Feed a complete diet
For dogs and cats, look for a commercial food labeled complete and balanced for the animal's life stage. Herbivores such as rabbits and guinea pigs build their diet on hay. Birds, fish and reptiles each need a species-specific diet. Home-made diets can work, but they are easy to get wrong; if you want to cook for your pet, ask your vet to refer you to a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.
Measure, then watch the animal
Feeding guides on packaging are starting points. Use a measuring cup or, better, a kitchen scale, and adjust based on body condition. In dogs and cats you should be able to feel the ribs without pressing hard, and see a waist. Weigh small pets and birds every week or two. Many pets in the US are overweight, and extra weight raises the risk of joint and other health problems.
Fresh water, always
Clean water should be available at all times. Wash bowls and bottles daily, and check sipper bottles actually release water. Some small mammals drink more readily from a heavy bowl than a bottle.
Change diets slowly
Sudden diet changes upset many animals' digestion. Mix the new food in gradually over about a week, and talk to your vet before switching a pet with a health condition. Rabbits and guinea pigs need new greens introduced one at a time.
Housing that fits the adult animal
Buy housing for the size the animal will be as an adult. Look for:
- Enough floor space to run, hop or swim, plus room for separate eating, sleeping and toilet areas
- Hiding places, especially for prey species
- Safe materials with no sharp wire floors, toxic paints or gaps that trap feet and heads
- A stable temperature away from direct sun, drafts, heaters and loud appliances
A cleaning schedule
| Pet | Daily | Weekly |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | Wash bowls, pick up waste | Wash bedding and toys |
| Cat | Scoop litter, wash bowls | Wash or refresh litter boxes |
| Rabbit, guinea pig | Remove wet bedding and old fresh food, refill hay | Full clean of the enclosure |
| Hamster, rat | Spot-clean toilet corners | Partial bedding change; hamsters cope better if some old bedding stays |
| Bird | Change cage liner, wash dishes | Clean perches and toys |
| Fish | Check temperature and fish, remove leftover food | Partial water change, test water |
| Reptile | Remove waste and old food, check temperatures | Clean dishes and decor, spot-check substrate |
Use cleaners that are safe for the species and rinse well. Birds and small mammals are sensitive to strong fumes.
Houseplants and pets
Many common houseplants are toxic to pets. Before bringing a plant home, check it against the ASPCA's list of toxic and non-toxic plants, and remember that cats can reach high shelves.
Feeding and housing: questions
Can pets share food meant for another species?
Not as a regular diet. Cat food is too rich for many dogs, dog food lacks nutrients cats need, and rabbit pellets do not give guinea pigs the vitamin C they need.
How warm should my home be for pets?
A temperature comfortable for you suits most dogs, cats and small mammals. Fish and reptiles need their own heating, and rabbits and guinea pigs suffer in heat, so keep them cool in summer.