Body + Mind is reader-supported. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through some of the links on our site.
Cats hold a special place in your heart, so you want to ensure they are as healthy as possible. You know how to meet the basic needs of your pets, but what other health tips are available for cats? Here are some cat health tips to ensure you do everything possible for your furry feline friends.
Cats benefit from brushing even though they keep themselves relatively clean. When you comb or brush your cat’s hair, it can remove dead hair from their coat, so they don’t inhale it while they groom themselves.
You can also brush your cat’s teeth to remove tartar and protect them from ingesting the bacteria and it traveling into their bloodstream. If your cat doesn’t let you brush its teeth, you can schedule an annual cleaning at a vet’s office. Regularly grooming your cat can also remind you to check them for any lumps or sore spots that cause concern.
You should spay or neuter your cat as soon as they are old. Spaying or neutering your cat can extend their life span, reduce its risk of cancer and improve its overall health. When female cats are in heat, they are very uncomfortable and can get pregnant at an extremely young age.
Giving birth to multiple litters is very stressful for your feline and adds to the growing population of unwanted cats. Male cats are more likely to fight when they aren’t neutered, which puts them at risk for transmitting diseases.
Ensure that your cats always have fresh water available. Cats drink much less than dogs, but their bodies require sufficient hydration for their vital organs. Cats are picky and value cleanliness, so be sure the water bowl is clean and free of debris or lint so they’ll drink from it.
Set the water bowl in a safe place, away from things that make loud noises, like your washer and dryer. Cats don’t like high-anxiety situations or change, so try not to move their bowls once they get used to them begins somewhere. Dehydration can be a symptom of thyroid problems in your furry friends. Signs of dehydration in cats include sunken eyes, frequent vomiting or diarrhea, dry gums and increased skin tenting.
Multiple litter boxes can ensure that your cat will use the bathroom in their designated space. Cats are keen on cleanliness, so if you skip a couple of days of cleaning, they are likely to urinate elsewhere. Cats are picky by nature, so you might have to experiment with different cat litter before you settle on one for your feline.
Kitties are also territorial so if you have multiple cats, ensure you have multiple litter boxes. They typically don’t like to share and can act out by scratching furniture or peeing on shoes or clothing to express their feelings. Assess their behavioral issues by taking them to the vet. Refusal to use a litter box can mean that your cat has a medical condition that requires treatment.
You want your furry friends to be with you as long as possible. Unfortunately, pets don’t live as long as you’d like them to, but you can ensure that they stay as healthy as they can while in your care! These cat health tips can help prevent illness and keep your cats healthy for as long as possible.
