Maintain your cat’s health
Dogs may be man’s best friend, but many animal lovers love having cats as pets because of the animal’s warm yet independent spirit. There are steps you can take to keep your pet healthy and avoid any problems or concerns. By using a combination of pet care, prevention and health products, you can ensure your cat’s companionship for years to come.
There are two important ways you can maintain your cat’s health and happiness. Scheduling annual veterinary check-ups allows a professional to provide special care and attention to your cat. This allows the vet to stay up to date on the vaccinations and regular exams that felines require. Paying attention to any physical changes in your pet will give you a better idea of your pet’s health. Investing in some specialized and approved pet health products can also make a significant difference.
Take a general assessment of your cat when you pet or sit with him. Take a quick look at the animal from nose to tail. It is smart to do it regularly and at a certain time, your pet will get used to it and you will not forget its daily review. Alert your vet if you discover any potential concerns. Start with your cat’s head. Are the eyes clear and alert of him? Are your ears pink and clean? Do the ears give off a pungent odor that seems abnormal? Have bugs appeared as a thick, dark formation inside the cat’s ears? Do you have pink gums and healthy, clean and strong teeth? Does tartar reside along the gum line? Has your cat developed unpleasant breath?
Gently touch and inspect your pet’s body for any sores, lumps, swelling, bumps, scratches, parasites, or irregularities. Keep an eye out for flea dirt, which is similar in appearance to black pepper and looks red when wet. Check your cat’s paws, ears, and tail.
Feel free to ask your vet any questions you may have. Don’t be afraid to check what is and isn’t normal.
Regularly brushing your cat keeps it clean and tidy. Rubber brushes remove dead skin cells and loose hair. Combs that are specially designed for a cat help get fleas and small bugs out of their fur.
It is imperative to trim your cat’s claws regularly. When this is not done, a cat’s claws can grow into its paw pads, which can lead to pain and infection. A veterinarian will be happy to show you how to properly trim a cat’s nails in a way that won’t harm the animal. While many people choose to declaw their cats, this is not the only way to remove their scratches. It can also be very painful for the pet. Felines can be trained to only scratch in designated areas, such as a well-designed post.
Cat owners should do as much research as possible about proper cat care. They should also possess at least one book or pamphlet on emergency first aid. By becoming familiar with emergency procedures, you could possibly save your cat’s life. Do not try to treat your cat with any medication, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or sphedrine. Many medications intended for humans can be poisonous to cats.