Cat Health
Cat health is an important topic to anyone who loves and owns a cat (or two or three!). These wonderful furry felines bring great joy into our lives and can provide incredible companionship. But just like humans, they can and will have a variety of health issues throughout the course of their lifetime. And when your cat is not feeling well or is showing signs of a physical problem, he is dependent on you as his owner to get him the care that he needs.
As a cat owner, one of the most important things you can do is to take preventative measures to keep him as healthy as possible from the time he is a kitten. Finding a good veterinarian and following the recommended schedule of vaccinations, check-ups, teeth cleaning, etc. is very important to keep your cat in optimum health, and keep him living for many years. It is easy to take your cat's health for granted when he is young, but neglecting early preventative care, such as regular teeth cleanings, can lead to very serious health problems as he ages, and result in him living fewer years than he might have otherwise.
Keeping your cat strictly indoors can significantly reduce health risks for your cat, and indoor cats on average live many years longer than cats that spend time outdoors. Outdoor cats are exposed to a variety of dangers. They may get injured by another animal, exposing them both to potential disease as well as infection from an abscess if they are bitten. They may eat or drink contaminated food or water which could make them very sick. They may be injured or killed by a car. These are just some of the many things that can affect your cat's health if they spend any time outdoors.
While it may seem unkind to keep your cat cooped up indoors all the time, cats are very adaptable creatures and can live very happy, long lives as an indoor pet. You will have more peace of mind as you don't have to worry about your cat disappearing or getting harmed if you keep him indoors. And your overall vet bills will likely be much less over the years.
One of the most important things you can do for your cat is to be observant. Pay attention to your cat's eating, grooming, and elimination patterns and habits. Changes in any of these areas are often an indicator of an underlying health issue. Eating more or less than normal, decreases in grooming or excessive licking, or changes / problems in his urinating or bowel movements are generally signals that something is not right. Also important to notice are changes in mood or energy. If your cat becomes irritable or withdrawn, or is unusually lethargic, it is probably a good idea to have the vet evaluate him.
One of the challenges many cat owners find is that regular veterinary care is expensive. While there is definitely cost involved, preventative care is far less expensive than one or more emergency visits down the road when a more serious health issue arises. Granted, not all cat health issues can be avoided, but many can be minimized or delayed with proper and regular care over the years.
Pet insurance is also available that can help offset cat health costs, particularly when it is a significant health issue. You can ask your veterinarian for information about pet insurance.
Promptly addressing any cat health issue is crucial for the well-being of your furry companion. Cats can live up to twenty years or more when preventative measures are taken early on and any health problems are promptly addressed and given the appropriate care.