Kitties are known for being easy keepers. Fluffy spends a rather ridiculous amount of time sleeping, and she doesn’t need to be trained. You also won’t have to rush home after work to walk your pet. (Some people like taking their kitties out for strolls, but we’ll save that for another blog.) Read on as a local Calistoga, CA vet offers some insight on keeping Fluffy healthy.

Get Your Cat Fixed

We always recommend having cats fixed. This is one of the most important things you can do for Fluffy! There are a few reasons this is important. The main reason, of course, is to help fight pet overpopulation, which is the root cause of many animal welfare issues. There are currently about 480 million homeless cats in the world, about 60-100 million of which live here in the U.S. Although Fluffy is a very capable hunter, it’s not easy for her to survive on her own. Stray cats are very susceptible to illness, injury, and disease, and also struggle with pain, discomfort, fleas, and other issues.

On top of that, your feline pal’s risk of developing several medical issues will be greatly reduced or even eliminated after the procedure. Ask your vet for more information. 

Plus, your furball will be calmer and better behaved. She won’t be as interested in running off to go looking for love, and will be much, much less prone to spraying. You also won’t have to deal with listening to your pet singing kitty love songs in the middle of the night. (Trust us: this is definitely a bonus.) 

Provide A Good Diet

Good food is the foundation of any good kitty care regimen. You don’t have to go for the most expensive food around, but you should go with something that’s vet-approved and suitable for Fluffy’s age and health. Picking the right brand can be tricky, as many companies use slick marketing tactics to make their products look appealing. We would recommend going with a food that is approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). 

Your Calistoga, CA vet is also a great source of information and advice on this. We’re always happy to provide insight and just answer questions. 

Visit Your Vet Regularly

We know, our feline pals are homebodies. Most of them would very much prefer to stay home and take another nap rather than come visit us. Fluffy may not be shy about voicing her opinion on car rides, either. However, at the end of the day, keeping up with your pet’s exams and wellness care will go a long way in keeping her healthy and protecting her from dangerous diseases. Healthy cats are happy cats!

Your feline pal’s veterinary care needs will change over time. During that adorable and crucial first year, little Fluffy will need a thorough exam, microchipping, and her initial rounds of vaccines and parasite control. Spay/neuter surgery should also be on the agenda.

As far as vaccinations, the general recommendation is that kitties all have the core vaccines. For cats, these include the following:

• Feline Panleukopenia
• Feline Herpesvirus
• Feline Calicivirus  
• Rabies

Your vet may also recommend non-core vaccines, such as bordetella and chlamydia.

Once your pet is fully grown, she may only need to see us once a year. However, if she is allowed outside, she may need to come in more often. When Fluffy reaches her golden years, she may also benefit from more frequent visits to her Calistoga, CA pet hospital.

Keep Kitty Indoors

Next on the list? Grounding your furry little buddy. We do understand that many felines enjoy exploring their domains. Fluffy also likes kitty activities like ignoring you when you call  her, making paw print art on your car, rolling around in the driveway and, of course, leaving you small dead animals as a thank you. However, while cats may see themselves as lions, they are very small and vulnerable. The Great Outdoors poses several threats to curious little furballs. Some of the dangers cats face outside include cars, weather, toxic plants, chemical exposure, stray cats, loose or wild dogs, raptors, predators, venomous snakes, and parasites.

Don’t Forget Petproofing

One reason that kitties are so much fun is the fact that they are so curious and playful. This makes them highly entertaining. It’s hard not to laugh when Fluffy decides to bat a bottle cap across the floor or tries to pounce on a spot of light reflected off your watch. However, those lion skills can backfire. Make sure your home is safe for your buddy.

Some of the things you would want to address include the following:

• Small/Sharp Objects
• Wires And Cords
• Toxic Plants
• Plastic Bags And Ties
• Openings Behind/Beneath Furniture
• Large appliances

With kittens, you’ll have to take a few other precautions, such as leaving toilet lids down. A full grown cat could get out of a toilet if they fall in, but a tiny kitten could drown. A baby feline also won’t make much of a lump under a blanket. Keep an eye on little Fluffy, and always make sure you know where she is before sitting down or closing a washer or dryer.

Watch For Signs Of Sickness

Our feline pals may think of themselves as invincible, but they are susceptible to a whole slew of illnesses and injuries. Kitties also often try to mask signs of illness or injury. That can make things tricky, as you may not realize there is anything wrong until your pet is quite sick. Keep a close eye out for signs of sickness.

Here is a bigger list of signs of sickness in cats: 

• Weight loss
• Anorexia
• Increased vocalization
• Vomiting
• Bad breath
• Shortness of breath
• Hair loss
• Diarrhea
• Increased thirst
• Changes in behavior
• Discharge from eyes or nose
• Hiding
• Unkempt Fur
• Improper use of litter box
• Pale gums
• Bleeding
• Seizure
• Trauma
• Diarrhea
• Changes in food and water consumption
• Unusual Vocalizations, such as constant meowing
• Limping 
• Visible injuries

If you notice any of these, or anything else that seems off, contact your vet right away. The sooner something is caught and treated, the better! 

Make Sure Fluffy Has A Clean Litterbox

The fact that cats will use litterboxes to see to their needs definitely makes caring for them much easier. While cleaning the litterbox may not be the best part of having a cat, it is necessary. Dirty litterboxes are not only both smelly and unsightly, they can also become havens for germs.

Keep an eye on what you are taking out of the litterbox. Changes in the amount, texture, color, or smell of your pet’s waste can be a sign that something is wrong.

You may have noticed that now there are litters that can help detect certain chemical and hormonal imbalances, which can indicate sickness. These aren’t a replacement for veterinary care, but can be useful. Ask your vet for information.

Keep Kitty Active

Cats need exercise to stay healthy, just like people do. Playing is good for your furball both mentally and physically. It’s also good for bonding … not to mention super cute to watch. Taking a few minutes a day to play with your feline buddy will help keep her fit, active, and, of course, happy.

Purrs

Last but not least, pay attention to Fluffy, and make sure she feels loved and safe. Keeping that motor going is also important! 

Make An Appointment At Your Calistoga, Ca Pet Clinic

Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Please feel free to contact us, your local Calistoga, CA pet hospital, anytime.