Cats make fantastic companions and pets. A new cat will bring tremendous happiness and fun to your family. But how can you keep your new feline friend healthy? Check out these ten crucial areas of cat health suggestions.
1. Examine the Cat’s Health
This initial consultation with your veterinarian will establish your cat’s foundation of wellness. They can then begin a vaccine and worm prevention plan for your cat. You may need to revisit for additional vaccinations if your cat is young.
Your vet will advise you on the best diet for your new cat, oral treatment, and other things you may do at home. Some things to include are whether or not your cat has been neutered and microchipped. The smartest thing you can do to lessen the likelihood of them getting stolen is to microchip them and maintain your details up to date on the registration.
2. Playtime
While cats appear distant and alone, they require joy and activities to improve their lives. Playing and exercising your cat encourages them to maintain core strength, utilize their intellect, and establish a healthier link with you. Boosting your cat’s pulse rate and keeping them busy also aids in burning extra fat. These advantages add up to longevity, fewer worry, and the ability to prevent or minimize memory loss.
3. Providing a Scratching Post
Scratching is an instinctive habit in cats. It stretches and trains their muscles while also assisting in removing old coatings from their nails to reveal new, clean claws. It also polishes down cats’ claws, allowing them to maintain a healthy nail length between cuts. Scratching also allows cats to establish their domains optically and through the odor left behind because of their paws.
A patterned scratching post is perfect for diverting your cat’s scratching propensity away from objects. Cats frequently scratch when they wake up from asleep or when they are delighted, such as when you feed them. So, install the scratching post in a location that cats are apt to have when these situations arise. Such a place close to their favorite sleeping spot or near the kitchen can be an option.
4. Travel Safely
Even if your cat appears to enjoy it, do not allow them to go in a car unattended. It is disruptive, and a cat can injure themselves. Even in cold weather, a car can rapidly become too hot for an animal. If you do not intend to bring your cat on the journey, leave them at home with a loved one.
5. Brush Your Cat
Brush your furry companion at least once a day to prevent hairballs from forming in the gastrointestinal system. Combing is necessary because it eliminates loose hair and dirt from their coat and lets you detect changes in their body.
Brushing also helps your cat relax, and they enjoy it. Cats do not always need to be showered, but there are specific occasions when they must be. For instance, if your cat has been sprayed with an unpleasant chemical or has fleas, you can bathe them.
6. Get a Litter Box
When getting a cat, a litter box is always a must. When deciding where to put the litter box, choose a quiet and easily approachable location. Avoid shifting the box, as this may confuse the cat. Cleaning the litter box is essential since many cats will not use the smelly or filthy litter box. When cleaning the box, avoid using chemicals or other fragrant products. The fragrance of these products is overpowering to a cat’s senses and can be a significant barrier.
Suppose the litter box is clean and has been properly sanitized, and the cat is still not using the litter pan. In that scenario, it is recommended to consult your veterinarian, as this can be a sign of an underlying health problem.
7. Feed Healthy Food
The food you give your feline friend has a significant impact on their physical health, so ensure you’re providing them a nutritious and healthy meal. If you know what type of food your cat was having before you adopted them, it’s good to acquire a tiny portion of the same meal. It will keep your cat on a steady diet, and you can make a slow adjustment to whatever meal you intend to give them.
Switching to a new dish requires some preparation, and a gradual change can help avoid gastrointestinal pain. If your cat has health difficulties, is obese, underweight, or is elderly, it’s advisable to consult with your veterinarian before choosing a meal.
8. Provide Fresh Water for Your Cat
Water is among the most basic methods of caring for cats, and you should regularly replace the water in your cat’s water bowl. Then, keep the water bowl next to the feeding bowl so your cat can quickly eat or drink.
While it is widely assumed that cats get the majority of their water from the diet they consume, they also need clean water to facilitate digestion. As a result, you should always fill their bowls with clean water at the start of the day.
9. Controlling Parasites
Proper parasitic management is vital to your cat’s well-being. Fleas can induce itchy skin, heartworms, and tapeworms if your cat consumes even one flea. Ear mites, particularly common in cats, must also be treated early. Consult your veterinarian about routine flea, heartworm, and digestive parasite management. The veterinarian will be able to suggest a solution that is especially suited for your cat.
10. Personal Space and Sleeping Area
Boundaries are important problems for cats, particularly if you have more than one. Even if some cats are friendly and outgoing, remember that they are autonomous animals. As a result, you must give your kitten a secret safe spot and enable it to escape when necessary.
Your objective is to minimize rivalry between your animals and the resulting behavioral issues, such as spraying, aggressive clawing, and refusal to utilize the litter pan. Most cats enjoy playing around, but they want their territory for solitude. An excellent option is a cat tower, an easily reachable ledge, or a substantial soft cushion.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve discovered the fundamentals of cat care, you can get started. Remember that you will never stop finding out about your cat. You and your cat will develop together, and as you connect, you will acquire more than simply the fundamentals of cats. You’ll also understand your specific cat’s characteristics and how to keep them healthy and cherished.
