Preventative Planning to Keep Your Cat Healthy

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Find food that fits your pet’s needs

Find a dog food that fits your pet’s needs

Find a cat food that fits your pet’s needs

In times of economic instability, many pet parents might consider foregoing pet healthcare because they just can't afford hundreds of dollars in vet bills. While keeping a yearly veterinary examination is necessary, the best way to save money on your cat vet visits is by preventing health issues before they have a chance to start. 

You can cut out many unnecessary tests and procedures by keeping your cat as healthy as possible throughout the year. Here are some money-saving tips you can use for preventative cat care.

 

Investment 1: Your Cat’s Nutrition

Choosing a high-quality cat food is your best chance at long-term pet health. The right cat food can help you eliminate problems with allergies, intestinal problems, obesity, diabetes and other food-related diseases. Although you will spend more at the checkout line, the overall investment could save you hundreds in the long run!

The other thing to consider is not overfeeding your cat. Obese cats can suffer from many costly conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure and diabetes, just to name a few. Feeding your cat the correct portion will control unwanted weight gain and keep them out of extra cat vet visits. 

Many pet parents love the attention their cat gives when it’s time for treats, but too many can have an effect on your pet’s weight –– especially when they use human food as the treat since cheese and other options can have way too many calories. 

 

Investment 2: Your Cat’s Hygiene

Sure, your cat may be pretty good at self-cleaning, but even the most fastidious kitty can benefit from a little extra attention now and then. It may take some time to get into a good routine, but caring for your pet’s eyes, ears and teeth early on can prevent several expensive issues in your pet’s senior years.

Teeth

Without regular care, you may find yourself deciding whether to leave your cat in pain or pay for their dental care. Of course, there’s always plan C, which is to get into a habit of gently brushing your cat’s teeth. Check out this how-to guide to see how to get started.

Eyes 

While there’s technically nothing you need to specifically do when caring for your cat’s eyes, taking the right precautions now can help prevent the onset of common cat eye problems that lead to additional veterinary support down the road. Watch out for excessive tears and irritation, as well as potential things that could scratch your kitty’s cornea, such as excess hair or excessive dust.

Ears

One place your cat can't groom is their ears, so making a monthly habit to properly clean their ears allows you to identify any health issues your kitty may have such as debris buildup, ear mites, even a potential infection.

 

Investment 3: Flea & Parasite Control

Whether your cat stays inside all day or goes outside from time to time, flea, tick and mosquito prevention and control is a valuable investment toward your furry friend’s overall health. Given how quickly fleas can multiply, you’ll be doing your can — and yourself — a huge favor by checking for them regularly. Several over-the-counter options can help kill and/or repel parasites, so ask your veterinarian which options are best for your furry feline.

 

Investment 4: Exercise

An active pet is a happy pet, which is why giving your cat regular exercise can help preserve their physical and mental health. Exercising your cat is not difficult, and there are plenty of ways you can stimulate your kitty’s natural desire to hunt and explore. In fact, you can try something like cat yoga for an exercise you share!

While all of this may seem like a lot, remember that you can start preventative cat care by just spending a couple of minutes with your cat each month. A little checkup now and then can help you spot potential issues early, keep your cat comfortable and quite possibly save you hundreds of dollars in unnecessary cat vet visits. Even better, it’s a productive way to spend a little extra time with your little friend.