• A few pet-nursing bottles, like the Lixit Baby Small Animal Bottle Nursing Kit, which comes with two extra nipples and a cleaning brush. Having multiple nipples ensures you’ll always have a clean bottle at the ready. Nipples encourage kittens to latch, since they mimic the mama cat’s anatomy. Many bottles come with nipples, but double-check to make sure the bottles you’re looking at do.
• Pet-safe cleaning supplies to wash your bottles and nipples.
• A thermometer to make sure the formula is warm enough but not too hot. An ideal temperature for kitten formula is around 98–102 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Plastic syringe (optional) in case a newborn kitten is having trouble latching. The Lixit Handfeeding Syringe is a great option.
• Small cloths to catch inevitable milk dribbles and to clean up potential messes.
• A scale to help you track whether your kitten is gaining weight appropriately.

“Starting at 4 weeks of age, you can start introducing kitten food, followed by bottle-feeding four times a day,” she adds. “When the kittens are eating a tablespoon of kitten food at each of the four meals, bottle-feeding can be discontinued. Most kittens will be eating on their own by 6 weeks of age.”

Follow this kitten bottle-feeding chart from Bell and Dr. Hohenhaus to help you stay on track. The kitten’s age and weight should correspond, but if not, go by their weight.

Kittens 5-8 weeks old can generally go overnight without feedings, as long as they are sleeping well and not waking up or crying for food—in which case, feed that kitten!

“Never heat the bottle or milk in a microwave,” she says. Use a thermometer to test the temperature before feeding.

Pro Tip: For new, uncut nipples, cut a small X in the tip using small, sharp scissors, or burn a hole with a heated needle. Formula should drip slowly when the bottle is upside down, Bell says. If the hole is too big, kittens will eat too quickly, and if it’s too small, they’ll struggle to get enough food.

“The kitten should lay with their tummy against your lap or a surface at a comfortable height for you to hold them with your non-dominant hand and the bottle with your dominant hand,” Dr. Hohenhaus says. “Some kittens keep their front legs down and others put them on your hand—one tiny paw on each side of the bottle.”

Pro Tip: Bright lights in kittens’ eyes can be jarring and cause them to not want to drink, Bell says. She recommends keeping the room as dark as possible or shading their eyes.

Bell adds, “Have so much patience with them while they figure out how to drink.” It doesn’t come naturally for all kittens.

Be sure to hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle to prevent the kitten from ingesting air as they eat.

Throughout the process, you might need to use your fingers to steady the kitten’s head. Also, periodically check for formula chunks clogging the nipple opening.

Did You Know? You will need to help the kitten go to the bathroom before and after each feeding if they’re less than 4 weeks old. Bell says, “Kittens under 4 weeks old cannot pee or poop on their own. Stimulate them before or after feeding by using soft tissues or toilet paper to rub the genital area in a circular motion.” Record the kitten’s eliminations in case issues arise that your vet needs to know about.

Healthy kittens will have:

• A round, firm belly after feeding
• No signs of bloating or discomfort
• Bright, alert eyes
• Active behavior during their waking hours

On the other hand, signs your kitten needs veterinary attention include:

• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite
• Diarrhea

Observing your kitten’s behavior is just as important. They should vocalize for feeding but settle quickly once satisfied. Watch for consistent grooming and play behaviors as they grow, as these also reflect good health.

Dr. Hohenhaus adds, “If the kitten refuses, stimulate them to poop and pee; then try feeding again. If a kitten refuses to eat for more than two feedings, then a trip to the animal ER is in order, where they can tube-feed a kitten or diagnose an illness that is suppressing their appetite.”

Always follow the mixing instructions on kitten milk replacer carefully, as too much or too little powder can upset their stomach.

Also, make sure the nipple size is correct. An incorrectly sized nipple can lead to a kitten eating too quickly.

Finally, maintain proper hygiene with feeding equipment and make sure the formula is fresh.

If digestive problems persist for more than a day or are severe, consult your veterinarian to rule out infections or other health concerns.

“Mixing kitten milk replacer powder into the food makes the food taste familiar and will make the food liquidy so the kitten can slurp it up,” Dr. Hohenhaus says. “Occasionally, topping off the kitten food with meat baby food or a squeezable treat is needed to entice them to eat.”

She adds that these “treats” don’t provide adequate nutrition for growing kittens, so they should be used sparingly as an enticement.

But because they’re not always the most receptive to grooming intervention, learning how to groom a cat takes a little finessing. These expert tips can help.

That said, felines do need help from time to time for various grooming-related tasks—most notably to keep their interior ears healthy, toenails the right length, and coats free of knots and matted fur.

“Regular grooming helps prevent health problems and allows you to detect any issues early,” says Michelle Dulake, DVM, a veterinarian based in Los Angeles. “Clean ears prevent infections, trimmed nails reduce the risk of injury, and clear eyes can signal overall good health. Dental care is crucial for preventing tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to more serious health issues if left untreated.”

• Cat grooming brush, like the Safari Slicker Brush.
• A small cat toothbrush and cat-approved toothpaste. Try the Virbac C.E.T. bundle.
• Cat nail clippers, such as these by Frisco.
• Ear cleaning solution or wipes, like Virbac Epi-Otic.

If you adopt an older cat, she says, start slowly and gradually build up their tolerance to grooming activities.

“Always be gentle and patient, offering treats and praise to create a positive experience,” Dr. Dulake says. You can also try cuddling with them while brushing them to associate a positive feeling with the experience.

Also consider professional cat dental cleanings every few years, or as recommended by your veterinarian.

Routine brushing also provides you an opportunity to check for skin issues, such as bumps, lumps, lesions, and infections.

Brushing is especially important during shedding seasons (summer and winter) to help remove excess fur and prevent hairballs. There are brushes for longhaired and shorthaired cats, so choose the best option for your kitty.

“Gently clean the outer part of the ear with a cotton ball and a vet-recommended ear cleaner,” Dr. Dulake says.

Some cats—depending on breed or age—may also require regular eye or skin fold wiping to nix goopy or crusty debris, Dr. Casper adds. If you see an accumulation around their eyes or in their face folds, tend to it right away.

Your cat may need trimming more or less frequently than every four weeks, based on their activity level, whether they’re indoors or outdoors, and their individual nail growth rate.

For example, instead of brushing their teeth and fur in one go, do one task one day and the other the next. And when trimming toenails, consider trimming one or two in a session instead of trying to clip all in one go.

Brusoe adds that a cat behaviorist can also help by providing “personalized strategies to address your cat’s specific needs and ensure grooming is a stress-free experience for everyone involved.”

Grooming isn’t just about keeping your cat looking sharp—it’s an essential part of their overall healthcare. These cat grooming sessions are an opportunity to keep your feline feeling great and can also serve as meaningful bonding time. If you’re ever unsure about any aspect of grooming, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian.

Cat groomers are an excellent option if you struggle to keep your feline’s fur, teeth, nails, and ears well-groomed. They can offload these sometimes-stressful tasks with their expertise.

Your veterinarian can also assist with certain cat grooming tasks, like nail trims. That said, daily and weekly grooming needs—like brushing teeth, checking ears, and combing fur—may be easier done at home since they’re required more frequently.

How often you groom a cat varies task by task. For example, teeth brushing is recommended daily, while trimming your cat’s toenails is only required about once per month.

Cats do a great job of bathing themselves and don’t often need assistance from their humans.

However, bathing makes sense in cases where they’ve gotten into something sticky or toxic, have a skin condition that requires medicated shampoos, or if they’re unable to groom themselves properly. It’s also sometimes necessary for long-haired breeds that may struggle to keep their fur clean and free of mats.

Finally, bored cats might just look extra sleepy. Cats already nap a lot, but if yours sleeps excessively and shows little interest in play or exploration, it may be due to “limited opportunities for play or exploring,” says Ellen M. Lindell, VMD, DACVB, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist at Veterinary Behavior Consultations in Asheville, North Carolina.

In some cases, bored cats turn to food for stimulation and over-eat, which can lead to obesity, arthritis, and diabetes.

Breed and personality matter too. Active breeds like Bengals, Savannahs, and Ocicats typically need more outlets than more laid-back cats. And while some cats are perfectly content with solitude, others crave companionship and quality time with their favorite human.

“Try saving your Chewy boxes and set one out periodically for the cat to investigate,” says Dr. Gibson. “These boxes pass through a lot of places and hands during shipping, which means each one is unique in odor.”

Or try sprinkling safe herbs like dried basil or cinnamon around the house for an added layer of stimulation (without letting your cat eat them).

A: Yes, but enrichment can make indoor life stimulating and safe.

Q: Are cats fine doing nothing all day?

A: No—while they sleep up to 16 hours, they need activity during waking hours.

Should I let my indoor cat outside?

A: Not unsupervised. Outdoor risks are high; harness walks or catios are safer.

Q: Is my cat hungry or bored?

A: If begging follows a meal, they’re likely seeking play, not food.

Q: Are solo cats bored?

A: Some enjoy feline company, but many thrive alone with proper enrichment and attention.

Initial treatment from your veterinarian may involve administering enemas or manually extracting feces, says Ernie Ward, DVM, author and chief veterinary officer at VerticalVet in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Removal of feces from the colon requires an anesthetic or sedative. Intravenous fluid therapy is usually needed to correct fluid imbalances and dehydration.

If constipation recurs or becomes a long-term problem, then medications, environmental changes (adding water fountains, adding litter boxes, moving the litter box’s location, or cleaning the litter box more often) and/or dietary changes may also be recommended. See more specific advice below in the home remedies section.

Several treatments are available to soften the feces and promote regular bowel movements. In mildly affected cats, lubricating laxatives or stool

If the constipation is caused by an obstruction, such as a colonic tumor or a foreign body, surgery may be required.

If your cat’s constipation is caused by a health condition, treatment depends on the condition itself. Your vet will come up with the best treatment plan for your cat based on their diagnosis and may include the following:

• Megacolon: High fiber or low-residue diet change, colon-wall stimulants, enemas, or surgery.
• Hyperthyroidism: Medication, radioactive iodine treatment, diet change, or surgery.
• Diabetes: Diet change; weight loss, if your cat is overweight; oral medications; or insulin may be recommended.
• Kidney disease: Kidney disease is managed mostly with the aid of medications, diet, and hydration. .
• Arthritis: Weight loss, if your cat is overweight; medicines; supplements; therapies; and surgery may be recommended.

But if you know your cat’s occasional straining isn’t caused by something else, or just want to help your cat maintain a healthy digestive tract, there are some things you can do yourself. (Always talk to your veterinarian first about any at-home remedies you’re thinking of trying.)

• Keep your cat well-hydrated. Water helps move things along, so make sure your cat gets enough water by providing water bowls or fountains.

• Reevaluate your cat’s litter box setup. Cats can be picky about their “bathroom.” If they don’t like the location, if the box isn’t cleaned enough, or if several cats are using the same box, they might avoid using it altogether. You should have one litter box for every cat plus one extra. Keep them in different locations of the home, scoop twice a day, and do a deep cleaning every two to four weeks.
• Consider probiotic supplements. They contain “good bacteria” that support

• Brush your cat regularly. Hairballs are a common cause of constipation in cats, so removing excess hair before your cat grooms on their own can cut down on the hair they might swallow.

Additionally, your vet may recommend feeding your cat canned wet food, as the increased water content helps improve hydration and soften the feces. Also give your cat access to plenty of fresh, clean water.

Below are a few highly rated therapeutic diets formulated with more fiber to help with constipation. Before switching to a new diet, be sure to speak with your vet as they are in the best position to recommend the most appropriate food for your pet. And remember, these therapeutic diets require a vet’s authorization.

• Never attempt to give your cat an enema or suppository yourself, especially those not specifically formulated for cats. Some ingredients can be toxic or even fatal for your cat. You could also accidentally damage the sensitive tissue of the colon if you’re dealing with a fidgety cat. These treatments should be done by a veterinarian.
• Don’t give your cat milk for constipation or anything else. Adult cats are lactose intolerant, so milk could cause further tummy issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and belly pain.
• Don’t use oils (like olive oil, coconut oil, or even butter) for a constipated cat—it’s not recommended. The high fat content isn’t healthy for your cat.

As with adult cats, take your kitten to the veterinarian to rule out any medical conditions. The remedies used in adult cats can also be used for kittens, but check with your veterinarian before you start any of them.