The Cat’s out of the Bag! Cat Health and Preventive Care

If you already have cats as a part of your household, you likely know what wonderful and unique creatures they are. Cats are agile, intelligent, and loving, but keeping your cat healthy takes more than bringing them to the veterinarian when something is wrong.

Here are the basics of cat health, from Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital, to keeping your cat happy and healthy for their lifetime.

Cat Health 101

Feed a high quality diet – Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they need specific amino acids only found in meat to survive. Make sure you’re feeding your cat the highest quality diet you can. Talk to us about your cat’s nutrition at their annual wellness care exam. There is a plethora of misinformation on pet diets and many fad diets out there won’t benefit your cat. Your veterinarian is the best source of information when it comes to finding the right diet for your individual kitty.

Socialize your cat – Many people consider cats to be antisocial, but nothing could be further from the truth. Cats need socialization to thrive. Proper socialization also prevents destructive behaviors, like scratching and urinating inappropriately. Behavior problems are the number one reason pets are given up to shelters, so spend some time making sure you are keeping your kitty socialized.

Exercise your cat – Contrary to popular belief, cats need exercise on a daily basis to thrive! There are many ways to incorporate a cat’s natural behaviors into her exercise routine. At the same time, you’ll be enriching their environment, which contributes to mental and physical health. Try some of these:

• Place perches or cat trees at varying heights in your home, encouraging your cat to climb
• Use a food puzzle or hide treats to fulfill hunting behaviors
• Add different types of scratching posts
• Play laser pointer tag with your cat
• Teach your cat to fetch (really!)
• Teach your cat to walk on a leash (also, really!)

Don’t skip preventive care – With iCal, Google Calendar, and the like, there’s no reason to miss those monthly parasite preventives. Make sure that your calendar also includes your cat’s annual wellness exam.

Groom your cat daily – Cats are known for grooming themselves, and they can do a great job at this, but long-haired cats and senior cats need more time from you. Additionally, by making yourself familiar with their body, you can catch small changes early, such as an unusual lump, allowing you to follow up sooner than later.

Brush their teeth – Um, excuse me? My cat only has two teeth: her fangs! All joking aside, did you know that as many as 90% of cats have dental disease by the time they are 5 years old? Daily brushing and annual dental cleanings help combat this common but preventable problem. Left untreated, dental disease in cats can be painful and costly, so talk to us about how to brush your kitty’s teeth.

Your Cat’s Preventive Care Team

There you have them, several ways to make sure your cat stays their healthiest. We are here to help with any questions or assistance you need in making sure your cat is a happy kitty. Give us a call to schedule an appointment. We’re looking forward to seeing you and your cat soon!