There’s so much to love about cats: they’re cute, clever, and charismatic furry friends. And as pet parents, it’s our job to help maintain their wellbeing so they can stay happy and healthy. After all, when our kitties thrive, we do too!

While there are many ins and outs of cat care, we highlighted eight important ways to promote your best friend’s wellness in between visits to the veterinarian.

Selecting a high-quality cat food will ensure your cat enjoys a well-balanced diet and receives optimal nutrients. Your feline friend’s diet and food intake requirements depend on their health, activity level, and age, so consult your veterinarian to discover the best choice for your cat. Keep in mind that treats should only make up about 5 to 10 percent of your kitty’s diet, according to the ASPCA.

And of course, be sure to fill your cat’s water bowl daily so they stay hydrated; a general rule is that cats need between 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water per every 5 pounds of their body weight a day, according to Preventive Vet. These are some of the most efective flee treatment for cats.

A proper diet for your cat’s age and lifestyle typically offers many of the essential nutrients required. However, supplements can help promote specific aspects of your cat’s wellbeing, especially those where felines commonly need added support, such as urinary tract or digestive health. Every furry friend has their own, unique needs, so consult your veterinarian when considering cat supplements.

For instance, while cat multi-vitamins may help support overall health, supplements with cranberry extract may help maintain a healthy urinary tract. To help aid in supporting upper respiratory health, cats can benefit from a supplement containing L-lysine. Additionally, a pre & probiotic supplement for cats may help keep their gut health in check and regulate their immune system.

Learn more about the benefits of pet supplements and what they do.

Like humans, cats develop plaque and tartar on their teeth. Therefore, it is important to establish a cat dental routine to keep their smiles healthy! Along with preventing bad breath, regular dental care helps avoid future problems down the line such as periodontal disease, according to PetMD. When cleaning your furry friend’s teeth, be sure to use a cat toothbrush—which is specially designed with an angled head that’s easier to maneuver in your kitty’s tiny mouth—and a cat toothpaste to ensure the ingredients are safe for felines.

It is recommended to brush your cat’s teeth daily, but if that is not attainable, aim for a minimum of three times per week, according to the VCA. You can also consult your veterinarian about a professional teeth cleaning for additional cat dental care!

Cats are self-groomers, but contrary to popular belief, they should also be groomed by you—the pet parent. Regular brushing removes loose hair and promotes a healthy, shiny coat. Not to mention, this routine cat care also helps you grow more familiar with your best friend’s body and therefore notice anything out of the ordinary to discuss with your veterinarian.

Although cats are proficient self-groomers and typically don’t require frequent baths, you will occasionally need to bathe your feline in instances where they are dirty or muddy, or if they have a skin condition that requires regular baths. Always be sure to use a cat shampoo because it is specially made with a mild formula to gently cleanse a cat’s sensitive skin and coat.

Lastly, it’s important to clip your cat’s nails every few weeks. This not only prevents their claws from getting too sharp and scratching you (or the couch), but helps avoid any painful broken claws that may occur from nails getting stuck in the carpet or other furniture.

Along with all these benefits, grooming also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend—and you can’t beat that!