Cats can often hide signs that they are
sick, which can make it more difficult for cat owners to pick up on when
something is wrong. While you might not be able to protect your cat from
everything, being sensible when it comes to your cat’s diet and living
environment can help you to maintain their health. If you have recently
welcomed a cat into your home, or are worried that your cat has picked up some
unhealthy habits, here are some basic healthcare tips you can follow.
Consider What You’re Feeding Them
It’s always worth researching your cat’s
breed to make sure that there won’t be any specific dietary requirements for
them, but most of the time, generic cat food from a reputable brand will be OK.
Often you can see a recommended guideline of how much you should be feeding
your cat on the packaging of their food, and this will vary depending on their
age. Kittens will need to be fed more often but in smaller portions, whereas
adult cats can be happy and healthy on two meals a day. You should avoid giving
your cat cow’smilk or cream, too, as this isn’t good for
them. If your cat is being sick or experiencing diarrhea, this could be an
indication of a food allergy, and you might have to do an elimination test.
Always seek your vet’s advice, however, if this is happening.
Take Them for Regular Health Checks
Another way to make sure your cat is in the
best possible health is by taking them for regular health checks with their
vet. Doing this once a year should be OK, unless your cat has ongoing health
issues, in which case, going every few months or how often your vet advises is
key. You should also make sure that their vaccinations are up to date and that
they are getting flea and worming treatments every three months. If you are yet
to find a vet clinic for your new cat, check out this Bonney Lake veterinarian if you’re
in the Orting, WA area, or use them as an example of what you should look for
in a clinic.
Play with Them
Cats might seem to spend most of the day
sleeping and relaxing, but they need exercise as well. You may notice that your
cat goes through a ‘mad hour’ in the evening or at another time in the day, and
this is how they burn off all of that energy. Playing with your cat can help
them keep fit, too, and it’s also a good way for you both to bond.
Remove Toxic Plants, Chemicals, and Other Items from Your
Home
Certain plants will be toxic to cats,
lilies being a particularly deadly flower for your feline friend. Make sure
that these flowers and other toxic plants
aren’t in your house in case your cat decides to eat them. You may also want to
consider swapping out your household cleaning products for non-toxic brands
that will be safer for your cat.
You might not be able to stop your cat from
getting hurt or ill all of the time, but these are some of the most basic steps
to follow to try and keep them in good health as best you can.