5 tips to keep cats healthy

As a cat parent, you will always want what is best for your fur baby. With plenty of tips and tricks out there, we’ve narrowed down five things you can implement into your routine to improve your cat’s quality of life.  We hope you find these tips useful in caring for your fur baby.  

Provide regular veterinary care  

Routine veterinary checkups are important in any furry friend’s life. Cats are great at hiding their pain, along with any signs of illness, which may lead you to believe there is no cause for concern. And while there may not be, it is still important to get your companion animal checked regularly. Early symptoms of disease are often subtle and difficult to notice, especially for older cats, when these signs may even be misinterpreted changes associated with aging.   

For more tips on making your cat’s visit to the vet Fear Free, check out this blog. 

Have supervised outdoor time and keep up with vaccinations  

Cats are known to be independent animals. While they can certainly benefit from supervised outdoor time, it is important to ensure that you are taking all necessary precautions before opening any doors for your feline friend.  

Remember that although your cat lives indoors, they are still susceptible to fleas and other parasites. Fleas can easily make their way indoors, attaching onto clothing or through tiny openings in screens and doors. The same can be said for mosquitoes, which can potentially expose your cat to heartworms. Other pets, like dogs, also have the potential to pass along illnesses and fleas.  

Speak with your veterinarian about the best parasite prevention for your cat and ensure they are up to date on all necessary vaccinations.   

Encourage healthy habits for a healthy weight  

Obesity is one of the most common problems veterinarians diagnose in cats. Obesity often leads to greater health complications including skin, joint, heart and urinary diseases, tumors, metabolic disorders, inflammation, respiratory dysfunction and more. Studies reveal that cats with excess weight may also live shorter lives. Ensure you are choosing the right diet for your cat and they are getting exercise regularly.  

 For more on obesity in cats, visit our blog, Three hidden costs of animal obesity.  

Learn more about encouraging healthy habits for a healthy weight, here!  

Prioritize their oral care  

It may not be an easy task to get your cat to hold still while you brush their teeth, but their oral care is particularly important. Dental disease is common in cats over the age of three. With lots of patience and some conditioning, many cats may tolerate teeth brushing with a pet-safe toothpaste. Speak with your veterinarian about the best options to help keep your cat’s mouth healthy and pain free.  

For more on dental health tips for pets, read our blog.   

Spay or neuter to prevent pet overpopulation   

The ongoing pet overpopulation issue is a direct result of animals left unaltered, resulting in thousands of homeless animals across the province who end up in shelters, or on the streets. Spaying and neutering are straightforward medical procedures with many health benefits, including a reduction in the risk of developing certain cancers and illnesses.  

By eliminating the drive to reproduce, spaying or neutering can eliminate unwanted behaviours such as aggression, the desire to wander or escape, and inappropriate urination or marking.  

Find a local veterinarian in your area. 

If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need.