Cat care guide
Domestic Shorthair
Exercise:
Adaptable to any home size. Provide vertical space with cat trees and shelves — cats feel secure at height. Ensure access to a quiet, private resting spot away from household noise.
Grooming:
Brush once a week to reduce shedding and hairballs. Check ears monthly and trim nails every 3-4 weeks. Dental hygiene is often overlooked — brush teeth or offer dental treats regularly.
Diet:
High-quality wet food as the primary diet to support hydration — cats have a low thirst drive and are prone to kidney disease. Supplement with dry kibble. Avoid fish-heavy diets long term as they can cause Vitamin E deficiency.
Persian
Exercise:
Best suited to calm, indoor-only environments. Persians are low-energy and prefer quiet homes. Provide soft bedding and easy access to food and water — their flat faces make it harder to eat from deep bowls.
Grooming:
Daily brushing is non-negotiable — their long coat mats quickly. Clean facial folds daily with a damp cloth to prevent skin infections. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks is recommended.
Diet:
Flat-faced breeds can struggle with standard kibble shapes — use specially designed flat-faced cat food or wet food. High-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. Monitor weight closely as Persians are prone to obesity.
Maine Coon
Exercise:
Need more space than average cats due to their large size. Provide sturdy, large cat trees rated for their weight. Maine Coons are sociable and do well with other pets and children.
Grooming:
Brush 2-3 times a week to prevent matting in their semi-long coat. Pay attention to the belly and armpits where tangles form most. Trim nails every 3-4 weeks. Their tufted ears need monthly cleaning.
Diet:
High-protein diet to support their large muscle mass. Feed measured portions to prevent obesity — Maine Coons are big cats but should not be overweight. Wet food is strongly recommended for kidney health.
Siamese
Exercise:
Highly social and vocal — Siamese do not do well left alone for long periods. Best kept with another cat for company. Provide plenty of interactive toys and climbing structures to channel their high energy.
Grooming:
Low-maintenance coat — brush once a week. Check ears regularly as they can be prone to ear issues. Dental care is important — Siamese are prone to periodontal disease.
Diet:
High-protein, moderate-fat diet. Siamese tend to be lean but can overeat if free-fed — use scheduled meals. Wet food is preferred. Avoid grain-heavy foods as fillers offer little nutritional value.
British Shorthair
Exercise:
Calm and adaptable — suits apartment living well. Not particularly active but benefit from enrichment toys and puzzle feeders. Provide cosy sleeping spots as they love to lounge.
Grooming:
Brush twice a week — their dense plush coat can mat during seasonal shedding. Trim nails every 3-4 weeks. Check eyes for discharge and clean gently with a damp cloth as needed.
Diet:
Prone to obesity — portion control is essential. Feed a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet with scheduled meals rather than free feeding. Wet food supports hydration and urinary health.
Ragdoll
Exercise:
Strictly indoor cats — Ragdolls are trusting to a fault and have poor road sense. They are gentle giants that get along well with children and other pets. Provide large, comfortable resting areas as they love to sprawl.
Grooming:
Brush 2-3 times a week — their semi-long silky coat is less prone to matting than Persians but still needs regular attention. Check and clean ears monthly. Trim nails every 3-4 weeks.
Diet:
High-protein wet food as the dietary base. Monitor weight carefully — Ragdolls are large cats but obesity puts strain on their joints. Avoid free feeding. Fresh water should always be available.