Keeping Your Cat Healthy And Happy

Cats make great pets. They are quieter than dogs, require less care, and can provide their owners with plenty of attention and love.

Also, cats adjust well to indoor living, take great care in grooming themselves, and are easily trained to use a cat box. For these reasons they can live in an apartment as well as a large house.

But there are some diseases that can strike your cat even if you are giving the best of care. Here are a few.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a common skin disease in cats and dogs. Cats usually pick up the disease from contaminated objects such as clippers or bedding or by coming in direct contact with other animals infected with this disease.

One to two tablespoons of colloidal silver should get rid of ringworm on your cat in about one week, or you can take them to the vet for medication.

Diabetes

Some cats become diabetic. Its scary when you first know your cat has diabetes but once you start understanding the disease and get more used to the monitoring it, it becomes easier for you and your kitty. Informing yourself of the disease is crucial. It is not the same as human diabetes.

Obesity

Obesity is the most common nutritional disease in pets; estimates suggest that up to 45% of dogs and up to 13% of cats are obese (many doctors think these estimates are quite low judging by the number of obese pets they see every day in practice).

The only thing you can do is regulate how much food they eat. If your cat is overweight, don't leave dry food out all the time. Begin feeding him or her once in the morning and once in the evening.

Basic Care for Your Cat

The best things you can do for your cat is to keep him or her inside away from cars and other dangers, give your cat plenty of water and a healthy, balanced diet that is high in protein, and brush him or her daily. Daily brushing will help prevent hairballs, which is a common malady for cats.

Aside from those basic things, keep poisonous plants out of your home or yard, and keep your home free from any small strings or objects that your cat might accidentally swallow. It's fairly common to hear of cats that have swallowed an object such as a string, and dying from the resulting obstruction in his digestive system.

Fleas

Fleas multiply fast and do not voluntarily leave the body of the pet. Fleas can transmit tapeworms and cause itchy allergic reactions, which can lead to scratching, hair loss, and infection.

It is highly recommended that at the first sign of fleas you put something on your cat to get rid of the fleas, such as Frontline or Advantage. Don't let fleas take over.

Infections

Urinary tract infections are another health danger for cats. If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, a urinary tract infection is suspect.

Conclusion

Cats can be wonderful companions. With some basic care and a lot of love, they can be your good friend for many years.