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Most of the time, to keep your cat healthy all you really need
to do is give him shelter, good food, and plenty of water.
Sadly, no matter how good the care, occasionally your cat may
become ill.
As a cat owner, you’ll want to ensure that your cat
is fed only the best. Premium cat food is best for cats, and is
usually available at your vet's office. Ask the vet to
recommend the best food for your breed of cat.
You will also
want to pay attention to your cat's behavior. Changes from
his normal behavior may indicate he is
sick and needs to have a visit with the vet.
Most of the more common
ailments and sicknesses are minor, there are some instances where a vet can be the
deciding factor between the life and death
of your cat.
Your cat’s behavior is one crucial factor
when you are trying to determine whether or not he is feeling
poorly. Acting sluggish, lack of
energy and not eating are all signs that you need to take him to
the vet immediately. A ravenous appetite without
accompanying weight gain or unexplainable weight loss also
warrant a vet visit.
Your cat's coat can also give clues to your
cat's health. If his coat becomes dull and patchy or you notice him
shedding abnormally, you and your kitty should pay a visit to your vet.
Diarrhea and vomiting can sometimes occur due to hairballs or
rich treats. However, if either symptom persists for more than a day, contact
your veterinarian.
Coughing is common when a cat needs to dislodge hairballs.
These are usually short fits that produce a mess on your floor. If your cat
is coughing for a full day or more, you should have him checked out as
soon as possible.
To protect your cat from various diseases, make sure to keep up
to date with his
vaccinations. Several diseases can be prevented by vaccinations, including rabies,
feline leukemia, and feline distemper.
Feline
distemper is one of most devastating diseases a cat can get. The disease
strikes cats quickly and leaves little
time to seek treatment.
Feline leukemia is another horrible (and fatal) disease that can
be prevented with a vaccination. The disease is highly
communicable among cats. Be careful to prevent exposure of
your cat to other cats you know have feline leukemia.
A frequent problem with outdoor cats is worms. There are several
different types of worms, including ringworm, heartworm, and hookworm.
Worms
can come from fleas, lice, or the organs of dead rodents
that cats catch and consume. Your vet can recommend a
regular worm prevention treatment schedule and product for your
outdoor cat.
If you take care of your cat, chances are he will stay healthy for
many years. Feed your pet quality food, and keep up on scheduled checkups
with the vet. Be sure to get your pet all the proper vaccinations when
they are required to protect him from numerous pests
and diseases. Taking good care of your cat now will
help him stay healthy in the future.
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