As a responsible cat parent, it’s important to recognise the signs of a healthy cat. It’s also essential to understand what you can do to ensure your feline friend is well cared for.

After all, preventative care is vital for the happiness and longevity of your purring pal. So, aside from making sure your cat receives regular veterinarian checks, here are six ways to raise a healthy cat.

6 ways to raise a healthy cat

With almost 30% of Aussie pet parents owning a cat, it’s important to understand the basics of cat care. Knowing what you can do to raise a healthy cat gives you peace of mind your cat is content and living his or her best life.

So why not take the time to read up on how you can raise a healthy cat and me’wow’ your feline friend.

1. Know the telltale signs of a healthy cat

Of course, knowledge is power so it’s super important to recognise the all-important cues that signal your cat is healthy. While it can be difficult to read your cat’s mood, here are a few key indicators to be aware of.

  • Bright eyes—Cats’ eyes should be clear and bright. Discharge or crusting around the eye area could signal a health issue and should be checked by a vet.
  • Fresh breath—Stinky cat breath could indicate poor dental hygiene. Raise your cat’s lips and look to see if the teeth are discoloured. Ideally, you want to see white teeth and nice pink gums.
  • Shiny coat—Just like a human’s skin, a cat’s coat is linked to his or her general health. A healthy cat should display a shiny, matt-free coat.
  • Optimum weight—Healthy cats are active cats and, as such, they should not be overweight (or underweight, for that matter!). Concerned about your cat’s weight? Use the Body Condition Score to check your cat’s weight.
  • Healthy litter box habits—Cats are clean animals, so urinating or defecating outside the litter box might be an indication of a problem. Also, keep an eye on your cat’s stools; they should be small and firm. Loose stools may suggest a digestive upset.

2. Get your cat spayed or neutered

Kristina Vesk, CEO of the Cat Protection Society NSW, explains that spaying or neutering your cat is important for its health and general wellbeing. She says, “To be a responsible pet owner you should always desex your cat. Kittens can be desexed from about eight to 10 weeks old. In fact, young kittens recover more quickly from surgery than older cats.

“Desexing before sexual maturity can also stop your cat from wanting to fight, spray and wander, as well as making them happier and healthier, with a reduced risk of disease including some cancers.”

3. Maintain regular grooming

Frequent grooming is essential, especially for cats with long hair. Grooming isn’t just about making Kitty look pretty, it’s important for your cat’s health too.

Regular grooming removes tangles and knots, grasses, dust and dead skin. Without regular grooming, the remnants and dirt that attach to the hair could cause skin problems.

Grooming also provides a perfect opportunity to check over your cat’s coat and body for signs of poor health.

4. Feed your feline friend a healthy diet

Cats enjoy a mostly meat-based diet. However, it’s important to ensure your kitty gets a well-balanced diet. Fresh raw foods or a high-quality commercial diet provided over several small meals (rather than one big one) is a good option.

Also, don’t forget that your cat needs continuous access to clean, fresh water.

5. Encourage good litter box habits

Cats can be a little fussy. When it comes to toilet habits they like a clean litter box with fresh litter. A dirty litter tray may prevent your cat from using it. Also, make sure the litter tray is located in a private but easy-to-reach spot and not too close to your cat’s food.

6. Clue up on common cat toxins

Raising a healthy cat means protecting them from potential toxins and poisons. Unfortunately, there is an array of cat dangers in and around the home so it pays to know which plants, foods and other household items you should keep out of your cat’s reach.

Common toxins include plants, such as lilies; foods, such as onions; as well as fertiliser and anti-freeze. Read more about pet poisons here.

One further consideration when thinking about your cat’s health is pet insurance. Taking out pet insurance for your cat provides you with peace of mind. If your cat did become sick or injured, having pet insurance in place gives you the confidence that you could give your feline friend the best care and treatment to help get them well without worrying about finances.

Interested to learn more about cat insurance for your meowing mate?

 

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