Cat Health Tips

--Spaying and neutering. Unless you are planning to breed your cat, it is best to have it spayed or neutered when the cat is around 6 or 7 months old.

--Vaccinations. Start vaccinations when your cat is a kitten. Regular vaccinations will protect your cat from many serious health problems, some of which are deadly and have no cure. Vaccinations only work to prevent diseases. Once your cat has a disease for which there is a vaccination, the vaccination will do no good.

--Regular checkups. Regular checkups with your veterinarian will keep your cat as healthy as possible, and provide early diagnosis and treatment of any health issues. While it may seem costly and inconvenient at times, regular checkups will can help decrease or prevent serious health issues down the road which will be much more costly and inconvenient, but also cause your cat unnecessary suffering and even worse, shorten his life.

--Medication. Never give your cat medication that is not prescribed by your veterinarian for that cat and for that condition. Always consult with your veterinarian about any cat health concerns that you have, and before administering any medication or medical care to your cat. Never give your cat aspirin or other medications meant to be taken by humans.

--Records. Keep good records of all vaccinations, veterinary exams, and any medical treatment for injury or illness.

--Poisonous plants. Cats will often nibble on plants. Make sure that the plants in your house and yard (if your cat spends time outdoors) are not poisonous to cats. There are too many poisonous plants to list them all here, but a few of the most common ones are poinsettia, spider plant, mistletoe, azalea, English ivy, Easter lily, diffenbachia, and crocus, to name a few.

--Keep your cat indoors. While it may seem unfair to keep your cat cooped up indoors, your cat will adjust just fine and benefit in so many ways. In addition to the dilemma of fleas, outdoor cats are exposed to many serious dangers including dogs, other cats, contaminated food, unscrupulous people, and cars. Indoor cats on average live many years longer than outdoor cats. You won't have to worry about your cat disappearing, and you will also significantly decrease your vet bills. Give you cat plenty of attention and he will have a great life indoors!

These are only a few cat health tips, but hopefully you will find them helpful in caring for your cat.