Keep Teeth and Fur Clean
You brush your teeth twice a day, but have you thought about brushing your cat’s? There are a plethora of serious health problems that can be caused by poor pet oral hygiene, including a shortened lifespan. You can prevent these serious issues by regularly cleaning your cat’s teeth.
It’s also a good idea to talk to your vet about routine cleanings and other ways they can help remove plaque from your cat’s teeth. Take a few moments to take care of other grooming as well and check for any suspicious lumps or spots that could be of concern.
Take Care of Pests and Parasites
If you’ve ever had a flea problem, you know how annoying those little bites can be, but did you know that they can also spread diseases? Use a flea preventative or proper precautions to keep fleas off of your pet.
Also, be sure to schedule regular exams to check for intestinal parasites that your cat can pick up from the yard or other pets. Fleas, ticks and worms are much easier to treat and manage if they are caught early.
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Not all cat food is created equal, not all cats require the same kind of nutrition. Keep your cat’s lifestyle and health in mind when selecting food and treats. There are a wide range of products available to help manage common cat concerns, like sensitive stomachs or skin allergies. Try to avoid feeding only dry food, as this can lead to urinary tract infections, which are a serious issue for felines.
Pay Attention to Litter Boxes
Cats tend to be clean animals, so help them out by keeping their litter boxes neat and tidy through the week. Make sure boxes are large enough for your cat to comfortably move around in and scoop them out at least once or twice a day. In addition to removing unwanted odor and waste, regularly checking your cat’s litter box can alert you to possible illnesses. If you notice your cat isn’t going as often as usual, or if she has trouble going or if her waste doesn’t look normal, it may be time to consult a vet.
Provide Plenty of Exercise and Activity
Obesity is a serious concern for all pets, but indoor cats are especially prone to weight problems. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to more than a few extra pounds, with diabetes, heart disease and joint problems being some very serious side effects of even a little extra weight.
Provide plenty of opportunity for your cat to exercise with cat trees and tantalizing toys. If you and your cat are up for it, you may even consider adding another cat to help increase activity.
Make Sure Medical Costs are Covered
You can develop daily routines to help keep your cat safe and healthy, but sometimes issues still come up. Veterinary costs can be expensive, so take some of the stress off of yourself by investing in pet insurance. Getting insurance for your cat may seem like just an extra expense, but having peace of mind when your cat needs medical help is well worth the minimal monthly costs. Look for a plan that fits your budget and your cat’s needs and take some of the guesswork out of getting routine or urgent care for your pet.
With all of the joy cats bring to our lives, it only makes sense to do everything possible to keep them comfortable and content. A few minor measures can add years to your cat’s life and precious moment to the time you have to spend together. So take these simple steps to keep your best friend happy and healthy for a lifetime.
Author
Ms. Brody created OurBestFriends to offer a place for animal lovers to share their favorite pet photos and stories about their furry pals.
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