There is nothing happier than a well-loved, healthy cat. Follow these ten tips to keep your cat healthy in between check-ups at the veterinarians.
1 - Fresh Water Daily
Just like people, cats also need fresh, clean water. Be sure to clean the cat bowl every day and fill it with fresh water.
2 - Grooming
Brush your cat’s fur frequently to keep it free from tangles and dead hair. Not only does it give you a chance to check your cat for anything unusual, such as ticks, bug bites, or bumps, but they will also enjoy the spa treatment.
3 - Clean Litter Box
A clean litter box is essential for your cat’s health. A good rule of thumb is to clean the box every three days, although you may have to do so more often. Also, if you have multiple cats, be sure to have a litter box for each of them, plus an additional one as backup.
4 - Monitor Litter Box Usage
Keep an eye on your cat’s litter box use. If they begin to urinate or defecate outside of the box, this could indicate a health issue.
5 - Provide a Scratching Post or Ample Surfaces to Groom Nails
Nail care is of the utmost importance for cats. Put out a good scratching post or pet tree where they can file down old layers of dead cells off their claws. Providing an alternative, helps save your furniture too!
6 - Use a Cat Carrier
When you travel with your cat, be sure to always use a cat carrier. Cats are curious by nature, and could potentially roam around in their new surroundings. This could be especially dangerous while in a car, resulting in an accident.
7 - Clean Your Cat’s Teeth
Make your cat’s oral health a priority. Cats teeth build up tartar just like people’s, and the bacteria, if untreated, could result in tooth decay and disease. If you don’t feel comfortable brushing your cat’s teeth, schedule a visit with the veterinarian to have it done professionally.
8 - Research Cat-Friendly Vets
Cats have specific health needs, and it is vital to find a vet that knows all about cat health and cat well-being. Additionally, you’ll want to find a vet both you, and your pet, is comfortable working with.
9 - Schedule Regular Check-ups
Schedule a regular check-up once a year to get your cat vaccinated and examined.
10 - Spay or Neuter Your Cat
Spaying or neutering your cat can help them avoid many feline reproductive diseases, and any unwanted pregnancies down the road.