I'm new to this please help?

[Tad Carlucci]

Perma-pets cannot get sick. If it's sick, it's not a Perma-pet. Also, if you check your Pedigree it should be listed as a Perma-pet; as it should also say in in-world chat if you click on it and select Info.

Normal (non-perma-pet) cats must eat to avoid getting sick, and to get well after they do get sick. Cats in inventory cannot eat (since their scripts are not running).

Cats you're 'holding' .. that is, Cuddling, can only eat special hand-held food. It can NOT eat food on the ground (since they cannot communicate with those bowls). Hand-held (Portable) food should be available at the main shop.

N.B. -- You can set a cat to 'pet' food level. This halves the food in needs to eat, but does NOT make it a Perma-pet. I think this is the cause of confusion for some.