General health

Good health starts at home

Looking after your cat requires love and affection … and lots of it. A happy cat is more likely to be a healthy cat. And since cats can live for up to 20 years it’s important to make sure their health is well maintained so they stay in peak condition. Of course, there are a few practical things you can do to keep your top cat in top form. You can find a few here.

Pet insurance

Just like with your own health cover, it’s important to also think about your cat’s health cover too. Having pet insurance is like a trust fund for your cat – so you can afford trips to the vet when you need them most so you can focus on your cat’s recovery without worrying about the cost.

Advances in veterinary medicine mean more can be done for your cat’s health than ever before. Cats can now receive ultrasound and x-rays, laboratory and diagnostic tests, arthritis treatment, major surgery, and even cancer treatment – just like people.

Taking out pet insurance provides you with peace of mind for when the unexpected happens and can help provide a degree of control into the world of pets that is almost entirely unpredictable.

Finding the right vet

Choosing a vet is an important decision. Take your time to find the right one – look up your local veterinary clinic or animal hospital online and ask friends and family for recommendations. If the vet you choose doesn’t seem like the right vet the first time around, keep searching.

Vaccinations

On your first visit to the vet ask about your cats vaccination requirements and request a general check-up to highlight any current or potential health concerns. Vaccinations for Feline Enteritis and Feline Flu are essential to protect not just the health of your own cat, but also to prevent them from passing diseases on to other cats in your neighbourhood. Talk to your vet for more information.

De-sexing your cat

If you’ve ever seen a cat on heat you will know it is not a pleasant time – they generally emit a constant howl as they prowl for a male companion and spray their scent everywhere. Female cats are de-sexed to prevent these heat cycles and unwanted pregnancies. Male cats are de-sexed to prevent fighting and to increase their protection against certain diseases. Your vet will be able to provide you with more information.

Looking after your cat's teeth

Dental disease affects cats as much as it does humans. A program of regular brushing (with speciality formulated toothpaste available from your vet or speciality pet store) and teeth cleaning by your vet combined with a well-balanced diet can help protect your cat's teeth, prevent disease and ensure better overall health.

Heartworm and intestinal worming

Most vets would recommend using a regular preventative heartworm treatment for your cat, and treating them for intestinal worms regularly (typically monthly). Check with your vet for what treatment they recommend for your cat.

Fleas

Fleas are a common problem for cats, but the good news is that there are so many effective products available to treat your cat and get rid of these pesky parasites. Fleas can be prevented easily and effectively with monthly topical solutions, tablets, sprays and pastes. You can talk to your vet about a suitable treatment program for your furry friend.

Micro-chipping

Microchipping is a permanent form of identification in the form of a tiny chip, which is implanted under your cat’s skin. A key benefit of microchipping your cat is the ability to locate/identify your cat if they get lost . Most people have their cat microchipped at the time of de-sexing, ie under anaesthetic as a small tattoo is placed in the cat’s right ear to identify them as being microchipped.