Cat Preventive Care
How to Prevent Illness in Cats
Many owners underestimate the importance of routine veterinary care for cats. They may wait several years to bring their cats to the vet for check-ups. Worse, they sometimes wait until their cat is sick. It’s understandable that people would want to avoid putting their cats through the stress of a veterinary visit. Some cats become very anxious or even aggressive at the vet. Rather than waiting, try to find a veterinary practice that is less stressful for your cat. Many feline-friendly practices are out there, some even cat-only practices.
Alternatively, you may consider finding a mobile vet who can come to your home. Many cats do better in a familiar environment. (If you live in Las Vegas, All About Purrs can recommend a mobile vet to you.)
Annual Veterinary Exams
Annual veterinary exams are essential for cats. Senior cats can benefit from biannual check-ups and routine lab work. These visits give the vet an opportunity to examine your cat when he appears healthy. The vet may find minor abnormalities on the exam (or lab work) that indicate a minor problem before your cat gets really sick. Early detection might mean you and your vet can take action before the illness becomes serious. (This can save you money in the long run as well as add years to your cats life.)
It is important to also watch for early signs of illness. Cats are very good at hiding pain and illness so you may not be aware of it until your cat has been sick for some time. Here are the signs to be aware of so you can bring your cat in for treatment.
Feeding a Healthy Diet
You can also keep your cat as healthy as possible by feeding a healthy diet. A healthy diet can help your cat avoid obesity and a wide array of other health issues. Many vets recommend wet diets high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Read more
Parasite Prevention
Be sure to use routine parasite prevention if recommended by your vet. This can prevent fleas, intestinal parasites, and other parasites from making your cat sick. In Las Vegas, we generally do not have to worry about fleas. However, when you first bring a cat home they will often carry intestinal parasites that need to be treated. A fecal test is highly recommended through your veterinarian to rule out or treat particular parasites.
Happy, Stress-Free Home
Provide a happy, low-stress home for your cat. Keep fresh water available at all times and plenty of clean, accessible litter boxes in your home. In smaller homes or multiple-cat homes, provide vertical space like cat trees and wall shelves. For more information on a basic cat care essentials, click here.
