Cats are a popular pet for many people. They can live anywhere, from houses to apartments, use a litter box which means they don’t need to go outside, and most of them are always up for cuddling. Becoming a pet owner is something that brings many folks a lot of joy in life. owning a pet helps lower their blood pressure and gives them someone to cuddle up to on a dreary day. Of course, keeping a cat healthy is just one of the many steps of proper pet ownership. Here’s a few ways to ensure a cat stays in tip-top condition and has a long life for many years to come.
Contents
Know What Type of Diet is Best
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need to have a diet that is compromised entirely of meat. Of course, it’s helpful to give them the highest grade meat possible. This helps them in avoiding problems related to a subpar diet and helps the cat feel better in the long run. For the best type of diet for a cat, know that wet food is how many pet owners prefer to go. It provides the cat with the type of texture they enjoy eating most since it mimics something they would eat in the wild. Cats can also develop allergies to dry food, and eventually get crystals in their urine, among other problems. It’s also important to look for wet food that doesn’t contain a lot, if any, by-products in it. The first ingredients should list items such as chicken, beef, or other types of an animal with no mention of by-products. This might taste a little bland to the cat at first, but they’ll eventually get used to it as time goes on.
Understand the Importance of Vaccinations
Vaccinations are necessary in order to prevent a cat from getting rabies, distemper, and other health issues that can crop up. These are not as common among indoor cats, but they are necessary to have, depending on where one lives. Not having proper vaccinations can result in charges from the health department, too. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and protect the cat, as well as others who live around it. Choosing to keep a cat indoors extends their lives greatly, as does finding out what vaccines are necessary for them to live a long and happy life. It’s possible to purchase cat vaccinations online if it’s not possible to get to a vet.
Keep Up On a Cat’s Dental Health
Dental health is another important component to ensure a healthy cat that lives a long time. Just like people, cats can develop issues with their teeth that range from cavities, losing teeth and even having problems chewing. One way to prevent this is by brushing the cat’s teeth one a day or several times a week. There are special toothbrushes made for cats that are small enough to get in and clean everything out. These brushes normally come with cat toothpaste. It might not go down as well as a kitty treat, but having it done on a regular basis can prevent problems and save money on dental care as the cat gets older.
There’s many ways to take care of a cat and ensure they live a long and healthy life. Knowing what type of diet to feed the cat is important, so they get all the nutrients they need, especially as they get older. Getting vaccines and keeping the cat indoors means they don’t run into the same dangers as they would outside, thereby extending their life. Finally, brushing a cat’s teeth and keeping up on their dental health saves money on vet bills and allows the cat to enjoy good oral health, even into old age.
