Having a cat provides the best of both worlds when it comes to pet ownership. Prized for their ability to be fairly independent but also provide you with unlimited snuggles and cuddling, cats are ideal companions. However, one area that can get tricky when it comes to your four-legged friend is their ability to mask pain and illness. Unlike dogs who show their discomfort easily, cats are professionals at hiding ill health, and suddenly small problems can become full-blown emergencies. That’s why understanding how to monitor your cat’s health is imperative for anyone looking to adopt a kitty. If you’re thinking about adopting a cat or already own one, keep reading to learn how to keep an eye on your cat’s well-being to avoid a pet emergency.
Skin Irritation
Observing your cat’s skin condition is a critical part of maintaining their overall health. Cats have sensitive skin that can easily react to allergens, parasites, or underlying health conditions, often leading to dryness, inflammation, or irritation. Regular use of cat wipes can greatly assist in this task. Enriched with oatmeal and aloe vera, these wipes can soothe irritated skin and alleviate dryness, while their witch hazel content can help reduce inflammation. They’re fragrance-free and gentle, leaving no residue and causing no sting, making them ideal for daily use even on your cat’s sensitive skin. By incorporating these wipes into your cat’s grooming routine, you can effectively monitor and maintain the health of their skin.
Be sure to get info on cat mites and how to treat them, as these tiny creatures can wreak havoc on your cat’s skin and overall health. It’s important to regularly check your cat’s skin for any signs of infestation and consult with your veterinarian for proper treatment.
Moody Blues
In the same way a human being’s behavior changes when they’re not feeling well, so does a cat’s mood. That’s why you must check in with your vet if you notice any serious behavior shifts. We’re not talking about a cat being reactive to scary or stressful situations at the moment. If your cat is sleeping more than usual or overall lethargic, it’s worth ruling out illness with your veterinarian. Additionally, if your cat is atypically aggressive, you want to ensure nothing is causing him pain, making him lash out more often.
Litter Box Issues
A common health concern for cats is a urinary tract infection. Knowing cat UTI symptoms is important for all cat parents. Symptoms of a cat suffering from a urinary tract infection are straining to urinate, urinating in small amounts, and more frequent trips to the litter box to try and urinate. When a UTI has gotten out of hand, you may even discover blood in your cat’s litter box, or your cat is meowing in pain when they’re trying to potty. While we all need privacy in the bathroom, including our cats, just like we notice changes in our children, we notice them in our pets. If your cat is exhibiting UTI symptoms, get them to their veterinarian immediately, these illnesses can go from uncomfortable to fatal quickly in cats.
Dental Details
Did you know that the health of your teeth and gums is a strong indicator of your overall health and can also impact your health as a human? Well, the same is true for our feline counterparts. While it’s much easier to brush other types of pet’s teeth, like dogs, it’s still paramount that you’re taking a regular peek at your kitty’s smile. Be gentle as you look, as cats need more TLC during handling than dogs, but gently lift up your cat’s teeth and make sure her gums are healthy and pink. If you notice any broken, infected teeth or even tartar buildup, it’s a great idea to schedule a cleaning with their vet. Infected teeth or gums can lead to cardiovascular or kidney issues in your cat.
Weight Watchers
Maintaining a healthy weight is important no matter the species. Making sure your cat is not under, or overweight can go far in keeping them healthy and living a long and comfortable life. While some cats are capable of not gorging themselves through free feeding, other cats need to be on a schedule to make sure they’re not overindulging and packing on unhealthy pounds. If you’re feeding your cat a healthy diet on a set schedule and they’re still dealing with weight issues, your veterinarian can help you rule out any issues that may be causing the weight. Regular play with your cat and keeping them active is another way to make sure they’re in their target weight range. Sure, few things are cuter than a fat, happy, and napping cat, but moderation is key, like everything else in life.
Knowing how to monitor your cat’s health is a cornerstone of responsible pet ownership. Once you know what to look out for and get into the routine of checking these areas, you can rest easy knowing your cat is in good hands with you. Additionally, catching problems early is better as you can nip them in the bud before they become bigger health issues. Start watching the above-mentioned areas where your cat is concerned and look forward to many years of sweet snuggles!
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