Introduction
The first part of a cat's life is crucial for its development and health. If you have an indoor-only cat, you're probably concerned about keeping it happy and healthy. It's not always easy to know when your feline needs attention or care, especially when cats are known for their mysterious nature. In this guide, we'll go over the signs of a medical emergency and how to take care of your pet if something goes wrong!
Know the signs of a medical emergency.
- Seek veterinary care immediately if you notice any of the following:
- Blood in your cat's stool or urine.
- Vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours, or vomiting accompanied by diarrhea. This can be caused by parasites such as worms, viruses like feline leukemia virus or feline immunodeficiency virus, bacterial infections such as toxoplasmosis--or even cancer! If you suspect that your kitty might have eaten something poisonous, take them to the vet immediately; some toxins can cause irreversible damage within hours if not treated right away.
Keep your cat indoors and safe.
- Indoor cats are safer
Cats that live indoors have a lower risk of being hit by cars, contracting fleas and ticks, getting diseases from other cats, and becoming injured in fights or exposed to poisons. They're also less likely to be stolen by predators such as foxes and coyotes.
- Keep your cat indoors for its own protection!
Test your pet's hearing and vision.
The first step in keeping your cat happy and healthy is to ensure that it's functioning properly. This can be done by checking its hearing, vision, and teeth on a regular basis.
First, test the cat's hearing in a quiet environment with no other pets around. Next, have someone else hold the cat while you tap its back legs or tail gently with something soft but firm a rolled-up newspaper works well for this purpose to see if there are any reactions from the animal. If there aren't any signs of discomfort or distress after several taps, move on to visual tests using flashlights or bright lights in dark rooms; shine them directly into each eye while holding each one open separately with your thumb and forefinger so that light shines directly into their pupils without hitting any surrounding skin areas. If neither test causes any negative reactions such as squinting or blinking eyes shut then congratulations! Your indoor pet is probably very healthy indeed!
Get your cat's teeth cleaned regularly.
You can easily give your cat a professional dental cleaning at home. You'll need a small brush, like one that you would use on your own teeth, and some paste made specifically for cats. The paste will have fluoride in it, which helps keep the enamel on their teeth strong and healthy.
You can also ask your vet or local pet store to recommend an appropriate product for you to purchase. This is often less expensive than paying for an office visit each time you want to clean your cat's teeth!
If doing this by yourself sounds daunting, there are kits available online that make it easier than ever before! Just follow these simple steps:
- Wet down their face with water so it makes it easier for them not only because they're less likely to squirm around but also because then there's no chance of accidentally cutting into any fleshy parts too deeply when working with sharp objects such as metal toothbrushes. Apply some petroleum jelly onto those same areas where blood might come out due to injury caused by careless handling during the procedure.
Keep an eye on your cat's weight and nutrition.
- Know the difference between normal and overweight. Your cat should have a body shape that's similar to its breed's, such as square for a Maine Coon or stocky for an Abyssinian. A healthy weight is one that looks appropriate for your cat's body type and size.
- Learn how to weigh your cat correctly by using a scale designed specifically for animals you can find these at many pet stores or veterinary offices. To get an accurate measurement, be sure not to include any clothing in the reading; if possible, take off any collars first so they don't get weighed along with your pet!
Know when to take your kitty to the vet.
If you have an indoor cat, it's important to know when to take your kitty to the vet. This can be difficult if you have never had a sick or injured pet before. Not only do they often hide their illnesses, but cats are also very independent creatures who might not want to go see the doctor if they don't need to.
If something happens and your cat has been injured or is sick and won't eat or drink anything for more than 24 hours, then it's time for an emergency visit! Have emergency numbers for your cat's vet and nearest animal hospital ready so that when something happens, you can get them to help right away. If possible, keep some food near where they sleep so that when they wake up from sleeping off whatever made them ill in the first place there will already be some available for them nearby instead of having to walk across town just because their tummy got upset after eating something bad-tasting like tuna fish!.
Your cat needs you to keep it healthy!
It is important for you to know that cats are susceptible to many of the same diseases as humans. However, their bodies work differently than ours, so it's not always easy for a vet or even an experienced cat owner to recognize when something is wrong with your pet. Cats are masters at hiding their symptoms and often display subtle signs that only another cat owner would notice. If you notice any changes in behavior or habits, take your cat immediately to see a veterinarian who specializes in feline health care!
There are several ways you can keep your indoor-only kitty happy and healthy:
- Keep its coat soft by brushing regularly with a soft bristle brush, or even better--a soft rubber glove if they don't mind getting wet! Some cats love being brushed so much that they will sit still long enough for this process to become part of their daily routine; others may need some encouragement from treats like tuna fish mixed with chicken broth (if possible).
Conclusion
Cats are wonderful pets, but they need care and attention just like any other pet in your household. By taking a few simple steps, you can keep your cat happy and healthy for many years to come.