17/10/2022
What are some great ways to care for your cat?
1. Regular visits to your veterinarian.
2. Prepare your cat to see the veterinarian by leaving the carrier out where your cat spends a lot of time. Leave treats, toys, bedding or cloths with your smell on them inside. This will hopefully cause your cat less stress upon the visit to the veterinarian.
3. Vaccinations are a must. Different vaccines are given depending on the lifestyle of your pet, so let your veterinarian help you determine what is required.
4. Cats (especially outdoor cats) are at risk of fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms. Even indoor cats can be at risk because parasites can be carried into the home by you, visitors, or even other pets in the home. Fleas are the most common parasite affecting cats and that can lead to tapeworms. Also if your cat likes to hunt then internal parasites can also be a problem.
5. In some instances cats can carry a disease or parasite back to you (this is called a zoonotic disease). While rare, it is important to protect yourself by keeping your cat up to date on vaccines, using flea and tick control, clean the litter box out weekly with soap and water and wash hands when handling it (pregnant women should never clean a liter box), wash hands or other area with soap and water if your are every bitten or scratched and keep your cats nails should always stay trimmed.
6. Feed a diet that is prepared for cats as they need a special diet to stay healthy. Always provide access to fresh water.
7. If your cat has bad breath, unwillingness to eat, weight loss and excessive drooling they may have dental problems. Your veterinarian will perform an oral exam once yearly to help head off any trouble.
8. Cats prefer big litter boxes in quiet, low traffic locations away from their food and water. Scoop the litter box twice daily and wash weekly. If you have more then one cat you may need more then one box.
9. Cats need stimulation and enrichment to prevent obesity and boredom. Cats should be encouraged to use a scratching post .
10. Cats are very curious and "sample" many things with their mouth. Be aware of plants, dangerous food, and household dangers.