Keeping Your Cat Healthy

Our feline pals are certainly very popular pets, and with good reason. Fluffy is cute, cuddly, clean, and quite hilarious. She’s also a fairly easy keeper. However, just like any other pet, cats can be afflicted by illness or injury. Read on as a Lakeville, MN vet offers tips on keeping Fluffy healthy.

Don’t Let Fluffy Roam

We know, many kitties love going outdoors. However, Fluffy will be much safer staying inside. As soon as your pet sets her cute little paws outside, she is exposed to dangers posed by cars, weather, predators, and other kitties.

Veterinary Care

Keeping up with Fluffy’s veterinary care is very important. We recommend that all cats be microchipped, spayed or neutered, and kept current on their exams, vaccinations, and parasite control products. In between visits, watch for signs of illness. Some common ones include hiding, poor grooming, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in appetite, respiratory issues, and unusual behavior or vocalizations. Sudden weight gain or loss, as mentioned above, is also a red flag. Call your vet immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.

Monitor Your Cat’s Weight

One of the easiest ways to keep tabs on your kitty’s health is to weigh her regularly. Losing or gaining a few pounds can be very significant to our feline friends. You may not have much luck getting Fluffy onto the scale, so your best bet may be to weigh yourself first, and then pick up your pet and weigh yourself again.

Offer Good Food

Proper nutrition is a crucial cornerstone of a good cat care regimen. Offer Fluffy a high-quality, nourishing brand of food. Ask your vet for specific advice, including portion sizes, recommended supplements, and suitable treats. Fill your cat’s bowls at the same time every day. This will help you monitor her food and water intake.

Pay Attention To The Litterbox

Dirty litterboxes are not only both smelly and unsightly, they also harbor dangerous bacteria. Keep your kitty’s purrsonal powder room clean by scooping it daily and changing the litter frequently. When you are cleaning Fluffy’s bathroom, keep an eye out for changes in the color, amount, odor, or texture of her waste. This can be symptomatic of some very serious medical issues. Consult your vet immediately if you notice anything amiss.

Please contact us, your Lakeville, MN vet clinic, for your cat’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!