Maintaining a Healthy Cat

Cats, as natural born hunters, are very well known as predators. However, in nature, they belong to small animals and are threatened by bigger predators. Unlike dogs, cats do not have the security of the pack; they are solitary animals that have learned to rely upon themselves when it comes to danger. Because of this long-established habits to protect themselves on their own, cats used to hide their vulnerability or weakness, which can attract attention of mighty predators. This is probably the reason why cats are very versed in the concealment of illnesses. When sick, cats become quiet, draw back from the action, and lie somewhere unnoticed. Thus, we have to keep a close eye on a cat’s condition through regular care and preventive measures. The article “Helping Pet Owners Keep Their Pets Healthy“ gives us some suggestion on how to maintain the cat as healthy as possible.

• Schedule regular vet visits — While it may seem self-interested for a vet to discuss the importance of regular visits to a clinic, you know that
preventative care (including vaccinations) is much less expensive than treatment.

• Keep the pet on a healthy diet — There is a wide variety of pet foods on the market. Guide pet owners to a suitable balanced diet for their pet from a
manufacturer you trust.

• Keep an eye on the pet’s weight — While you may have an eye for the correct weight for a particular breed, many pet owners do not. Pet owners may feel
they are being kind by giving their pets a treat when often the extra calories are actually causing harm.

• Always make fresh, clean water available — As you know, the amount a pet is drinking can be a valuable aid in the diagnosis of disease. Ask your pet
owners to get to know what their pets normal drinking habits are so they will be able to report any changes.

• Keep pets active — Especially important for pets that spend much of their time indoors, daily playtime and exercise offer tremendous health benefits for
them and a terrific stress-reliever for their owner.

• Use grooming time to examine the pet — As you are assessing a cat or dog during a routine check-up, show the owner how to check for anything out of the
ordinary (wax build-up in ears, discharge from eyes, signs of injury or fleas, etc.) that could indicate a potential health problem. Encourage them to
look for these signs as part of their regular grooming routine.

• Don’t neglect tooth care — Show dog and cat owners how to use a finger brush or dental treats to help keep their pet’s teeth clean.

• Be aware of common household dangers — “Pet proofing” a home is more than removing valuables form low shelves or keeping hot drinks off the coffee table.
Talk to new pet owners about the ordinary dangers in their home, such as chocolate, certain plants, even string, rubber bands, or dental floss — anything
that could be easy to swallow and could cause intestinal blockages or strangulation.

• Never give a pet medications without being directed to by a veterinarian — Some pet owners may not realize that many human medications like pain
medications, cold medicine and even some vitamins can be toxic and even fatal to cats and dogs.

Additionally, there are some signs that can help us recognize when our cat is sick. Every unusual behavior, such as prolonged sleeping, changes in sleeping patterns, losing an appetite, drinking too little or too much water, irregularities in its stool, excessive grooming, dull and dry hair, etc., are warning signs that require action. It is, also, very important to notice some extremes in cat’s emotional behavior – the cat is hiding away in dark places or appears too aggressive. All of that can alarm us that our cat is suffering. In this case, going to the vet is not an option, but a necessity.