult temperament. Kittens handled gently and regularly during this window are more likely to become confident, social adults. When adopting an adult cat, allow two to four weeks for settling before making temperament assessments — cats placed in new environments often hide and appear timid before becoming comfortable. Introduce new pets gradually using scent-swapping before visual and physical contact.

All cats benefit from environmental enrichment that allows expression of natural behaviours. Provide: a tall cat tree or climbing structure; a variety of interactive toys (feather wands, crinkle balls, puzzle feeders, tunnels); window perches for bird-watching; hiding spots and elevated resting places; scratching surfaces (horizontal and vertical). Rotate toys to maintain novelty. Two daily interactive play sessions of 10–15 minutes prevents boredom and maintains healthy weight. For indoor-only cats, an enclosed outdoor cat run provides safe access to fresh air and novel stimuli.

Dental Disease: The most common and consequential preventable health condition in all cats. By age three, the majority of cats show some degree of dental disease. Regular tooth brushing and annual professional dental assessment are the most effective preventative approaches.

Obesity: Extremely common in indoor cats. Measured meals twice daily, calorie-appropriate food and daily play are the primary management strategies.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD): Stress, diet and water intake all influence urinary health. Adequate hydration (a water fountain may help), stress management and a quality diet reduce risk.

Upper Respiratory Infections: Regular vaccination and keeping cats indoors protects against most serious viral infections including feline herpesvirus and calicivirus.

Parasite Burden: Regular flea, worm and tick prevention is important for all cats including indoor-only individuals.

Cancer: Particularly common in older undesexed cats and white cats (skin cancer from UV exposure). Desexing reduces hormone-sensitive cancer risk significantly.