If you want your cat to live longer–perhaps more than nine lives?–you need to have your cat regularly vet-checked. Use the information as a checklist to cover all the aspects of cat care along with veterinary care.
Regular Veterinary Check-ups
You need to schedule regular veterinary examinations to ensure your cat’s health. Exams should be scheduled as follows:
- Adult cats: At least once a year
- Kittens: Every 3-4 weeks until about 4 months old
- Senior cats (8-9 years and older): Twice a year or more
Your veterinarian may recommend a wellness program, including routine blood tests to monitor for early signs of kidney or liver disease – health conditions that affect cats to some degree.
Recognizing Signs of Illness
As a cat owner, you’re in the best position to notice subtle changes in your pet’s health. Stay on the lookout for:
- A decrease in appetite or activity
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Changes in urination frequency
- Sneezing or coughing
- Discharge from the eyes, ears, or nose
- Hair loss or problems with skin irritation
- Stiffness or lameness
If you see these signs persist for more than a day or two, consult your veterinarian.
Medication Administration
Giving medicines to cats can be a difficult task. To make this task simpler, you might try:
- Breaking up and concealing pills in treats
- Giving pills directly (ask your vet for a demonstration)
- Administering liquid medications with a syringe
- Applying topical medications when your cat is resting in your lap
Always follow label instructions carefully.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations help prevent serious infectious diseases. Core vaccines protect against:
- Panleukopenia
- Herpesvirus
- Calicivirus
More About Infectious Diseases
1. Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV). Also known as feline distemper or feline parvo, panleukopenia is a highly contagious viral disease:
Cause: Parvovirus, similar to canine parvovirus
Transmission: Through direct contact with infected cats or contaminated environments.
Symptoms:
Severe vomiting and diarrhea
High fever
Loss of appetite
Severe dehydration
Sudden death, especially in kittens
Effects: Attacks rapidly dividing cells, particularly in the intestines, bone marrow, and developing fetuses.
Severity: Can be fatal, especially in kittens and unvaccinated cats.
Prevention: Highly effective vaccines are available and considered a core vaccination for all cats.
2. Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1). Also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), this is one of the primary causes of upper respiratory infections in cats:
Cause: Alphaherpesvirus
Transmission: Through direct contact with infected cats, particularly their saliva, eye, and nasal secretions.
Symptoms:
Sneezing and nasal discharge
Conjunctivitis (eye inflammation)
Fever
Loss of appetite
In severe cases, corneal ulcers
Effects: Primarily affects the respiratory system and eyes/
Severity: While usually not fatal in adult cats, it can be severe in kittens, elderly cats, or those with compromised immune systems.
Chronic effects: Can cause lifelong recurrent flare-ups during times of stress.
Prevention: Vaccination is effective in reducing severity, but may not prevent infection entirely/
3. Feline Calicivirus (FCV). Another major cause of upper respiratory infections in cats:
Cause: Calicivirus, which has multiple strains
Transmission: Through direct contact with infected cats or contaminated environments.
Symptoms:
Oral ulcers
Upper respiratory signs (sneezing, nasal discharge)
Fever
Loss of appetite
In some strains, limping or joint pain
Effects: Primarily affects the respiratory system and oral cavity.
Severity: Usually causes mild to moderate illness, but some strains can be more virulent and cause severe systemic disease.
Chronic effects: Can lead to chronic stomatitis (oral inflammation) in some cats
Prevention: Vaccination is available and considered core, but due to the multiple strains, it may not prevent all infections.
These three viruses are often included in combination vaccines for cats, typically referred to as FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia).
Vaccinations are critical in preventing these diseases or reducing their severity if an infection occurs.
It’s important to note that while vaccines are highly effective, they may not provide complete protection against these viruses. Good hygiene practices, proper quarantine procedures for new cats, and regular veterinary check-ups also help in preventing and managing these infections.
Non-core vaccines may also be prescribed based on your cat’s lifestyle and local risks. Consult your veterinarian for a custom vaccination schedule.
Parasite Control
Cats can be affected by various internal and external parasites, as follows:
Internal Parasites
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Tapeworms
- Protozoa (e.g., coccidia, Toxoplasma)
- Heartworms
It’s therefore important to visit your vit to get regular fecal testing and preventive treatments for your cat. Be aware of zoonotic parasites like roundworms and toxoplasma, which can affect humans.
External Parasites
- Fleas
- Ticks
- Mange mites
- Ear mites
Your vet can recommend monthly preventive treatments.
Dental Care
Good dental hygiene is vital for your cat’s overall health:
- Feed dry food to help reduce the buildup of plaque and eventual gum disease
- Schedule professional dental cleanings with your veterinary office
- Consider at-home dental care options and ask your vet for guidance
Regular dental care can prevent gingivitis, gum disease, and eventual tooth loss.
Grooming
Most cats are excellent self-groomers, but some cats need help from time to time. Make it a habit to do the following:
- Brush long-haired cats on a regular basis. It’s important to do this to prevent matting.
- Check your cat’s ears for cleanliness and signs of infection
- Bathe cats only when needed. Only apply cat-specific shampoos.
- Trim nails as needed. Ask your vet how to do this.
Regular grooming sessions can strengthen your bond with your cat. It also lends to your feline’s overall wellness.
Household Hazards
Protect your cat from common household dangers. Make sure you do the following to keep your cat safe:
- Keep toxic substances stored, so your cat can’t access them. These substances include cleaning supplies, medications, and antifreeze.
- Keep houseplants out of reach, as some are toxic to cats.
- Cover electrical cords and electrical outlets.
- Prevent falls from high places by securing windows and screening balconies.
You should never give human medications to your cat without your veterinarian’s approval.
Spaying/Neutering
Spay or neuter your cat if you don’t plan to breed them. Doing so:
- Prevents unwanted litters
- Reduces the risk of certain cancers
- Decreases roaming
- Reduces urine spraying in males
You can have this procedure performed for your cat when it reaches six or seven months of age.
Cardiovascular Health
While often overlooked, cardiovascular health is important for a cat’s overall well-being.
Regular Check-ups
Include heart health check-ups in routine veterinary visits. Your vet may listen for murmurs or irregular rhythms.
Diet and Exercise
- Maintain a balanced diet to prevent obesity, which can strain the heart.
- Encourage regular play and exercise to keep your cat active, so cardiovascular fitness is maintained.
Watch for Signs
Be alert for symptoms of heart issues. These symptoms may include:
- Labored breathing
- Lethargy
- A weak pulse
- Fainting or collapse
Genetic Factors
Some cat breeds are predisposed to heart conditions. Discuss breed-specific risks with your veterinarian.
Senior Cat Care
As cats age, they may be more prone to heart disease. Therefore, regular check-ups become increasingly important for older cats.
Conclusion
Providing comprehensive health care for your cat involves a combination of routine check-ups, preventive care, and attentive home care and grooming. By following these guidelines and working closely with your veterinarian, you’ll ensure your cat’s health.
Author: Donna Ryan is a writer from Tucson, AZ. Feel free to leave comments or inquiries any time.