There are a ton of benefits in owning a cat. Not only does being a cat owner reduce your blood pressure, stress and depression, but having a feline friend gives you a sense of responsibility. If your cat starts to get fussy or is acting funny, there may be something amiss. Here is a handy guide on keeping your cat’s basic health in good standing.
Vet Check-ups
Finding a cat veterinarian that both you and your cat are comfortable with may seem daunting at first. But it’s an important aspect in ensuring your cat thrives. The first people you should ask about finding a veterinarian are fellow cat owners. Other places to search include breed clubs or special interest groups, and directories.
As a rule of thumb for adult cats, you should visit the vet at least once a year for a physical exam and shot updates. If you’ve just gotten a new kitten, you should take him in immediately.
Read our entire guide on Visiting the Vet!
Cat Food
With the amount of choices, the cat food aisle in the grocery store will seem overwhelming at first. Cats are carnivores, meaning they largely depend on a healthy intake of protein. Fair warning; they’re also picky eaters. Cats approach food, much like humans, first by smell. If they don’t like what you’re serving them, they’ll stick their nose up. That being said, there are four main types of cat food categories: dry, wet, fresh and raw.
Each category has its own benefits, and it may take some trial and error to find out which one your cat likes. If you can’t find a type of food that your cat seems to enjoy, you can always try homemade meals. Cat’s love boiled chicken, salmon, turkey and other meats. Make sure to feed him a variety of foods so his diet doesn’t become unbalanced.
Kitty Litter
Much like food, finding the best cat litter may take some trial and error. There are many types of kitty litter to choose from, including clay, pellets, crystals and flushables. Depending upon your home and cat’s attitude towards change, there are a number of things to keep in mind when buying your cat litter:
- Is It Safe For Your Cat
- How Much Of Your Time Does It Take To Keep It Clean
- Odor Control
- Attractiveness To Your Cat
- How Messy Or Dusty Is It
- How Often You Have To Scoop
- What’s The Cost
- Is it Environmentally Friendly
There’s no particular rule on how often you should replace your litter, it depends on the type of litter you use, how many cats you have, and the location within your home. If you don’t take out enough, however, your cat may find another place to go within your home that’s less than desirable for you.
Grooming Your Cat
Keeping your cat happy and healthy day-to-day has a lot to do with how well you keep him groomed. Unlike dogs, cats like being clean. While your cat keeps himself clean – fairly well, at least – a brush and nail clipper can go a long way. Most cats hate baths, so you might want to avoid that headache. But he should love a nice brush and you might enjoy shorter nails. This will keep his coat soft and clean and stop him from clawing you or your furniture.
Vaccines
There are plenty of vaccines that your cat should have. You should consult your veterinarian about your cat’s needs, but here is a short list of the types of vaccines your cat may receive.
- Feline Distemper
This vaccine protects from panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calicivirus, which can cause fever, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. - Rabies
Rabies affects the central nervous system of your cat, causing extreme behavior changes like excessive hissing, scratching and aggression. - Ringworm
Also called dermatophytosis, is a fungal infection of the hair and skin. If your cat is exposed to an infected animal, he may become contaminated with the infection. - Bordetella
When your cat develops a type of respiratory infection, it could be bordetella. This vaccine protects against the sickness, which causes sneezing, nasal discharge and discharge from the eyes. - Giardiasis
Giardiasis are parasites found in the intestines of your cat. This virus causes weight loss, disrupts digestion and causes a rough, dry coat.
