How to Maintain Optimum Health for Your Cat

It is widely accepted that cats live for a very long time. (Perhaps it's because of their nine lives!) It's not by accident that cats live well into their teens and sometimes even beyond. Although cats are a relatively low maintenance pet, they do require careful attention to their health in order to have a high quality of life. Follow the steps below to maintain optimum health for your cat so that you can enjoy years together.

Step 1: Have your cat spayed or neutered. This should be done by the time the cat is of 6 months of age. Aside from preventing unwanted pregnancies and helping the feline overpopulation problem, there are also some health benefits to the cat, such as preventing cancer.

Step 2: Have your cat vaccinated against distemper, rabies, feline leukemia and feline infectious peritonitis. Ask your vet if there are other vaccinations he or she would recommend based on your climate and environment.

Step 3: Start and maintain a regular flea treatment for your cat. Without treatment, your cat could succumb to this uncomfortable problem. Fleas don't just cause cats discomfort, they can also spread disease among the feline population.

Step 4: Feed your cat a high quality balanced diet. His or her diet should consist mostly of dry food and some high quality wet food. When creating your cat's menu consider factors such as his age, activity level, breed, etc.

Step 5: Make sure you have fresh water available for your cat at all times. Just like humans, the first step to maintaining health, and a healthy weight, is to drink plenty of water.

Step 6: Maintain a regular grooming routine for your cat. Although they tend to keep themselves pretty clean, you will need to brush him or her and watch for hairballs. Regular brushing will also cut down on matting. Trim his or her nails as necessary and brush his or her teeth and gums daily. Keep your cat's eyes and ears clean as well.

Step 7: Attend to your cat's litter box daily. Purchase a clumping litter so that you can scoop the waste daily. Change the litter box completely once a week.

Step 8: Engage your cat in daily play. Give your cat toys to bat around, or balls to chase throughout the house. Encourage him or her to play on a climbing gym.

This article was provided by pet-super-store.com an online pet shop featuring dog car seat covers and orthopedic dog beds.

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