Editor
Most of us know that cats are prone to getting sick and need more vet checkups than dogs. But that doesn’t mean we should be complacent about their health and just hope for the best. As responsible pet owners, we need to make sure our cats stay healthy all year by taking preventive steps.
For a couple of reasons, cats are more vulnerable to contracting diseases than dogs. Firstly, their natural instincts as hunters can put them at risk of eating rodents, birds or bugs that could have parasites or bacteria in them.
Their smaller noses also make it harder for them to smell potential threats from diseases as easily as dogs do. Let’s take a look at some tips on how you can help prevent your cat from getting sick:
Table Of Contents
- Easy Ways to Keep Your Cat Healthy
- Feed A Nutritious Diet
- Keep Up with Vaccinations
- Always Wear Gloves When Handling Cats
- Clean Your Cat's Environment
- Get Your Cat Out and About More
- How to Prevent Diseases in Cats
- Symptoms of a Cold in Cats
- Signs of Parasites
- Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms
- Signs of Kidney Disease
- Signs of a Foreign Body in Cat's Stool
- Signs of Kidney Disease
- Frequently Asked Questions
14 Simple Ways How to Keep Your Cat Healthy
Cats are easier to care for than other pets, but there are a few things you should do to keep your cat fit and active. The following is a comprehensive list of simple ways to keep your cat healthy:
Feed A Nutritious Diet
The first and most important thing you can do as a responsible cat owner is to feed your cat a well-balanced diet. Feeding your cat the right diet is important to prevent them from getting sick.
Cats are naturally prey animals, and their digestive systems are designed for eating small animals. When you feed your cat a diet that is too high in carbohydrates, fat, and protein, their intestinal bacteria are changed, and this can lead to an increased chance of them getting an infection.
Make sure that you feed your cat a diet that is low in carbohydrates, protein, and fat. In addition, make sure to feed your cat an appropriate species-appropriate diet. For example, a cat that is fed a diet that is designed for dogs is more likely to get sick than a cat fed a diet designed for cats.
Keep Up With Vaccinations
When it comes to your cat’s health and preventing them from getting sick, the most important thing you can do is to keep up with their vaccinations. Many diseases are caused by a combination of two organisms.
One organism causes the disease, while the other organism is needed to cause the disease to become harmful. For example, your cat could be sick because they have a virus but they also have a bacteria that makes them sick. When your cat is sick with a virus, you can still protect them from getting the bacteria that makes them sick by vaccinating them.
By vaccinating your cat, you are giving them a shield that will protect them from getting their immune system so weakened that they can get a bacterial infection.
Always Wear Gloves When Handling Your Cat
When you are helping your cat clean themselves, using a damp towel or using a cat wipe, you must always wear gloves. Cats are notorious for getting urinary tract infections and other bacteria and parasites from using the wrong cleaning tools.
When you are cleaning your cat, make sure that you wear gloves that are designed for cleaning both humans and animals. Use a disinfectant that is effective against both bacteria and fungi. Make sure to follow the instructions on the bottle and allow the product to fully dry before handling your cat again.
Clean Your Cat’s Environment Frequently
The bacteria, parasites, and viruses that make up your cat’s environment can affect their health. When you clean your cat’s environment, you decrease the amount of harmful bacteria and viruses that can be transferred to your cat. Clean your cat’s environment frequently.
This does not need to be done every day, but you should do it at least once a week. This can be done with a simple cleaning solution and wipes. You can also clean your cat’s litter box with the same cleaning solution and wipes that you use for your other cleanings.
Get Your Cat Out And About More
The best way to prevent your cat from getting sick is to get them out and about more. Spending more time with your cat and exposing them to different bacteria and viruses will help to build up your cat’s immune system.
This provides them with a shield against diseases. A lot of people think that cats have weak immune systems and that they can’t handle the same level of germs as humans. This is not true at all. In fact, cats’ immune systems are stronger than humans’ immune systems.
The problem is that cats spend most of their time indoors, and this means that they don’t get exposed to many different bacteria and viruses. Getting them out and about will help to boost your cat’s immunity.
How to Prevent Diseases in Cats and Pets
One of the best ways to prevent your cat from getting sick is to be proactive about its health. Check for early signs of colds, urinary tract infections, parasites, and kidney disease. Routine diagnostic tests are usually recommended by veterinarians to rule out any complications.
Routine tests include a complete blood count (CBC) to determine the total number of red and white blood cells in your cat's blood as well as serum biochemistry, which helps determine how healthy or unhealthy your cat's internal organs are. Your veterinarian may also recommend chest X-rays to rule out pneumonia and other diseases.
Symptoms of a Cold in Cats
If your cat is showing the signs of a cold, visit a veterinarian immediately. While mild cases of colds usually clear up on their own, more serious cases may require antibiotics and supplemental oxygen.
If you suspect your kitty is suffering from a secondary bacterial infection, your veterinarian can prescribe antibiotic eye drops or a course of subcutaneous fluids. In serious cases, your vet may suggest a series of tests to find out what kind of virus or bacteria is making your cat sick.
One of the most common symptoms of a cat's cold is sneezing. Sneezing is a sign of a bacterial infection and can be transmitted to other cats. This is especially true for outdoor cats. If your cat spends a lot of time outside, keep its home at a comfortable temperature to keep it from getting sick and spreading germs.
If your cat has a nose that frequently stuffs up, wipe its nose with a wet cloth to clean the nasal area. Alternatively, you can use cotton wool soaked in warm water. In addition, if your cat has a watery eye, wipe its eyes with a saline solution and gauze pads.
Your vet can diagnose a cat's cold very quickly. This is because cold symptoms are usually clear and easy to spot, but sometimes a veterinary examination is necessary to determine the type of pathogens.
The vet may perform a swab of the cat's mucus membranes to detect any bacteria or viruses. They may also run a blood test to detect antibodies to viruses or bacteria.
Cat colds are highly contagious. They are most often transmitted through direct contact with other cats. However, they can be transmitted through water as well. In addition, outdoor cats are at a higher risk than indoor cats.
Signs of Parasites
Signs of parasites in cats can be very subtle and are not always noticeable. While a cat may not show any physical symptoms, inactiveness or fever are common signs. If your cat is not acting like his normal self, they may have intestinal worms or parasites.
These parasites can cause numerous health problems in cats, including vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid weight loss. They may also cause your cat to lose weight and develop skin and hair conditions. Parasites can cause your cat to lose weight or get chronic kidney disease if they are not treated.
Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite in cats. They have a long flat body with a small head and segments filled with eggs. The adult worm lives in the small intestine.
The segments that are farthest from the head break off and pass into feces. These parasites are more common in older cats than in younger cats.
Ticks can cause a variety of symptoms in cats, including scratching or biting, in addition to the symptoms noted above. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately. The good news is that intestinal worms in cats are very easy to treat and most cats recover completely.
In addition to treating intestinal worms in cats, you can also take steps to prevent worms in cats. Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite found in cats, and they are usually more common in kittens than in adults.
Hookworms are another common parasite that can affect cats. Cats acquire them through their diets from infected fleas and small animals. The signs and symptoms of intestinal worms vary depending on which type of parasite you have and how many there are in your cat. In some cases, your cat may not show any signs at all.
Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms
Cats can display a number of signs of urinary tract disease. They may be restless, make frequent trips to the litter box, produce a small amount of urine or no urine at all, or pee in other places. While these symptoms don't always indicate a problem, they are worth noting.
If a cat displays these symptoms, it is important to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet will look at your pet's body and probably take a sample of urine for a urinalysis.
Antibiotics are generally prescribed before the infection progresses, and you should follow the instructions given by your vet. However, you should not stop taking the prescribed antibiotics if your cat seems to be improving. Repeat urine cultures may be necessary.
Urinary tract infections in cats are caused by a bacterial infection and can develop into a more serious condition if left untreated. These infections affect the urinary tract, which includes the urethra and bladder. They may also spread to the kidneys, which is known as pyelonephritis. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat these infections.
Treatment for urinary tract infections in cats usually involves an outpatient procedure. A veterinarian may administer subcutaneous fluids to rehydrate your cat and prescribe a short course of pain medications. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. A urinary tract infection can kill your cat if it has other health problems or is already sick.
Urinary tract disease can be difficult to diagnose. It has a variety of possible causes, but most commonly occurs as a result of an infection in the urinary tract. Cats with urinary tract disease may also have crystals or stones in their bladder, making it difficult to empty the bladder.
Untreated, FLUTD can be life-threatening and lead to chronic pain and discomfort. Signs of urinary tract disease in cats include urination difficulty and the urge to urinate frequently. Your cat may also be urinating in areas that are cool to the touch.
Signs of Kidney Disease
A cat with kidney failure will begin to drink a lot of water and urinate more often. It will lose its appetite and may also be lethargic. It will also be in pain due to the swelling in its kidneys. It may also exhibit restlessness and twitching. If the disease isn't caught in its early stages, it could get worse and lead to kidney failure.
Signs of kidney disease in cats may include vomiting, which can result from a buildup of toxins in the body. In addition, a cat with kidney disease may experience weight loss and poor coat quality. A veterinarian may prescribe medication to treat the symptoms. The goal of treatment is to prolong the life of your cat as long as possible.
The best way to detect kidney disease in cats is through routine wellness exams. A urine test can reveal a high protein level in the urine. Other signs of kidney disease include an increase in thirst and urination.
In the latter stages, gastrointestinal signs may also appear, including diarrhoea or poor appetite. Some animals may have no symptoms at all, but if you see one or more of these signs, it could be a sign of kidney disease.
There are various causes of kidney failure in cats, including infections, exposure to toxins, and a malfunction of the immune system. Regardless of the cause, if you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, you should visit a veterinarian immediately. The right diagnosis will allow you to start treatment immediately.
Some common signs of kidney disease in cats include increased urination and water intake. Cats with kidney failure may also experience metabolic problems and loss of nutrients through urine. In addition, elevated blood pressure and clotting disorders can damage organ function.
Signs of a Foreign Body in a Cat's Stool
If you have noticed your cat has an abnormally large and thick stool, you should consult your veterinarian. They can help you determine the cause of the foreign body and offer dietary recommendations. They may also prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. In severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend an anti-parasitic medication.
There are many possible causes of this condition, but the most common is a digestive foreign body. A foreign object may be stuck in the small intestine, causing bloating or vomiting. It can also cause pain, irritation, or a partial blockage. The vet will look at your cat and take x-rays to figure out what is wrong.
Foreign bodies can be non-food items such as balls, toys, bones, and pantyhose. The movements of a cat's intestines aren't strong enough to move these objects, so they "crawl up" and get stuck in the intestines.
When a foreign body is found in a cat's stool, the first symptoms to look for are:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Some cats may even become quite ill and require urgent medical attention. A veterinarian can also check for other signs of illness, such as lethargy, depression, or vomiting.
They may also examine your cat's abdominal region for firm feces. In severe cases, an abdominal x-ray or ultrasonography may be necessary. A colonoscopy may also be necessary to determine the cause of the blockage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to keep your cat healthy?
- Feed them a diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates
- Make sure they have plenty of fresh water to drink
- Keep their environment clean and free of harmful things
How do I keep my indoor cat healthy?
- Feed your cat regularly and give them the right type of food
- clean their litter box regularly and offer fresh water
- keep them indoors to avoid parasites and other diseases that can be spread outdoors
What are the 10 needs of a cat?
- Fresh water
- Fresh food
- Shelter
- Company
- Taming
- Attention
- Exercise
- Territoriality
- Play
- Private & personal space
- A litter boxes
- A scratching post
What keeps a cat happy?
A cat's favorite things to do include playing, scratching, and being around people. Cats like to be groomed and petted, and they love to be the center of attention.
Providing them with a comfortable sleeping area and enough toys to play with will keep them entertained and happy.
How do I know my cat is happy?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as cats are notoriously difficult to read. However, some Tips on How to Tell if Your Cat Is Happy includes watching for behavioural changes such as less hiding or meowing, increased playtime and activity levels, and a more contented appearance.
Additionally, you can try playing different sounds near your cat in hope that he/she will respond favourably. Just don't expect too much – although cats do seem to appreciate happy noises!
Cats are known for their expressive faces, so it can be tough to understand what they're really feeling. However, by watching your cat while they're playing and interacting with them regularly, you'll be able to get a good sense of how they're doing.
If your cat is behaving passively or seems stressed out, it might be time to call the vet. Plus, other tell-tale signs that your cat may not be happy include hiding away from people or animals, losing energy/weight, being irritable/restless, and showing aggression towards both people and other cats. - FB
Conclusion
Before you get too worried about keeping your cat healthy, remember that the vast majority of cats are perfectly healthy. However, there are some things that you can do to prevent your kitty from getting sick. Feed your cat a healthy diet. Keep up with vaccinations. Always wear gloves when handling your cat. Clean your cat’s environment frequently. Get your cat out and about more. These tips will help to ensure that your cat stays healthy all year long. - Bukit Besi Blog