Liz Allan is a cat behavior expert with 25 years experience of caring for cats. For more detailed advice on cat health and diseases, and for general information about cats, visit http://www.cat-behavior-explained.com/cat-health-advice.html
The last few years have seen a huge shift towards disease prevention in humans. Keep fit, eat sensibly, get regular check-ups etc. etc. and you'll be healthier and less at risk from disease.
Exactly the same is true for cat health. Taking a few simple steps to keep your kitty fit and well can help minimize vet visits and potentially save you a load of money and stress.
Here's a suggested cat health timetable to help keep your adult cat in tip-top shape:
Once a year:
Take him to the vet for a general cat health check and for vaccinations against the potentially fatal cat flu and feline infectious enteritis. Depending on where you live and your circumstances, your cat may also need yearly vaccines against other diseases.
Every three months:
Worm him against roundworms (your vet should give you tablets for this at Kitty's yearly check-up). Worms can cause damage to the cat's intestine, liver and lungs if they really take hold.
Monthly:
Use a flea treatment. Cat fleas can cause severe skin irritation and they sometimes carry nasty diseases. Many good flea treatments are also effective against other parasites.
Weekly:
Groom your cat thoroughly. This reduces the risk of hairballs, which can cause vomiting, constipation and discomfort. In severe cases they may need surgical removal. Note:If your cat is long haired, or if he sheds a lot of hair, you should groom him daily.
Daily:
Play with your cat. This keeps him fit, stimulates him and helps to prevent stress.
Twice a day:
Feed him good quality food to keep him healthy and help him fight diseases.
Clean his litter box. Many cats won't use a dirty litter box, so they'll either pee elsewhere (e.g. on the carpet) or won't pee at all until the box is cleaned. This can cause urine stagnation and infection.
Overnight:
Keep Kitty indoors. Cats are at much greater risk of getting injured, killed, lost or stolen when it's dark.
All the time:
Ensure your cat has a constant supply of fresh water to drink.
Make your home safe for your cat. Keep poisonous chemicals and houseplants out of his reach. Check he's not stuck or locked in somewhere. Make sure he's not sitting in the washing machine or under the car before you use them etc.
Some cat health problems are unavoidable, but by taking these preventative measures, you should be able to increase your cat's chances of staying healthy and happy.
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