Tips for Keeping Fluffy Healthy

February is National Cat Health Month! While keeping your kitty healthy is important all year, this is a great time to talk about what our feline friends need to thrive. Read on for some great tips from a Columbia, MD vet on keeping your furry buddy happy and happy.

Nutrition

It isn’t always easy picking the best brand of cat food. Manufacturers use very slick marketing techniques—as well as photos of adorable cats—to make even low-quality products look great. Get into the habit of reading labels. You’ll want to look for brands that list meat as the first ingredient. Avoid products that use a lot of fillers, like corn and wheat. Serving sizes are also important. Just giving your cat a few calories too many each day can cause her to pack on extra weight. Ask your vet for more information.

Facilities

One of the great things about cats is the fact that they will use a litterbox to see to their needs. You’ll never have to worry about rushing home to walk Fluffy. It is important to keep your pet’s bathroom clean, though. We recommend scooping daily and changing the litterbox out every week. Keep in mind that some cats do have specific ‘purrferences’ for litters and litterboxes. If your kitty seems to like or dislike a certain brand, go with it.

Safety

Kitties are curious and playful. These are two of their most adorable qualities! However, these traits can also get kitties into trouble. Do some basic catproofing, and remove or secure anything you don’t want Fluffy to eat, sleep on, or play with. This includes things like small or sharp objects, toxic plants, chemicals, medications, plastic bags and ties, and wires. We also strongly recommend keeping your cat indoors.

Veterinary Care

Making sure Fluffy sees the vet regularly is very important! Follow your vet’s recommended appointment schedule. If you know or suspect that your furball isn’t feeling well, make an appointment right away.

Purrs

Make your home fun and entertaining for Fluffy by offering lots of toys and napping spots. Your kitty will also enjoy having things to explore, like boxes, pet tents, paper bags, and cat towers. Last but not least, pay lots of attention to your feline pal, so she feels loved. Please contact us, your Columbia, MD vet clinic, anytime. We’re dedicated to offering great veterinary care.