HOW TO MAKE A CAT HEALTHY

 Helping your cat stay healthy

To keep your cat healthy most of the time, all you really need to do is provide it with good shelter, food, and plenty of water. However, like other animals, cats can get sick from time to time, no matter what you do.

As a cat owner, you want to make sure that you feed your cat only the best food. Premium cat food is ideal for cats, as the food is designed to keep your pet happy and healthy. You'll also need to pay attention to his behavior, so you know when he's sick and when to take him to the vet. Most common illnesses and diseases are minor, although there are some cases where the vet can be the deciding factor between life and death for your cat.

Your cat's behavior will be one of the most important factors when trying to determine whether or not he is under the weather. Lethargy, lying around all the time, lack of energy and not eating are all signs that you need to take him to the doctor immediately. His coat is also a good thing to look at. If you notice his coat is dull and matted or you notice it shedding unusually, you should contact your vet as soon as possible.

Diarrhea and vomiting are sometimes common, even with underlying disease. On the other hand, if your cat seems to be doing either of the two for more than a day, you should contact your veterinarian. Coughing is also common, simply because coughing will cause cats to shed hair. If your cat seems to be coughing for another reason, you should get him checked out as soon as possible.

To ensure that your cat does not contract various diseases, you should always make sure that they are up-to-date with their vaccinations. There are several diseases that require vaccination, including rabies and feline distemper. Feline distemper is one of the most devastating diseases a cat can suffer, yet it's also one of the easiest to prevent. This disease kills cats very quickly, leaving you with little time for treatment.

Feline leukemia is another disease that is very deadly, yet can be prevented early with the right vaccine. Although the disease is not contagious to humans, it can spread rapidly in cats. These days there are vaccinations that can treat the disease, although you still want to be careful and not expose other cats around a cat that you know has feline leukemia.

Another problem, which is very common with cats that live outdoors, is worms. Cats with worms usually have a weak coat and a poor appetite. There are several different types of worms, including ringworm and hookworm. Worms can come from fleas, lice, or even the organs of dead mice that cats eat. Normally, the cat ingests the eggs which later mature and attach themselves to the intestinal walls. If you feed your cat plenty of garlic during feedings, it can help protect it from insects.

If you take care of your cat, chances are you'll keep it healthy for years to come. You should always make sure he has quality food, and that he doesn't miss his scheduled check-ups with the doctor. He should be protected against a number of pests and diseases if he needs proper vaccinations. Taking the proper steps with your cat now will prevent anything from happening in the future.