Preventative Care for Your Cat – Keeping Your Cat Healthy

Domestic cats are well known for their habit of leading long lives. With cats living well into their teens and beyond, it can cause some cat owners to consider their cat’s health less than they might. But this is never a wise decision. Though cats like to take care of themselves, without good knowledge of cat care and a little bit of prevention your cat may end up with a debilitating disease or condition.

There are a number of diseases that are specific to cats that a new pet owner or one who has not had a cat before may not be familiar. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, certain skin conditions, and others are all forces conspiring against a healthy cat.
Vaccinations are any pet owner’s first defense against disease and illness. When you have brought your kitten home for the first time you should schedule a visit to the veterinarian for a kitten check up. Though your cat might be in perfect health, this is an excellent opportunity to discuss with your vet all of the aspects of cat care which you might be uncertain of. Your veterinarian will also tell you when it is wise to bring the cat back for vaccinations and to be spayed. While spaying may not cut down on disease, a spayed cat is much less likely to get into trouble with other cats.

Kittens should be taken to the vet early in their life for preventative care.

Regular check ups and care are the best defense a pet owner can mount for their pet. As your cat grows, you will get an idea of how your cat should look and act. If anything changes, noticing this change, even subconsciously could save your cat’s life. Keep an eye on your cat’s teeth. Dental care is an oft overlooked aspect of maintaining a pet’s health and a dental problem can quickly develop into an oral infection which can kill quite easily as the heart and mouth are linked very closely.

Grooming should also be thought of as good preventative care. While cats like to groom themselves, grooming your cat regularly will help keep her coat and skin healthy and will keep her free from developing matted fur. Regular grooming can also help to identify and prevent skin conditions and will reveal sores, and other problems.

A flea collar or other treatment will also help your cat avoid having to deal with the problem of fleas and even ticks which can cause a great deal of discomfort and are also known to carry a variety of diseases.