5 Essential Cat Healthcare Tips from a Veterinarian

What do you pay attention to to help your beloved cat live a long life?

I run an animal hospital, and it's often the case that by the time an animal comes in for an examination, it's already too late. In such situations, owners deeply regret and blame themselves. To help your beloved cat live a long life, I want you to pay attention to their daily health management. This time, I'd like to share five essential things you should do for cat health management.

Preventing Cat Diseases

Do you regularly vaccinate your cat with combination vaccines and eliminate external parasites such as fleas and ticks? During examinations, owners often tell me, "My cat doesn't go outside, so I don't need to do any prevention." This is not true; not going outside does not mean you don't need to prevent diseases. Pathogens and external parasites can enter your home on your body or clothes without you realizing it. Let me explain the preventive measures you should take.

Combination Vaccines

There are three types of feline combination vaccines: 3-in-1, 4-in-1, and 5-in-1.

The 3-in-1 vaccine covers Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus, and Feline Panleukopenia. The 4-in-1 vaccine adds Feline Leukemia to the 3-in-1. The 5-in-1 vaccine further adds Feline Chlamydial infection to the 4-in-1. These infections can be transmitted through contact with infected cats or potentially from contaminated objects.

The diseases covered by these vaccines include those that can be life-threatening if they become severe. Especially for cats that go outdoors or live in multi-cat households, it is recommended to get the 4-in-1 vaccine or higher.

Kittens typically receive 2-3 doses of the vaccine, and after that, a booster shot every three years is recommended.

External Parasite Control

External parasites such as fleas and ticks increase from early spring to autumn. They lurk in grassy areas and jump onto cats and people who come near. These parasites feed on the cat's blood, grow, and lay eggs, and can also multiply rapidly indoors in warm environments.

External parasites not only feed on blood but also transmit internal parasites that reside in the intestines. Furthermore, they can cause dermatitis and transmit life-threatening diseases such as Lyme disease and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). These diseases can infect not only cats but also humans.

External parasite control medication is a liquid applied to the back of the neck once a month. Some types target not only fleas and ticks but also lice, ear mites, and intestinal worms.

Get regular health check-ups (Cat Dock).

Health check-ups are crucial for the early detection of cat diseases. Chronic kidney disease is the leading cause of death in cats, but early detection is possible through health check-ups.

The contents of a cat's health check-up vary depending on the animal hospital, but typically include various tests such as physical examinations, blood tests, and X-rays.

Annual health check-ups are recommended for cats up to 7 years old, and twice a year for cats 7 years and older.

Spaying and Neutering

Spaying and neutering is important to prevent unwanted pregnancies in cats. However, this procedure has other benefits as well.

It can prevent mammary gland tumors and pyometra in female cats. In particular, 90% of mammary gland tumors in cats are said to be malignant, and by the time a lump is discovered, it has often already metastasized.

When in heat, cats may vocalize distinctly, spray urine on walls, or attempt to escape. While this can be stressful for owners, the heat cycle also causes significant stress to cats. It is known that cats who undergo surgery live longer than those who do not, suggesting that the stress of being in heat may shorten their lifespan.

Check Your Cat's Body, Food, and Litter Box

It is very important to regularly check your cat's body, the amount of food and water they consume, and the amount and frequency of their excretions. This allows you to notice any abnormalities immediately.

By observing and touching their body, you can more easily detect skin abnormalities, lumps, or areas of pain.

Knowing how much your cat eats and drinks helps you identify if they are consuming too much or too little. This information is useful for diagnosing gastrointestinal problems, endocrine disorders like diabetes, and kidney disease.

Cats are prone to urinary tract diseases such as cystitis, urinary stones, and chronic kidney disease. By regularly observing the amount and frequency of their urination, you can detect diseases at an early stage. Urinary tract diseases in cats can be life-threatening if left untreated. It's important to pay close attention.

Brushing Your Cat's Teeth

Cats are prone to periodontal disease, with some studies suggesting that 70% of cats by the age of two suffer from it.

Brushing is crucial for preventing periodontal disease. Using a toothbrush is the most effective method, but be patient and train your cat consistently until they get used to it. Forcing them might lead to bites. Gradually accustom them to the toothbrush using treats. If your cat absolutely refuses brushing, consider using flavored toothpaste or liquid dental solutions. Always use products specifically for animals. There are various other dental products available, so find a method that suits your cat.

Summary

Cat health management requires observing your cat's behavior daily and visiting the vet if you notice anything unusual. Furthermore, regular preventive care and health check-ups recommended by veterinarians can help prevent diseases and lead to early detection.

To avoid regretting "if only I had noticed sooner," please strive to manage your beloved cat's health.