Cat Ownership FAQ — 20 Common Questions for Beginners

Here are answers to 20 common questions from first-time cat owners. For comprehensive care basics, also see our Complete Guide to Cat Care.

Diet & Nutrition FAQ

Q1. How many times a day should I feed my cat? Kittens (2–6 months) should eat **3–4 times a day**, while adult cats (1 year and older) do well with **2 meals a day**. Cats naturally eat small amounts throughout the day, so free-feeding dry food is an option, but measured portions are recommended for weight management.

Q2. Dry food or wet food — which is better? Use **complete and balanced dry food** as the staple diet and supplement with wet food. Wet food provides moisture and helps prevent urinary tract issues. See our [Cat Food Guide](/column/cat-food-guide) for details.

Q3. What foods are toxic to cats? **Onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, alcohol, caffeine, and raw seafood (especially squid and octopus)** pose toxicity risks. Lily plants are extremely dangerous — even small amounts can cause acute kidney failure.

Q4. Does my cat need cat grass? Not essential, but it can help with hairball elimination. Hairball-control food or supplements are effective alternatives.

Litter Box & Living Environment FAQ

Q5. Where should I place the litter box? Ideally in a **quiet area with low foot traffic, away from the feeding area**. Cats are fastidious — a dirty box may lead to accidents elsewhere. Scoop 1–2 times daily.

Q6. How many litter boxes do I need? The standard rule is **"number of cats + 1."** One cat needs 2 boxes; two cats need 3. In multi-cat households, distribute boxes across different locations.

Q7. How do I protect furniture from scratching? Scratching is instinctive behavior — instead of stopping it, **provide appropriate alternatives**. Place scratching posts made of preferred materials (sisal rope, cardboard) near furniture and praise your cat for using them. See our [Indoor Environment Guide](/column/cat-indoor-enrichment).

Q8. Does my cat need a cat tower? **Strongly recommended.** Cats love vertical movement and gain a sense of security by surveying their territory from above. Especially effective for exercise in apartment settings.

Health & Medical FAQ

Q9. Which vaccines does my cat need? For indoor cats, the **3-way combination vaccine** (feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, panleukopenia) is the baseline. Outdoor cats should consider the 5-way (adding feline leukemia virus and chlamydia). See our [Cat Vaccination Guide](/column/cat-vaccination-guide).

Q10. When should I spay/neuter? Generally recommended at **around 6 months of age**. Spaying females before their first heat significantly reduces mammary tumor risk. Neutering males also helps prevent spraying behavior.

Q11. Are vaccines necessary for indoor-only cats? **Yes.** Owners can track pathogens indoors on clothing and shoes, and there's always a risk of escape during disasters. At minimum, the 3-way combination vaccine is recommended.

Q12. Should I get pet insurance? Veterinary care for cats is entirely out-of-pocket in Japan. Urinary stone surgery can cost over 100,000 yen, and FIP treatment can run into the hundreds of thousands. Enrolling while your cat is young is recommended.

Behavior & Training FAQ

Q13. How do I stop nighttime zoomies? Cats are naturally **crepuscular** (most active at dawn and dusk). Play vigorously before bedtime to burn off energy, and feed a meal right before sleep to encourage a calmer night.

Q14. Can cats be trained? While command training like dogs is difficult, **litter box habits, scratching location, and bite inhibition** are very teachable. Reward-based methods (treats for desired behavior) work best.

Q15. Why does my cat bite me? Causes vary: **play aggression, petting-induced aggression (overstimulation), fear, or territorial behavior**. When bitten, calmly withdraw your hand and redirect play to a toy.

Q16. Why is my cat having accidents outside the litter box? Common causes include a dirty box, changes in litter type, stress, or medical issues (cystitis, urinary stones). If accidents persist, **start with a urinary tract exam at the veterinarian**.

Daily Life FAQ

Q17. Can cats be left alone? Cats handle solitude better than dogs. **With an automatic feeder and water dispenser, 1–2 nights away is manageable.** For longer absences, consider a pet sitter since cats refuse to use dirty litter boxes.

Q18. How much does it cost to own a cat? Depending on breed and lifestyle, initial costs including purchase run roughly **200,000–600,000 yen**, with annual maintenance of approximately **100,000–200,000 yen**. See our [Cat Breed Price Guide](/column/cat-market-price) for details.

Q19. Tips for introducing a second cat? Compatibility with the resident cat is paramount. **Isolate the new cat in a separate room for 1–2 weeks**, start with scent swapping, and introduce face-to-face gradually. See our [Multi-Cat Introduction Guide](/column/cat-multi-cat-tips).

Q20. Can cats live safely with a baby? Yes, with proper management. Prevent the cat from entering the baby's room unsupervised, trim nails regularly, and never leave the baby and cat alone together. Continue showing your cat plenty of affection to prevent jealousy.

Find Cats on Bri-Choku

First-time cat owners especially benefit from adopting directly from breeders. The Bri-Choku cat category features many breeders who offer ongoing care advice. The ability to learn about a kitten's personality and health status firsthand is a unique advantage of buying from breeders.