Helping your cat stay free from health problems

As your pet cat grows and matures you will start to learn more about her, what are her likes and dislikes, and what her health needs are. The health and care of your kitty cat depends on factors like age, breed, and lifestyle. Giving your cat the appropriate care based on these factors is important if you want to have a cat that is healthy throughout its life. Today’s cats face health problems like weight management, poor skin conditions, kidney and heart disease, dental problems, joint weakness, diabetes, bladder weakness, liver problems, sensitive digestive systems, and poor thyroid health.

Cats thrive best when they are provided with a nutritious diet, a happy home, and exercise, but you must add to that several more important things. Preventative care for your cat is the best way to keep away health problems.

You can ensure your pet cat has fewer health problems by practicing these preventative healthcare tips.

• Regular grooming is a must for a feline and will help them stay free of parasites. Matted fur isn’t healthy for cats because it will pull at the skin and can result in skin irritation from a lack of exposure to fresh air. While most cats are able to groom themselves without a problem, others may not do so well on their own because of their breed, illness, or a recent trauma. In this case we recommend that you help them by trimming their nails, wiping eye drainage from their face, and gently combing their fur. After all, pretty cats just look better!
• Cats should be taken for frequent visits to the vet to you catch any health problems early on. For example, most cats start to develop kidney disease as they get older. Hence regular visits to the vet once the cat is over 7 years will help you to catch the disease and help treat or prevent it. Cats that have health problems need a diet that will help them to deal with these problems. Hills Prescription food for felines will help provide these needs.
• Spays or Neuters? Discuss with your vet about this option. In certain cases, spaying or neutering your cat can help prevent several major diseases.
• Brush kitty’s teeth at least three times a week.
• Trim your cat’s nails once a month.
• Bath your cat regularly to keep it smelling clean and fresh and to help prevent skin irritations and infections.
• Worming as prescribed by your vet.
• Conduct a weekly home exam of your cat to check things like weight gain or loss, skin and coat condition, injuries, and lumps or bumps.