Cats are wonderful pets; in fact, over 32% of US households share their home with a feline companion, according to the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association). They’re cute, cuddly, comical, and provide delightful companionship! So we at Companion Veterinary Mobile Center want to share some things you will want to keep in mind to keep your cat’s health in tip-top shape.

1. Feed them a healthy diet

One of the best things you can do for your cat is to feed them a healthy diet. The diet should be high in quality and be appropriate for their overall health needs. At your cat's annual wellness appointment we can discuss the best diet for you cat, whether it is to help support dermatologic issues, weight problems, sensitive stomachs, or just provide overall support for your pet at whatever life stage they are in. You will want to avoid giving your cat junk food or table scraps, which will lead to an overweight kitty and negatively affect their health! Contrary to popular belief- More than 50% of adult cats are lactose intolerant

2. Brush their teeth

Brushing your cat’s teeth is one of the easiest ways to support their health. Not only does brushing their teeth remove plaque buildup, but it also helps support healthy gums. Without brushing, periodontal disease can develop – and left to worsen, this can affect your cat’s internal organs, leading to costly illnesses.

Important tip: NEVER use human toothpaste to brush your cat’s teeth. There are toothpastes specifically for your feline friend, and even in flavors, they’ll love! If brushing your cats teeth is too hard, we offer other products such as rinse or water additive that can help keep your cats teeth and gums healthy!

3. Provide mental stimulation

Cats have active minds and a native instinct to hunt. If these two characteristics are not addressed, you may notice destructive behaviors in your cat, or possibly even boredom or depression. Food puzzles, foraging toys (which hide food inside), scratching posts, and vertical shelving for cats to get a “birds-eye view” can go a long way in keeping their minds engaged and their bodies active and healthy!

4. Be on the lookout for behavioral and health changes

There are some signs that can indicate your cat needs attention or medical care. If your cat is showing any of these signs, give us a call at 941-787-9224 right away:

• Changes in activity level

• Changes in their appetite

• Hiding

• Signs of pain when touched or moved

• Weight loss

• Inappropriate or lack of urination

It’s important to note that cats are notoriously good at hiding pain and sickness, so subtle changes can help provide insight into issues that need to be addressed.

5. Remember to schedule their yearly veterinary visit

It is important that you bring your cat in for a yearly veterinarian visit. This ensures that they are up-to-date on their vaccinations and continue to get checkups to ensure that they remain healthy.

As we briefly mentioned before, cats hide illness and pain. Annual veterinary visits provide that nose-to-tail medical insight into changes that may have occurred over the past twelve months. As your cat’s veterinarian, we will check their weight, administer necessary vaccinations, perform lab work to help us catch any potential health issues early , and check the health of eyes, ears, skin, and teeth.

If your cat is a senior, more frequent visits, such as two times per year, are advised.

We love seeing your cat!

All in all, there are many habits that will go a long way in keeping your cat healthy. We are here to partner with you in keeping your favorite feline happy, healthy, and part of your family for as long as possible! Give us a call at Companion Veterinary Mobile Center to schedule your cat’s annual visit today!