Mary Allen
Comprehensive and regular health care is also important for cats. In this way, diseases can be counteracted at an early stage and the cat can reach old age. You should pay attention to these 10 points when it comes to your cat’s health care.
Health care is important for cats of all ages. This is the only way diseases can be detected or prevented at an early stage. You can already check some important preventive points in the daily handling of the cat, for others you should consult the veterinarian regularly.
Daily Routine Check
Preventive care includes watching your cat closely. Changes in eating and drinking behavior, in defecation or urination as well as fatigue or personality changes such as sudden aggression, should always be taken seriously.
Daily Beauty Check
Personal hygiene should become a daily routine. Check coat changes, eyes, ears, and claws. Flea and tick infestations, inflammatory skin changes, or bald patches are most likely to be noticed when brushing and stroking.
Daily Tooth Ritual
Brushing your teeth should also be a daily ritual. Get your cat used to grooming early and be extremely gentle. Don’t force anything! Better to clean quickly and effectively than not at all. Never use human toothpaste!
Customized Feed Management
A balanced diet keeps your cat healthy and fit. When choosing food, pay attention to the composition, offer several watering holes, and ration meals. The latter is particularly important to prevent obesity that can make you sick.
Annual Check-Up Examination
Nobody likes going to the doctor, but the yearly check-up should still be on your cat’s schedule. She is thoroughly examined by the veterinarian: Among other things, her general and nutritional condition, heart, lungs, and teeth are assessed.
Annual Blood Test
In the case of older cats, in particular, a blood test is a good idea as part of the check-up to check the kidneys, liver, thyroid gland, and blood sugar. From the age of 8 years, the veterinary check-up should generally be done twice a year.
Annual Stool Sample
The droppings of indoor cats should be checked by a vet for worm eggs once a year. If the result is positive, deworming takes place. According to the ESCCAP guidelines, a monthly check-up is recommended for outdoor cats due to the increased risk of infection.
Individual Vaccinations
When it comes to vaccinations, it is important to consider the cat’s living conditions. Vaccinations are important and necessary, but not every vaccination makes the same sense for every cat. The veterinarian will advise you in this regard and draw up an individual vaccination schedule for your cat.
Alternate Support
Alternative methods such as homeopathy are said to help, among other things, to protect the immune system and prevent diseases. Although many cat owners are convinced of its effectiveness, not every preparation works equally well for every cat. Experts are needed here.
Regular Parasite Defense
Outdoor cats should have complete protection against ectoparasites – i.e. parasites that live on the skin, such as fleas, ticks, or mites. The duration of the effect of spot-on and Co. depends on the manufacturer. The veterinarian will recommend a preparation that is suitable for your cat.