Dogs may be man’s best friend, but many animal lovers love keeping cats as pets because of the animal’s warm but independent spirit. There are steps you can take to keep your pet healthy and avoid problems or concerns. By using a combination of pet care, prevention and health products, you can ensure your cat’s company for many years.
There are two important ways that you can keep your cat healthy and happy. Scheduling annual vet checkups allows a professional to provide special care and attention to your cat. This allows the vet to keep up with the vaccinations and regular exams that felines require. Paying attention to any physical changes in your pet will give you a better idea of its 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 are petting or sitting with it. Take a quick look at the animal from nose to tail. It is smart to do this on a regular basis and on a set schedule, your pet will get used to it and you will not forget his daily check-up. Notify your vet if you discover any potential concerns. Start with your cat’s head. Are your eyes clear and alert? Are your ears pink and clean? Do the ears emit a pungent odor that seems abnormal? Have insects appeared as a thick, dark formation inside the cat’s ears? Do they have pink gums and healthy, clean and strong teeth? Does tartar reside along the gum line? Has your cat developed unpleasant breath?
Sit and gently inspect your pet’s body for any sores, lumps, swelling, bumps, scratches, parasites, or irregularities. Be on the lookout for flea dirt, which is similar in appearance to black pepper and appears red when moistened. 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 normal and what is not.
Brushing your cat regularly keeps him clean and tidy. Rubber brushes remove dead skin cells and loose hair. Combs that are specially designed for a cat help to remove fleas and small insects from its hair.
It is imperative to cut your cat’s claws regularly. When this is not done, a cat’s claws can grow into paw pads, which can lead to pain and infection. A vet will be happy to show you how to properly trim a cat’s claws in a way that does not harm the animal. While many people choose to have their cats’ nails removed, this is not the only way to eliminate scratching. It can also be very painful for the pet. Felines can be trained to scratch only in designated areas, such as a well-designed pole.
Cat owners should do as much research as possible about proper cat care. They should also have at least one book or brochure on emergency first aid. Familiarizing yourself with emergency procedures could possibly save your cat’s life. Do not try to treat your cat with any medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or supdrin. Many drugs intended for humans can be poisonous to cats.
