Humans and cats have worked side by side for centuries. As far back as the Ancient Egyptians, who kept cats as pets and religious icons, and ancient Romans, who brought cats to Britain with them, cats have held cherished roles in our lives. Keeping them healthy is key to helping them live longer, happier lives. February is National Cat Health Month, and at Cozy Cat Suites, we’re offering tips to help you ensure your cat enjoys the best health possible.
Top Tips for a Healthy Cat
1. Spay and Neuter
As adorable as kittens are, our pet cats need to be spayed and neutered. Not only is there a serious pet overpopulation crisis, but mating and pregnancy are stressful for cats. Female cats in heat struggle with the urge to reproduce and may caterwaul incessantly. They are driven to roam and may spray with urine to mark their territory and attract mates. Unneutered male cats are also driven to roam, may spray, and might fight other males, even to the death. Both male and female cats, when unaltered, are prone to various cancers of the reproductive tract, and female cats can develop pyometra, an often fatal infection of the reproductive tract.
Spaying and neutering is the easiest, most effective way to keep your cat healthy and happy throughout their lifetime, and you can do it as early as 2 months in many cases.
2. Vaccinate
All cats can benefit from core vaccines, including rabies and FVRCP, including indoor cats. Rabies vaccines are typically required by local municipalities while FVRCP protects against common viral infections that can cause potentially serious respiratory infections and gastrointestinal illnesses. Your cat may also benefit from vaccines against FIV, FeLV, bordetella, and Chlamydophila felis. Some of these vaccines may require boosters as well. To determine which vaccines your cat needs and when they are needed, talk to your veterinarian and follow their recommendations.
3. Routine Vet Visits
Regular checkups are a critical aspect of cat care. Your vet can monitor your cat for changes in their health, check their weight, and keep an eye on known health conditions. They can perform dental care and even address certain grooming issues, such as nail care. Most healthy cats should see the vet once a year, but your cat might need more frequent visits if they spend time outside regularly, have chronic health conditions, or are a kitten or a senior.
4. Grooming
Brushing your cat daily can have big benefits for your kitty. Brushing can cut down on shedding, reduce vacuuming, and eliminate mats, tangles, and hairballs. When you brush your cat, you can even check for bumps, spots, or tenderness that need to be checked out. Offer your cat a treat when you’re finished, and your cat will quickly begin to associate grooming with something yummy and look forward to spending this quality time with you.
5. Diet
Cats are obligate carnivores. Dry food diets are popular with pet owners thanks to their convenience, but too much dry food can increase the risk of certain health issues, like kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity. Offer your cat some wet food along with the dry to ensure a healthy balance, and monitor their water intake, too. They should have access to fresh water at all times. If your cat stops drinking water or isn’t drinking as much water, a vet visit is in order.
6. Bathroom Time
As a general rule, you need to provide one box for each cat plus a spare box. In other words, if you have two cats, you need three boxes. Consider offering boxes in various styles so your cats can choose the box that feels most comfortable for them. Consider also offering various litters. Some cats might prefer crystals or natural corn-based litters while others might prefer clay-based litters. If your cat that was regularly using a box stops using it, you need to schedule a vet visit as soon as possible. Eliminating outside the box, especially if the cat is using furniture, like the bed or the couch, can often indicate the presence of a urinary tract infection or may reveal extreme stress. Be sure to scoop boxes at least once a day and completely clean the boxes regularly.
Happy cats are healthy cats. If you’re planning on traveling, Cozy Cat Suites has you covered with our spacious cat suites, which include everything your cat or cat family needs to stay cozy, comfortable, and happy during your time away. Our cat-loving staff will care for your cats as if they were our cats, and you can check in as often as you’d like via our 24/7 video monitoring. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a visit.
