Cat guide

Cat health and care

Cats hide pain, so prevention and observation are key: vaccines and deworming up to date, check-ups and attention to subtle changes. Here are the essentials to care for them.

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Quick answer

Feline health rests on prevention and observation: vaccination and deworming as scheduled, a suitable diet, weight control and hygiene. Cats hide pain, so watching subtle changes in appetite, litter-tray use or grooming is essential. An up-to-date record helps your vet detect problems early.

Key facts

  • Cats mask discomfort; watch for subtle changes in behaviour.
  • The feline trivalent vaccine is recommended even for indoor cats.
  • Watch the litter tray: changes can signal urinary problems.
  • Weight control helps prevent diabetes and joint problems.
  • An annual vet check-up, more frequent for senior cats.
Reviewed by the Cartilla Veterinaria editorial team Last updated: 4 June 2026 Sources: WSAVA, AVEPA, the Spanish General Council of Veterinary Colleges and AEMPS where applicable. Informational content; it does not replace your vet's diagnosis. More in Editorial policy · Medical disclaimer

Watch the subtle signs

A healthy cat needs its vaccination and deworming calendar, check-ups and a suitable environment, especially if indoors. The digital record helps you keep every appointment in view.

Who this guide is for

If you live with a cat or are about to, here you will find the essentials to care for its health throughout its life.

People with their first cat

If you have just adopted, this guide helps you understand the vaccination schedule, deworming and basic care without feeling lost from day one.

Owners of indoor cats

Living in a flat does not exempt a cat from care. Here you will see how to cover vaccines, feeding and mental well-being of a cat that doesn't go outside.

Families with older cats

From the age of seven it is wise to watch for signs such as kidney disease. We explain what to observe and when to see your vet.

When it will be useful

Preparing the first vet visit

Arriving with clear information about age, weight and history makes the consultation more worthwhile and means no guideline is forgotten.

Organising the vaccination schedule

The trivalent and the feline leukaemia vaccines have their own timing. Having the dates to hand avoids delays that leave the cat unprotected.

Spotting a change in behaviour

When your cat eats less, drinks more or hides, knowing which signs are relevant helps you decide whether to wait or book an appointment.

Travelling or moving home

A move or a trip generates feline stress. Anticipating it with routines and up-to-date documentation reduces the impact on its health.

What you gain by caring well for your cat

Prevention before treatment

Vaccinating and deworming on time avoids diseases that, once established, are more expensive and harder to manage.

A longer, calmer life

Well-cared-for indoor cats often live beyond fifteen years. Regular veterinary monitoring makes the difference.

Fewer scares and unexpected costs

Detecting a kidney or dental problem in time costs much less than treating an advanced emergency.

All the information in one place

With the Cartilla Veterinaria digital record you carry vaccines, weight and treatments always with you, with no papers to lose.

A more balanced cat

Looking after its environment, hygiene and routine reduces stress, a frequent cause of urinary and behaviour problems.

Decisions shared with your vet

Arriving informed does not replace the consultation, but it lets you and your vet make better decisions together.

Real situations

Indoor cat
Does it need vaccines if it doesn't go out?

Even if it lives in a flat, a cat can be infected through objects, other animals or the owner. The trivalent is still advisable; ask your vet about the most suitable course for its lifestyle.

Drinks a lot of water
An older cat that drinks more than usual

Increased thirst and urination is one of the signs most associated with kidney problems in older cats. It is not a diagnosis, but it is a clear reason to see your vet.

Stress
It stops using the litter tray after a move

Changes of environment unsettle cats. If it stops using the litter tray or hides, it is wise to restore routines and, if it persists, rule out a medical cause with your vet.

How to care for its health step by step

1
Establish a daily routine

Fixed meal times, an always-clean litter tray, fresh water and play time. Stability reduces stress, which weighs much more heavily on a cat than it seems.

2
Follow the health schedule

Vaccines (trivalent and leukaemia depending on the case) and internal and external deworming according to the guidelines your vet sets. Don't improvise the dates.

3
Observe and record changes

Note weight, appetite, water intake and behaviour. Small sustained variations are often the first clue to a health problem.

4
Centralise everything in the digital record

With the free Cartilla Veterinaria digital record you keep vaccines, dewormings, weight and check-ups. That way you arrive at each consultation with the full history on your phone.

Common mistakes worth avoiding

Living indoors reduces some risks, but it does not eliminate the need for vaccines, deworming and periodic check-ups.

The cat is an expert at hiding pain. An annual check-up, or six-monthly for older cats, detects problems that do not yet show visible symptoms.

Tartar and gingivitis are very common and painful. If your cat drools or eats with difficulty, mention it to your vet.

Feeding should be adjusted to its age and state of health. Good hydration matters, above all to prevent urinary and kidney problems.

Abrupt changes, a lack of elevated spaces or dirty litter trays generate stress, which translates into cystitis, over-grooming or odd behaviours.

Cat health FAQ

Hiding, not eating, changes in grooming or litter-box use are warning signs to see the vet.

Yes. Even if it never goes out, it still needs basic vaccination and deworming; check with your vet.

As a general guide, an annual check-up for adult cats and two a year from the age of seven or eight. Your vet will adjust the frequency according to its health. Keeping the digital record up to date helps ensure no date is missed.

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most frequent problems in older cats. It usually progresses slowly and shows itself through more thirst, more urination and weight loss. It is not a diagnosis you can make at home: faced with these signs, see your vet to assess it.

It is not mandatory by law, but it is usually recommended especially in cats with access to the outdoors or that live with other cats. In strictly indoor cats the decision is assessed case by case with your vet.

Yes, though less often than one that goes out. Parasites such as internal ones can arrive through food, through us or through insects that enter the home. Your vet will tell you the right product and schedule.

Some signs are hiding more than usual, no longer using the litter tray, over-grooming, marking with urine or changes in appetite. Stress can lead to physical problems, so if it persists it is wise to mention it to your vet.

See the vet without delay if your cat does not urinate or tries without success, stops eating for more than a day, breathes with difficulty, vomits repeatedly or is very lethargic. When in doubt, one consultation too many is better than too few.

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The information in Cartilla Veterinaria —guides, reminders and assistants— is for guidance and educational purposes. It is not a veterinary diagnosis or a treatment recommendation. Medical disclaimer · Editorial policy

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