Cat Health Basics in NZ: Diet, Play and Parasite Protection

The essentials at a glance
Healthy cats need the right food, fresh water, safe play, clean litter and steady parasite protection. Keep it simple. Set phone reminders so nothing is missed.

Diet and hydration
Feed a complete food for your cat’s life stage. Measure meals to keep weight steady. Offer fresh water in more than one spot. Many cats like wide bowls or a fountain. Change diets slowly over 5 to 7 days. Ask your vet before home-cooked or raw diets.

Litter and grooming
Use one tray per cat plus one extra. Place trays in quiet areas. Scoop daily. Do a full clean weekly. Brush often if your cat has a long coat. Check nails, teeth and ears during grooming.

Play and enrichment
Do two short play sessions a day. Use wand toys and chase toys. Give vertical space with cat trees or shelves. Offer scratch posts in a few places. Rotate toys weekly so play stays fresh. Try a window perch or a secure catio for safe outdoor time.

Parasites in New Zealand
Fleas are common across Aotearoa, often year round in warm homes. Ticks can show up after time in bush, farm paddocks and long grass. Heartworm is not considered a local risk, but ask your vet for a plan if you travel to Australia.

Choosing protection that fits your home
Pick an application you can give on time, every time. Match the correct weight band and read the label each time.

• Broad monthly spot-on with tick cover: Revolution Plus spot-on for cats

• Long-acting flea and tick control with fewer application dates: Bravecto spot-on for cats

• Monthly broad cover without ticks: Revolution topical solution for cats

How to apply a spot-on
Weigh your cat and choose the correct pack. Part the fur and apply to clean, dry skin at the back of the head where your cat cannot reach. Let it dry fully. Keep children and other pets away from the site until dry. If you miss a dose, apply as soon as you remember and reset your schedule from that date.

Simple safety tips
Use cat-only products. Never use dog treatments on cats. Do not combine products unless your vet advises it. Store medicines in a cool, dry place. If your cat has a health condition, is pregnant, lactating or on other meds, ask your vet first.

When to see a vet
Book a visit for weight loss, low appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, itch, ear redness, or changes in thirst or toilet habits. Seek help if your cat seems weak or wobbly after a tick is found.

FAQ

Do indoor cats in NZ need parasite protection
Often yes. Fleas can thrive in heated homes and hitchhike indoors. A simple monthly plan works well.

Monthly or long-acting. Which should I pick
Choose the schedule you can stick to. Monthly suits routine lovers. Long-acting suits busy homes. Both work when used on time.

How can I make dosing easier
Apply at the back of the head, give a treat after, and separate pets until dry. Set a reminder in your phone.

Need help choosing
Tell us your cat’s age, weight and routine and we will suggest a simple plan. Contact us.