1. Cats should be spayed/neutered at the appropriate age:
Females at 5–6 months, males at 11 months–1 year. It is a false myth that a cat should have one litter first. Leaving aside the fact that Romania is full of stray cats and kittens that die on the streets, from a medical point of view, sterilization is beneficial for their health. An unspayed female cat risks developing pyometra or mammary cancer at any time. Should I also tell you that the act of reproduction itself is very painful for cats? And that pregnancy is extremely stressful for them? So why would you want your cat to go through that?

2. Cats are creatures whose ideal environment is their own home.
They are very attached to their surroundings and what they know; they do not enjoy outings or changes. Therefore:

• Cats should not be taken with you on holiday or vacation. The best option is for them to stay at home and have someone come to feed them. The stress of travel and a new location is far greater than the stress of staying alone in their own familiar space.

• Boarding facilities should also be avoided because they involve a change of environment — new place, new smells, many other cats. Even if a cat is kept alone in a room, it can smell the “neighbor” cats or those who stayed there before. This is extremely stressful for them.

3. Cats are not to be walked on a leash.
They are not dogs! They don’t like it and they don’t need it. A loud noise, an unfamiliar smell, a dog — all of these stimuli can completely destabilize them, and in that moment, the only thing they will want is to get away from that source of stress. And how will they do it? By running. Believe me, you cannot hold onto a cat that suddenly transforms from the calm pet you know into an uncontrollable animal. They will break free from the harness/leash and run away. Most cats are never found once they go missing. The only proper way to transport a cat from one place to another (e.g., from home to the vet) is in a secure pet carrier.

4. Cats should not be allowed to roam freely in the yard or in front of the building.
They will end up on the street and get hit by cars, bitten by dogs, poisoned, beaten, or killed. Social media is full of stories of tragedies that happen to cats because of this so-called “freedom.” The safest environment for a problem-free life is indoors. If you live in a house and want your cat to go outside safely, create a “catio” or enclosed space for them.

5. Cats do not like to be bathed — and they do not need it.
The only justified baths are when they are first rescued from the street, or if they have certain fungal infections that require special shampoo. Otherwise, bathing is unnecessary.

6. Cats should not be allowed near open windows or balconies unless the balcony is enclosed and the windows are secured with protective screens (not mosquito nets). There are solutions for securing windows with metal mesh and screws from DIY stores like Hornbach. There are also specialized companies that make such safety screens. Thousands of cats die, become paralyzed, or suffer severe injuries because too few people pay attention to this safety issue. Even a tilted window is dangerous — cats can get stuck in the opening and die.

7. Cats should not be fed human food or low-quality cat food.
The cheaper the food, the poorer the quality, which will cause major health problems in the medium and long term. Instead of spending a little more on proper food (and therefore on your cat’s health), you will end up paying much more at the vet — plus causing your cat unnecessary suffering. Be careful with human foods that can be extremely toxic: chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic are just a few examples. Sweet milk is not tolerated by cats — it’s just a myth that it’s good for them. Look it up online and you’ll find more.

8. Do not choose your vet just because “they are close to home.”
Unfortunately, many vets are not competent, are careless, or are only interested in money — or all of the above. Look for reviews, ask around, and do your research before choosing a veterinarian. Also: do not treat your cat based on hearsay from a neighbor, a friend, or advice from Facebook groups. At the first sign of apathy or loss of appetite, take them to the vet. Cats hide their illness very well, and often when they show symptoms it is already too late — they deteriorate quickly. That’s why it’s important to act fast.

9. Be aware of the plants you have in your home.
Many plants are toxic or poisonous to cats. Many cats have died because of this. Look up lists of toxic plants online — even a small bite can poison or kill them.

10. Final summary:
To have a happy, calm, and healthy cat, you will:

• Spay/neuter at the right age

• Keep them strictly indoors

• Feed them quality food

• Not take them on vacation

• Not send them to boarding facilities

• Not walk them on a leash

• Not allow them free access outdoors

• Properly secure windows with metal screens

• Bathe only when necessary

• Be mindful of toxic plants

• Choose a vet carefully

Following these rules, you have every chance to enjoy your cat for 15–18 years. And here’s our motto: for maximum feline happiness, adopt two cats, not just one — because we’ll debunk another myth: cats are not solitary creatures, but social beings who also need a feline companion, not just a human one. The only exception is truly independent, solitary cats.

This guide comes from ten years of experience rescuing and caring for hundreds of cats through information, learning, and direct observation.

It goes without saying that when we look for adoptive families for our cats, we want people who understand and apply everything written above.

Take care of yourselves and your cats.