Basic health and care tips for keeping your cat healthy.

 Basic health and care tips for keeping your cat healthy.

 

All cats deserve good health care, and no one knows that more than us. This National Cat Health Month, let's make sure your cat gets the preventative care it deserves. 

Here are 10 ways you can take to keep your little feline friend happy and healthy at home! Between visits to their vet for regular check-ups, here is how you can help ensure fewer emergency vet trips in general:

 

1. Groom your cat regularly.

 

Whether your cat has short or long hair, regular brushing will benefit him greatly. This helps remove dead fur from his body that could cause the ingestion of lumps and bumps while he's grooming himself.

 It also gives you a chance to identify any changes in his body, such as irregularity due to lumps and bumps or sore spots which can be addressed by your veterinarian privately at home

 

 2. Provide fresh water daily.

We need fresh, clean water for our cats' good health. Cats don't like to drink from bowls and, in this case, consider a tall glass or cat fountain with daily refills of the water. 

Be sure to refill your cat's drinking bowl every day with fresh water so your furry friend can live her best life.

 

3. Make sure you have enough litter boxes.

It is best to have one litter box for each cat and then a few more in case of emergencies. If you want your cats to be responsible, you should keep the litter boxes cleaned regularly.

You can notice changes in urine or stool if they change color or smell differently when this happens-this could indicate that there is an issue with their health.

 

4. Notice if your cat starts urinating outside its litter box.

Sometimes a cat will urinate outside of his litter box if the box is dirty. If you suspect that he has been sick, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to figure out what's going on. 

Great care should be taken when cleaning and maintaining a litter box in order to prevent accidents from happening, and you can also avoid unnecessary vet visits by cleansing the area regularly!

5. Train your cat to use a scratching post.

This will help prevent potential damage to your furniture, and it's also good for your cat. Scratching on an appropriate surface (such as carpet or cardboard) helps remove the old layers of her claws; which in turn keeps them healthy and strong.

6. Use a cat carrier in the car.

If you plan on taking your pet with you in the car, it is important that they are well cared for and given a carrier designed specifically for pets.

Car accidents can happen if the passenger isn't focused on driving, so make sure to have their carriers around.

7. Keep your cat's teeth clean.

Like humans, cats can develop tartar on their teeth which leads to gum disease and tooth decay. Cat bacteria also collect in the bloodstream leading to other feline diseases.

Unlike human beings, however, they have no alternative but for your vet or a professional at home who is trained in brushing your cat's teeth with an appropriate tool that you will provide them with (ideally dental floss). 

They must be done every year and preventative care should begin when we buy our first kitten!

8. Choose a cat-friendly vet.

It can be challenging to find a veterinarian who specializes in feline health. That said, we know that cats have different needs than dogs do, as well as require specialized care for their unique anatomy. 

A vet specializing in feline healthcare will provide the best possible treatment for your kitty by visiting the American Association of Feline Practitioners page.

9. Schedule regular veterinary visits.

Cats receive annual visits from their veterinarian, during which the veterinarians administer vaccines and check to see if your cat is at a healthy weight. 

Your vet can also tell you about possible feline diseases in the early stages or catch potential problems that may have been developing throughout the year.

10. Spay or neuter your cat.

Cats can be affected by reproductive diseases of both genders. Although spaying and neutering reduce the risk for certain health issues, they also help to solve problems caused by pet overpopulation.