Cats are generally known for being independent and self-sufficient, but they still require proper care and attention to maintain their health. Here are some key aspects of cat health that you should keep in mind.
Nutrition
Providing a balanced diet is essential for a cat's overall health. Choose high-quality cat food that meets their nutritional requirements. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate portion size and dietary needs for your specific cat.
Hydration Cats often don't drink enough water which can lead to health conditions in later life. They should have access to fresh water at all times. Make sure to regularly clean and refill their water bowls to encourage proper hydration. Cats tend to prefer running water. A water fountain can encourage them to drink more often. They come with filters which you can replace. Hydrated cats are happy cats!
Grooming
Cats are generally good at grooming themselves, but they may need assistance with certain aspects. Regular brushing helps remove loose fur and prevents matting. Additionally, check their ears, teeth, and nails regularly and address any issues as needed. If you have an especially sensitive long haired cat, who won't let you brush, you might fina a cat groomer helpful.
Litter Box Maintenance
Ensure that the litter box is kept clean, as cats are naturally clean animals and may avoid using a dirty litter box. Regularly scoop out waste and change the litter as needed.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Engage your cat in regular play sessions to keep them physically active and mentally stimulated. Provide toys, scratching posts, and climbing structures to prevent boredom and promote a healthy lifestyle. It also helps your cat to bond with you.
Check out my Playtime Blog
Behavioral Observation
Cats can be masters at hiding signs of illness and will hide away if they are unwell. Monitor your cat's behavior, appetite, litter box habits, and overall energy levels. Any significant changes could indicate an underlying health issue, so consult your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual.
Cat Chipping
It is always a good idea to get your cat microchipped at the vets. If for any reason your cat gets lost, the person who finds him or her can take the cat to any vet and have it scanned. Vets don't usually charge for this. The chip holds your contact details such as your address and telephone number.
I've you've bought a pedigree from a breeder, their cats may already be chipped. It's your responsibility to contact the company and replace the breeders details with your details.
Cat Neutering/Spaying
esponsible pet ownership, and part of that responsibility includes considering the option of neutering or spaying your cat. Neutering refers to the surgical removal of the testicles in male cats, while spaying involves the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries in female cats. Let's explore the benefits and considerations associated with cat neutering/spaying:
Health Benefits: Neutering or spaying your cat can have several health advantages, contributing to their overall well-being:
Prevention of reproductive-related diseases: Neutering male cats significantly reduces their risk of testicular cancer and decreases the chances of developing prostatic disease. Spaying female cats eliminates the risk of uterine infections (such as pyometra) and greatly reduces the risk of mammary gland tumors, particularly if done before the first heat cycle.
Behavioral improvements: Neutering male cats can help reduce aggressive behaviors, roaming tendencies, and the urge to mark territory with urine. Spaying female cats eliminates the heat cycle, reducing behaviors like yowling, restlessness, and attracting male attention.
Population Control and Responsible Ownership: One of the primary reasons for cat neutering/spaying is to address the issue of pet overpopulation:
Preventing unplanned litters: Cats are prolific breeders, and a single unspayed female cat can produce numerous kittens in her lifetime. By opting for neutering/spaying, you can help prevent the birth of unwanted kittens and reduce the strain on animal shelters and rescue organizations.
Promoting community welfare: Unplanned litters can result in feral cat populations, which can negatively impact the environment and lead to increased risks of disease transmission. By neutering/spaying your cat, you contribute to the overall welfare of your community and promote a healthier environment.
When to Neuter/Spay: The optimal age for neutering/spaying your cat may vary depending on factors such as their health, breed, and lifestyle. It is generally recommended to schedule the procedure before sexual maturity, around four to six months of age. However, consult with your veterinarian to determine the best timing for your individual cat.
The Surgical Procedure and Recovery: Neutering/spaying is a routine surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. Your cat will be carefully monitored throughout the process to ensure their safety. Following the surgery, your veterinarian will provide instructions for post-operative care, including pain management, wound care, and monitoring for any complications. Most cats recover quickly, but it's essential to follow the post-operative guidelines to ensure a smooth recovery.
Consulting a Veterinarian: Choosing to neuter/spay your cat is an important decision. We highly recommend discussing this procedure with a qualified veterinarian who can provide personalized advice based on your cat's health, age, and circumstances. They will address any concerns you may have and guide you through the entire process, ensuring the best outcome for your feline companion.
Cats' Claws: Understanding, Care, and Alternatives Cats possess a natural and instinctual feature that sets them apart—their claws. These retractable claws serve various purposes, including hunting, self-defense, and climbing. Understanding how to care for your cat's claws and exploring alternatives to scratching can help maintain a harmonious environment while ensuring your cat's well-being.
Normal Scratching Behavior: Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, allowing them to stretch, exercise their muscles, and mark their territory. It's important to provide appropriate outlets for this behavior.
Providing Scratching Surfaces: Offering suitable scratching surfaces can help redirect your cat's scratching instinct away from furniture and other undesirable items. Scratching posts, cat trees, and cardboard scratching boards are popular choices. Ensure these surfaces are sturdy, tall enough for stretching, and covered with materials that cats enjoy, like sisal rope or corrugated cardboard. Try applying some catnip powder to these surfaces.
Regular Nail Trimming: Regular nail trims are essential for maintaining your cat's claw health. Trimming prevents overgrowth, reduces the risk of claws becoming too sharp, and minimizes the likelihood of accidental scratches. Use specialized cat nail clippers or consult your veterinarian for guidance on proper nail trimming techniques.
Environmental Enrichment: Creating a stimulating environment for your cat can reduce the need for excessive scratching. Offer toys, interactive play sessions, and provide plenty of vertical spaces for climbing. Engaging your cat in mentally stimulating activities can help redirect their energy.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward and praise your cat when they use appropriate scratching surfaces. Positive reinforcement helps reinforce good behavior and encourages your cat to continue using designated areas for scratching.
Scratching Deterrents: If your cat continues to scratch undesirable surfaces despite your efforts, you can use deterrents to protect specific areas. These deterrents can include double-sided tape, plastic sheets, or odor-based sprays that cats find unappealing.
Remember, patience and consistent training are key when redirecting your cat's scratching behavior. Providing appropriate alternatives and addressing their needs can help minimize any potential damage to your belongings while allowing your cat to express their natural instincts. If you need further guidance or advice, consult with your veterinarian, who can provide personalized recommendations based on your cat's specific needs.
Veterinary Care: Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for monitoring your cat's health. Vaccinations, parasite control (fleas, ticks, worms), and preventive care can help prevent illnesses. Your veterinarian can provide guidance on the appropriate vaccination schedule and preventive treatments.
Cat fleas are a real pain because they are quite hard to get rid of. I can honestly say that it's woprth forking out the vet's highly priced drops and a spray for carpets and soft furniture.
The drops are easy. Just place a pipette between a cat's shoulders once a month and it makes the fleas sterile.
Fleas lay their eggs around the edges of soft furnature and carpets. It takes a good quality spray to get rid of the eggs.
Cat ticks are something to look out for if your cat goes outside, especially if there are hedgehogs in the area. You've to be very careful when removing them, because if you leave part of the tick behind, it can be impossible to get out. Invest in a tick remover if it's a regular occurance.
Cat worms. There are 2 types of worms
Ring worm. Ring worm is actually a skin irritation in the shape of a ring and your cat can pass it onto you. Its not serious. Canistan from a pharmacy may get rid of it.
Threadwom. Thread worm is a ling worm in the intestene, which comes out looking like small worms in the cat's fecies. If your cat goes outside, its definately worth giving him or her a worming tablet every month. Symptoms include, an itchy bottom and excessive hunger. Your cat can pass it onto you too.
Cat flu (Feline herpes virus and calicivirus)
Symptoms are watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, lethargy, reduced appetite, mouth ulcers and a high temperature.
Once a cat catches flu, it may carry the virus for the rest of its life and have flare ups which can be controlled with medication. It's highly infectous.
Feline PVA (Feline panleukopenia and infectiousenteritis)
Symptoms are vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperature, lethargy, loss of appetite, stomach pains.
There's no treatement as it's not bacterial. Admittance to the vets may be needed in serious cases.
The initial vaccines are slightly more expensive. If you keep up with their vaccines however, they only need their boosters on a yearly basis. Vet fees to treat the above diseases will be far more expensive in the long run.
If you're in the UK and money is tight, you may qualify for free/discounted vet visits through the PDSA. Check the free eligibility checker below.
Vet Fees
Vet fees can be expensive so it's worth at least looking into it. A lot of insurance companies offer pet insurance.
There are currently four types of cover
Accident only cover.
Time limited cover
Maximum benefit cover
Lifetime cover
The easiest way to compare the insurance policies is to use Compare the Market.com Decide what level of cover tou require, compared to how much you can afford. Fees tend to increase on a yearly basis as so your cat gets older it gets more and more expensive.
Check out our Pet Insuarnce blog.
The Cover that I use
My first cat was a rescued black and white cat. I registered him with Pet Plan Insurance. After a few years, he developed a cough and his chest needed draining. It turned out that he had a hole in his heart. Pet Plan forked out thousands over the following few years, offering him specialist treatement. He lived to be eight years old and the vets had never known a cat to live so long with that condition.
The only downside is their dental cover. They require a cat to have their teeth cleaned and polished at the vets on a yearly basis. This is expensive, because cats need a general anasthetic for this.