Cat owners all know how vital it is to have their health at the top of our minds. We try to do everything we can to keep them healthy to help ensure they will live into old age. The good news is that there is no shortage of expert guidance about how to best support feline health. This makes taking care of our beloved fur balls far easier as it removes the guesswork from the process.
If you’re looking for ways to ensure your cat is in tip-top shape, take heed of the following recommendations. They are all centered around your cat’s best interests, so you can enjoy many more happy moments together for years to come.
1. Avoid Giving Them Certain Foods
As a cat owner, you’re probably well versed in which foods you should give your kitty in order to keep them healthy. What you may not be so familiar with is the foods you shouldn’t give them. This is a surprisingly common mistake many cat owners make. They unwittingly give their cat foods that could be harmful for their health because this information isn’t as widely discussed as the foods they should be eating.
So what foods should you avoid giving your cat to ensure they stay in tip-top health? Our infographic highlights 16 harmful foods cats should not eat. Here are a few of the more surprising inclusions on the list:
- Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources
- Dairy products
- Grapes, raisins and currants
- Fat trimmings
- Human vitamin supplements
Take a look over the list and if you are accidentally feeding your cat any, be sure to stop immediately.
2. Adapt Their Diet to Their Needs
While we’re on the topic of your cat’s diet, it’s important to remember that your cat has unique needs. As such, a one-size-fits-all approach to their diet may not be in the best interests of their health. For example, buying whatever you find on the supermarket shelf may not give them the adequate nutrients nor support they need to stay in optimal health.
This is particularly true of cats with pre-existing health conditions. If your cat has certain health problems, you will likely need to adapt their diet accordingly. For instance, a cat with diabetes may need to switch to low-carb cat food to get back on track. The best way to ensure your cat is eating the right foods is to check with your vet. They’ll be able to provide advice specific to your cat, and point you in the right direction.
3. Stimulate Their Mind
When we think of our cat being in tip-top shape, we often think of their physical body. However, an equally vital consideration is to keep their mind young and healthy too. “To keep your cat’s mind sharp and active, you should make sure it’s regularly stimulated,” says Angela Stringfellow from Pet Life Today. “The easiest way to go about this is to ensure they have lots of opportunities to play and explore.”
The good news is you’re likely already engaging your cat in lots of play already. But there’s always room for more ideas! If you’re after some new ones, check out these ideas.
4. Take Them to Regular Check Ups
In order to keep your cat in tip-top shape, you need to know about the condition of their health in the first place. Otherwise, you won’t have the information you need to execute a health plan that is adapted to their needs. This is why regular check ups with your vet are essential.
While it may seem that taking your cat to the vet when they’re in full health is unnecessary, a visit to the vet can provide some illuminating insights. Your vet will be able to answer any questions you have, look into any peculiar symptoms they’re showing, and perform a routine check to see everything is functioning as it should be.
Needless to say, they’ll be able to detect anything that’s amiss far earlier than if you wait until too late. Even if everything is normal, it will give you peace of mind to hear from an expert that your cat has a clean bill of health than just assuming they do. After all, when it comes to your cat’s health, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
