Whether you have one cat or three or a kitten or an older cat, you will naturally want to provide the very best for your cat and to make sure they are happy and well looked after.
So, with this being said, if you are planning on adopting a cat in the near future or else already own a cat, then either way, you have come to the right place. Here are four key ways to ensure your cat lives a long and healthy life.
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1. Monitor Their Weight Carefully
As with any animal, their weight needs to be carefully monitored, as being overweight means they are substantially more susceptible to issues with walking and self cleaning.
The best way to make sure your cat maintains a healthy weight is to feed them the right proportions of wet and dry food and keep tasty yet calorific treats to a minimum. If you neglect to control your cat’s weight, it could lead to the following health problems:
- Kidney Disease
- Insulin Resistance
- Heart Disease
- A Reduced Life Expectancy
2. Ensure They Are Spayed or Neutered
Another incredible component of a happy and healthy cat is to ensure that male cats have been neutered and that female cats have been spayed.
Contact a veterinary practice, such as saltwateranimalhospital.com (a clinic with operations in Normandy Park and other WA areas, for example) and book an appointment for your cat to be seen by the vet if you are unsure as to whether they are currently neutered or spayed (if you rescued your cat, for example) or indeed to have your cat sterilized if they aren’t already. That said, they must be at the right age for neutering or spaying, which your vet will be able to advise about.
3. Encourage Them to Use a Scratching Post
If you have recently, or indeed plan to soon, bring a kitten or two home, then one of the most crucial elements of getting them accustomed to their new forever home is to train them to use a scratching post.
A scratching post is a key component of a home conducive to sharing with a kitten or cat, as not only will this give them the space they need to stretch their arm and leg muscles, keep their paws healthy and keep their claws in excellent condition, it will also keep your furniture from getting ruined.
4. Clean the Litter Box Every Day
There are a host of reasons why you need to clean your cat’s litter box out thoroughly each and every day (as well as ensuring they have access to fresh and clean water at all times, not least because flies and mites can gather in the tray.
Moreover, if your cat starts to refuse to go outside the litter box, this could mean there is a medical issue, and you should absolutely contact your vet.
5. Always Use a Cat Carrier in the Car
The fifth and final way to ensure your cat lives a happy and healthy life is to invest in a high-quality and sturdy cat carrier and one which has plenty of room for your cat to stretch and lie down.
Not only is a free-roaming cat a huge distraction when you are driving, but you need to ensure your cat feels safe and secure in the car, and the best way to do this is to always use a carrier.