Make sure your feline friend is always kept in tip top condition with our handy tips on health and feeding.

• You can feed him wet or dry food or a mixture of both
• Your cat prefers small meals on frequent occasions rather than one big meal a day. This also ensures his food is always fresh and doesn’t go stale
• Always make sure he has access to plenty of fresh water
• Illnesses can be kept to a minimum with regular vaccinations and symptoms like repeated vomiting, sneezing or coughing should be always be treated by a vet
• Always keep an eye out for any changes in feeding and drinking habits. An excessive thirst or a decrease in appetite should always be investigated by a vet

Cats usually look after themselves without any encouragement. However grooming him not only increases the bond between you, but can also reduce hairballs and allow you to check for any signs of ill health. Here are a few tips:

• Shorthaired cats can be groomed with a fine-toothed metal comb weekly
• Brush or comb your cat’s hair using strokes in the direction that the hair grows, from head to tail. Remember to be gentle
• Groom longhaired cats daily with a steel comb
• Make grooming time brief and reward him for his good behaviour
• If his tail starts lashing then he’s had enough grooming for now
• Any matts can be teased out gently. If they are very close to the skin and removal proves painful you may need to contact your vet to help you

Spraying, clawing, biting and other unpleasant habits – we’ll help you find an easy solution to these problems with these helpful tips.

• It is advised to neuter or spay your cat. It not only prevents unwanted pregnancies occurring, but also stops unwanted behaviour from occurring, such as straying or fighting
• Your vet can neuter your cat and once this quick and easy operation is performed, he’ll soon be back on his paws
• If he’s clawing furniture, a good scratching post will soon stop him. Scratching posts should be high enough for him to stretch, have a sturdy base and consist of a material he can really get his claws into, such as hessian or rope
• Always reward him with praise or a treat when he uses his post instead of your curtains!

Cats may not be the biggest talkers in the world, but you’ll notice that he does get a little chatty from time to time. And what does his body language mean? Here’s how to understand your cat.

• From telling you he’s hungry, to expressing bewilderment, to having a moan, the most common noise he’ll make is a ‘miaow’
• If you hear him purring you’ll know he’s a happy catty. Though sometimes he’ll do it to comfort himself if he is unwell or anxious
• If he’s hissing, he’s anything but happy and feels under threat. You’ll probably only hear this when he is around other cats
• When he weaves between your legs rubbing himself against you, he’s saying you’re one of the family and he loves you.
• If he shows you his tummy he’s paying you a huge compliment and telling you that he trusts you
• An arched back, fur on end and ears laid back, is a sign that he’s angry and wants to be left alone

Whether you own a cat or a dog, making sure you have pet insurance is essential. If he does get injured or becomes ill not only will pet insurance soon have him back on his paws but it will also take care of the expensive vet bills.

you have pet insurance is essential. If he does get injured or becomes ill not only will pet insurance soon have him back on his paws but it will also take care of the expensive vet bills. Direct Line pet insurance not only covers your cat against accident or injury but it comes with some great benefits too.

• Cover starts from just £6 a month for cats or £8 a month for dogs
• Direct Line can even pay the vet directly
• 12 months free membership of the missing pets bureau
• 10% online discount

Click here to buy your Direct Line pet insurance now.