How to keep a cat healthy

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There are also many other things you can do to ensure that your cat remains healthy, and we’ve put together some key considerations. 

Keep them hydrated

When a cat is dehydrated, it’s not just water they are losing out on. Essential minerals such as chloride, sodium and potassium are also lost.

Water is essential for circulation, digestion and waste removal - as well as cognition and replacing the fluids lost through passing urine and faeces.

When looking to hydrate your cat, there are a number of quick wins. 

• Ensure you keep your cat’s water bowl clean every day.
• Provide an electrolyte supplement for your cat. If they respond well to it, you’ll have a tried-and-tested option in the future whilst you wait for the vet if your cat isn’t drinking. 
• Provide multiple sources of water around the home for the cat to drink from. That way if something in their usual drinking spot or the surrounding area is putting them off they will not go thirsty. 
• If your pet is fussy with water you can even purchase cat water fountains. The water flow entices cats and ensures the water they are drinking is filtered. You can view Pets At Home’s range here. 

Be mindful of their litter tray
Cats are naturally clean animals with sensitive noses, so most prefer a sparkling clean litter box. Scooping your cat’s waste daily and periodically washing the box can improve your cat’s relationship with the toilet. Daily maintenance also helps keep you aware of any issues with their urinary and digestive systems.

If you notice signs of blood in your cat’s urine or stool, make an appointment right away. We also want to know if your cat suddenly begins boycotting their box and having accidents around your house. Both of these can be signs of serious internal issues, like infections.

Know their breed

No two breeds of the cat are the same, so they can have different health problems and behave in different ways. Therefore, it’s key to find out what breed of cat you own and to educate yourself on their characteristics. Some breeds have exaggerated physical features that can sadly impact their quality of life, while others are prone to inherited disorders or diseases. As always, ask your vet for advice if you're not sure about anything.

Take out pet insurance

Keeping your cat healthy can be expensive if they do run into health problems. It’s always a good idea to take out pet insurance to reduce the impacts of those traumatic health complications on your bank account. Pet health care packages can help you manage vet costs too. Find your local vet to discuss their healthcare scheme - try to explore multiple clinics and research local vets thoroughly. 

Get them neutered

The last thing you want is unplanned kittens! To avoid the risk, it’s a good idea to get your cat spayed or neutered. This simple operation is carried out by a vet, and for female cats, it should be done before they reach four months.

For male cats, neutering - otherwise known as 'the snip' - can stop them from spraying in the house. In addition, it can prevent the tendency for alterations with other cats, so they're less likely to be injured or catch any nasty diseases. 

Avoid toxic foods!
You may want to give your furry friend some treats off your plate without realizing that some of these foods are toxic to cats. Make sure to avoid feeding your cat chocolate, caffeine, dairy products, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, chives, and yeast dough.

Closing thought 

There are plenty of ways you can support your cat's health. We hope this guide has shone a light on a few of them and offered you some help!

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