For people, the link between health and happiness is sacrosanct. That is, in order to be truly happy, we have to be healthy – and vice versa. The same is absolutely true for cats. Indeed, for them to be at their healthiest, attention to emotional wellbeing is critical. Likewise, to be considered “happy,” they need to have all the boxes checked in the health department.

Your cat’s health is a top priority at Schertz Animal Hospital. To that end, let’s celebrate Happy Cat Month with a refresher on cat health!

Making Cat Health a Priority

Every cat owner wants their feline to live a long and healthy life. Aside from creating a happy, cat-centric environment (like a catio, for instance), what are some other ways to support cat health?

• Maintain routine wellness exams. The importance of regular wellness visits cannot be overstated. As a way to keep your cat healthy, regular physicals can lead to the early detection of disease. Remember, cats age faster than humans, so it’s a good idea to have them seen twice a year once they reach the age of seven.

• Tackle disease prevention. Even strictly indoor cats should receive parasite prevention medication to protect them from Lyme disease, heartworm (a condition that’s fatal to cats), and other illnesses. Parasites can enter your home in a variety of ways, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

• Be sure to vaccinate. There are recommended vaccinations for all cats. Depending on lifestyle and risk of exposure, we may offer core and non-core vaccines for optimal protection.

• Provide a balanced diet. Ensure your cat’s diet meets all of their age-appropriate nutritional needs. An unbalanced diet can have severe ramifications for cat health and happiness. With obesity and diabetes on the rise, feeding your cat the right food (in the correct portions) is vital.

• Take care of those chompers! A majority of cats over the age of three have at least some form of periodontal disease. To mitigate this potentially painful condition, try brushing your cat’s teeth at home, and don’t skip out on routine professional cleanings.  

• Provide mental and physical stimulation. Strive to find the right toys for your cat (some like to chase while others like to pounce or ambush). Once you know their play style, you can provide the right outlet for enrichment. Keeping your cat engaged and active not only helps with mental acuity, it’s also great for maintaining a healthy weight.

• Stay up to date. There’s always something new to learn. Even bona fide pet experts are constantly expanding their knowledge base. We encourage you to continue reading our weekly blog and other pet care articles on the web.

• Maintain proper grooming. For sure, cats are masters at self-grooming, but that doesn’t mean they couldn’t use a little help once in awhile. Make sure you tend to their claws, ears, eyes, and, of course, their beautiful coat.  

• Always make time for snuggles! Not every cat likes to cuddle, and not all felines want to be held. But if your cat enjoys closeness, try to make time for them at least once a day. This is also an opportunity to inspect them for any parasites, lumps, bumps, abrasions, or bites.

• Make sure they’re not (always) alone. Cats have a reputation for being solitary creatures, but they do still benefit from social interaction with other animals, including other cats. Sure, introducing a new dog, hedgehog, or pot-bellied pig might be met with some resistance, but a happy cat is one who’s not constantly alone when you’re away from home.

If you have further questions about cat health and happiness, please let us know. We’re always here for you and your feline family member.