5 Simple Ways To Monitor Fluffy’s Health
Cats have a reputation for being quite independent. After all, Fluffy is a fierce predator in the wild! However, just like any other animal, kitties can be vulnerable to illness and disease. Unfortunately, our feline pals tend to be rather secretive when they don’t feel well, and often try to mask signs of illness. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to your pet, and watch for warning signs. Here, a local Lakeville, MN veterinarian lists some ways to track your furball’s health.
Veterinary Care
First and foremost, make sure your kitty sees the vet regularly. Even if Fluffy is an indoor cat and an only pet, she’ll still need regular checkups. This is very important, because exams greatly increase the chances of medical issues being detected early on. The sooner an issue is diagnosed and treated, the better!
Regular Weigh-Ins
A sudden gain or loss of weight can be indicative of medical issues. With cats, even a loss or gain of a few pounds can be significant. It isn’t always easy to tell if Fluffy has gained or lost, though, especially if she is, well, fluffy. Weighing your furball regularly will help you monitor changes in her weight. (Tip: weigh yourself first, then pick up your furry pal and weigh yourself again. The difference between the two numbers is your kitty’s weight.)
Feeding Schedule
A sudden increase or decrease of food or water intake is often a red flag with cats. Keep Fluffy on a set schedule for her meals, and refill her water bowls at the same time each day. This will help you keep track of how much your furball is eating and drinking.
Litterbox Monitoring
Changing the litterbox isn’t the best part of having a kitty, but it is necessary. When you clean Fluffy’s litterbox, look for changes in the amount, texture, color, or smell of her waste. You may also want to ask your vet about using litter that will change colors if certain problems are detected.
Watch For Symptoms
Between veterinary appointments, watch for signs of illness. Some common ones are hiding; poor grooming; uncharacteristic behavior or vocalizations; fever; lethargy; vomiting; diarrhea; and respiratory issues. Call your vet immediately if you notice any of these issues.
Please reach out to us, your Lakeville, MN vet clinic, for all your cat’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!