Cat Health- Keep Your Cat Happy & Healthy
November 22, 2008 by lucky
Filed under Cat Health
Keeping your cat healthy can seem quite daunting for the new cat owner, so here are some general tips;
Get to know your cat and her usual behaviors. If these change suddenly for no apparent reason, this could be an indication of illness or disease. Take her to the vet to get this checked out.
Consider having your cat neutered; this will avoid unwanted pregnancies, and cats that have been neutered tend not to wander, spray urine or fight so much.
Never be tempted to use physical punishment on your cat; she will not associate this with whatever she has done to displease you. All it will teach her is that you may suddenly attack her for no reason, and she will lose trust in you.
Make sure she is treated for fleas and worms on a regular basis. Your vet can advise on this. Have her regularly checked over by the vet to ensure that any problems are picked up.
Consider having her inoculated against some of the diseases that can prove fatal, such as Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. After the initial course, she will require yearly shots.
Your cat will benefit from regular grooming to remove dead hair, especially if she is a long haired cat. This will also help to prevent hairballs building up. When you are grooming her, check the inside of her ears for signs of mites. If you see little black specks, consult the vet.
Schedule in some regular play time for your cat. Ideally this should be at the same time each day, and at a time when she is awake and alert. This will give her exercise and help prevent her from becoming obese. It will also help to relieve boredom and frustration.
Do not over feed her; cats are usually pretty good at regulating their food intake, but there are a few who, given the chance, would gorge themselves. As a general rule, you should not be able to see your cat’s ribs, but should be able to feel them just under the surface of her skin. If your cat shows signs of sudden weight loss or gain, take her to the vet.
Hopefully you and your cat will enjoy many healthy, happy years together.
