Whether you’re new to having a cat or you’ve had one for a long time, you always want to do what’s best for your furry friend. To make sure your cat stays healthy and happy, steer clear of these five common mistakes.
Skipping Annual Vet Exams
Regular check-ups at the vet are very important for your cat’s health. During these visits, the vet:
- Checks your cat from head to tail
- Talk with you about any worries or questions you have
- Do blood tests look for signs of sickness or other problems
- Make sure your cat has all the needed vaccines, tests for parasites, and protection from bugs like fleas and ticks
As your cat ages, it might have more health issues. Kittens often get colds, tummy bugs, and ear mites. Adult cats might have problems with their teeth, pee, or weight. Older cats, especially those over 10, need more check-ups, sometimes twice a year. They can get things like thyroid problems, joint pain, kidney issues, or cancer. It’s important to catch these problems early to help your cat feel better.
Cats are really good at hiding when they’re feeling sick, so you might not realize something’s wrong until it gets worse. That can make fixing it harder and more costly.
Regular check-ups with the vet can catch problems early, so your cat can get the right care sooner. If you wait too long, it could make your cat’s life not as good and sometimes make it shorter. So, it’s important to keep up with those vet visits.
Forgetting Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Preventive Medications
It’s important to protect all cats, even indoor ones, from parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworms. Fleas can cause skin problems and infections, while ticks can spread diseases like Lyme disease.
Heartworm disease, spread by mosquitoes, is particularly dangerous for cats because there’s no cure, and it can be deadly. That’s why preventing heartworms is really important.
Some preventives not only stop heartworms but also treat ear mites, which can be really uncomfortable for cats. Products like Advantage Multi® and Bravecto Plus® do both.
It’s crucial to keep up with parasite prevention all year, even if your cat stays inside. Parasites can still get inside your home and affect your cat. Make sure you never miss a dose of preventive medication. Talk to your vet to find the best product for your cat.
Overfeeding During Mealtimes
Many cat owners feed their cats too much, which can be harmful. This happens when you fill the cat’s bowl too often or give them too many treats.
Feeding your cat too much can make them overweight and cause health problems. These can include heart disease, liver issues, arthritis, pancreatitis, and diabetes.
To prevent overfeeding, give your cat a set amount of food each day, split into two meals. The right amount depends on your cat’s weight, age, and health.
You can find feeding instructions on the cat food bag or ask your vet for advice.
Ditching the Toothbrush and Dental Care
It’s important to take care of your cat’s teeth to keep them healthy and prevent dental problems. Without proper care, cats can get gingivitis, which causes red and swollen gums.
Plaque can also build up on cats’ teeth, leading to decay and sometimes requiring tooth removal. Cats with dental issues may be in pain and may not want to eat or drink.
Gingivitis can worsen and become periodontal disease, which weakens the ligaments holding teeth in place. This can lead to infections and loose teeth, which may fall out if not treated.
Keeping your cat’s teeth healthy is important, and there are a few things you can do:
- Use a special toothbrush and toothpaste made for cats to brush their teeth a few times a week.
- Give them hard kibble and dental treats to help clean their teeth.
- Take them to the vet regularly for professional dental cleanings. Your vet will suggest how often based on your cat’s needs.
During these cleanings, your vet will remove plaque, clean around the gums, polish your cat’s teeth, and remove any teeth that are causing problems. These cleanings are done while your cat is asleep.
Not Paying Attention to Hairballs
Hairballs are a common issue for cats. They happen when cats lick themselves and swallow fur. Long-haired cats usually get more hairballs than short-haired ones. It’s normal for a cat to have a hairball once a week, but if it happens every day, talk to your vet.
Frequent hairballs can sometimes indicate a bigger issue. Cats might be stressed or have a habit of licking too much, leading to bald spots and more hairballs. Other times, medical problems like stomach issues can cause hairballs.
Make sure to avoid these mistakes to keep your cat healthy and happy. If you’re ever unsure about your cat’s health, it’s best to ask your vet for help.
