What Does a Cat Need to Be Healthy?

Although cats may seem as if they are largely self-sufficient and require little care, especially compared to their canine counterparts, realistically, they need just as much specialized attention to remain happy and healthy. To keep your feline friend in tip-top shape, ensure you’re meeting their physical and mental health needs.

 

Physical health needs of cats

Your cat’s physical health needs primarily revolve around preventing illness and disease and include such aspects as:

 

Mental health needs of cats

Your cat’s mental health is also important for its physical health, as a bored, stressed cat can develop urinary issues, overgrooming, and a multitude of other problems. Help them out by providing tools for: 

  • Scratching — Scratching is an instinctive need for cats and allows for nail care, stretching, and scent marking. Provide a variety of scratching posts and surfaces to give your cat the opportunity to scratch in the appropriate areas.
  • Climbing — Cats feel safer when they are up high, and climbing towers and cat shelves can fulfill that need. 

 

Common health issues in cats

Without adequate health care that focuses on their mental and physical needs, cats are more likely to develop numerous health problems. Common health issues include:

  • Obesity
  • Dental disease
  • Ear infections
  • Skin allergies and infections
  • Urinary tract disorders
  • Respiratory tract infections
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease

 

By providing regular wellness care for your feline friend, you can help prevent or minimize their risk for certain health conditions. Contact our team to schedule your cat’s next preventive care visit.