Ways to Keep Your Cat Healthy

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8 Easy Ways to Keep Your Cat Healthy

We want all the secrets to a long life, right? So does your cat! Here are eight easy ways to keep your cat healthy:

#1: Provide a balanced and nutritious diet

Cats require a specific balance of nutrients in their diet, including protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The most important of all the ways to keep your cat healthy:

  • Offer your cat a high-quality commercial cat food or a diet that is nutritionally balanced.
  • Feed age-appropriate food for kittens, adults, or seniors
  • Update your veterinarian on ALL the specific food brands and types your cats eat, along with frequent treat brands and types

#2: Keep your cat hydrated

Next, cats need plenty of fresh water in different locations around your home to stay hydrated. Proper hydration lowers blood pressure, aids digestion, and increases energy:

  • Always have a clean and accessible water bowl available for your cat
  • Try leaving a bath faucet dripping as a “live” water source
  • Add a tablespoon of water to their wet food to get more moisture in their diet
  • Keep one or more water fountains running in your home

#3: Provide regular exercise and mental stimulation

Cats are naturally curious and active animals, and they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to minimize destructive behaviors and to stay happy. A happy cat is a healthy cat:

  • Provide your cat with plenty of toys and opportunities for play and exploration
  • Set aside time daily for regular play sessions with you
  • Offer “play stations” of different heights and textures

#4: Keep your cat’s litter box clean every day

Don’t let a dirty litter box lead to health problems for your cat like urinary tract infections, feline stress, and recurring cat accidents around the house. A clean litterbox is vital to keep your cat healthy:

  • Clean your cat’s litter box at least once a day
  • Provide multiple boxes if you have multiple cats
  • Buy new litterboxes annually

#5: Regularly groom your cat

Grooming is important for cats to maintain healthy skin and fur, and to remove loose hair and debris. Regular brushing and combing reduces shedding and reduces hairballs. Regular nail clipping keeps nails from harming your cat’s paws or your furniture. Regular teeth and ear cleaning help prevent disease and premature death.

  • Use a brush for general hair removal and mat prevention
  • Try a “glove” mitt brush for massage and brushing together
  • Use a comb for sensitive areas around toes and head where a brush is too large
  • Find a cat-friendly groomer to help your kitty with mat prevention, nails, and ears.

#6: Protect your cat from parasites

Fleas, ticks, worms – all cause serious health problems for your cat and even more for your home and family members.

  • Talk to your veterinarian about the best way to protect your cat from these pests
  • Know your choices for topical medicines vs. oral medicines
  • Ask your vet about a combination heartwork and flea preventive
  • Be sure to follow the sintructions and timing
  • Keep a calendar or set up recurring appointments every time medication is to be given.

#7: Keep your cat indoors

Indoor cats are generally healthier and safer than outdoor cats, as they are protected from dangers such as cars, other animals, and diseases. In urban and suburban areas, cats should be indoors all the time. If you do allow your cat to go outside, make sure to keep them supervised and provide them with a safe and secure outdoor enclosure, like a screen porch or catio.

  • Talk to your veterinarian about the best way to protect your cat from these pests
  • Know your choices for topical medicines vs. oral medicines
  • Ask your vet about a combination heartworm and flea preventive
  • Be sure to follow the instructions and timing
  • Keep a calendar or set up recurring appointments every time medication is to be given.

#8: Regularly visit the veterinarian

Last, visit the vet to keep your cat healthy! Cats can hide pain and problems pretty well, so maintain a relationship with a veterinarian who knows your cat.

  • Schedule an annual preventive care visit
  • Regular checkups, vaccines, and bloodwork are essential for maintaining your cat’s health
  • Know who to contact in case of emergency: your regular vet after-hours, or an emergency 24-hour vet in your area

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