Feline Health

Vaccines

• One of the first things you should do when you acquire a new pet is to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian. The veterinarian will examine the cat to determine its current state of health. If any underlying health conditions are found he will then determine the proper course of treatment. Your cat will also receive the vaccines it needs to protect it against diseases. The veterinarian will schedule appointments for subsequent visits as needed.

Diet and Nutrition

• Feeding your cat a healthy diet that provides adequate nutrition is necessary for your pet's good health. A diet that lacks proper nutrients can cause a host of health problems, such as dry, dull coat, hair loss and impaired vision. Many people believe that all pet foods are created equally. They aren't. Many pet foods are made up of by products that have little or no nutritional value. People often mistakenly believe that the most expensive brand is the healthiest but this is not necessarily true. Read labels and look at the amount of corn meal and other fillers that are included in the food. You will want to purchase a brand with less fillers and more nutritional food sources. Taurine is necessary for feline eye health as well as Omega-3 fatty acids which are needed for healthy skin and coat. If in doubt, ask your veterinarian to recommend a good brand of cat food.

Behavior

• You can monitor your cat's health by keeping an eye on his behavior. Changes in behavior can often signify illness. If a calm, mild-mannered cat suddenly becomes irritated or aggressive, it may be due to pain or sickness. If a cat suddenly doesn't want to be petted or touched on a certain area of his body it could be due to injury or an underlying physical cause. Take the opportunity to check for dry skin, irritations, lumps or anything else out of the ordinary when petting your cat.

Symptoms

• Although a cat can be ill without showing any physical signs, there are certain symptoms that indicate a reason for concern. Such symptoms include lethargy, weight loss, wheezing, difficulty breathing, repeated vomiting, discharge from eyes and/or nose, straining to urinate or defecate, pain and fever. Excessive thirst and urination could indicate a condition, such as diabetes. Loss of appetite, dry, dull coat and/or loss of fur can also indicate underlying health problems.

Significance

• Internal parasites, such as worms, and external parasites, such as fleas, can cause health problems. Excessive scratching often indicates a flea infestation. A cat that scratches at its ears and shakes its head may suffer from ear mites. Weight loss and other symptoms can be due to a worm infestation. A cat should be treated for internal and external parasites with proper medication for fleas, worms and mites.

Considerations

• A cat can be very sensitive to changes in diet, routine and environment. A cat tends to become stressed very easily. A new addition to the household, such as a baby or new pet, can be upsetting to a cat. Changes in diet should be made slowly so as not to upset the cat's digestion. Always provide the cat with plenty of water and space of his own. A cat is very territorial and and can be come stressed out if he doesn't have enough space. A cat can also suffer from allergies to food, dust, household cleaning products and other substances.

Prevention

• It may be best to cat proof your house in order to prevent accidents. Usually, a cat likes to chew on cords and small objects. Always be certain that items, such as household chemicals and other poisonous substances, are out of the reach of your pet. Remember that a cat can jump, so placing items on high shelves may not stop your cat from reaching them. Although you may have to make a few adjustments around the home, it is worth it to protect the health of your cat.