You'll need to make sure your cat is neutered and microchipped as well as vaccinated, treated against parasites and regularly seen by a vet.
Vaccinations are available against a range of infections and cats should receive regular booster vaccinations throughout their life to maintain their protection.
Aside from veterinary care, you'll also want to make sure your cat is groomed and checked for dental disease as well as being fed a healthy diet.
Cats Protection is working in partnership with Pet Health Club®, to highlight the importance to pet owners of regular vet visits, in order to keep their cats happy and healthy throughout their lifetime.
Pet Health Club is a monthly subscription plan that helps make routine vet care more affordable by spreading the cost. It’s a practical way for owners to prioritise their cat’s wellbeing, without worrying about unexpected bills.
Together, we will share helpful tips and educational messaging to help owners protect their cats for longer.
We are pleased to announce that in partnership with Pet Health Club, every cat owner receiving this message can receive 12 months for the price of 10 on their first Pet Health Club Essential plan by using an exclusive Cats Protection discount code CATS12FOR10*
Proactive care for your pet, peace of mind for you.
Pet Health Club® is trusted by more than 800,000 pet owners, with our monthly plans focusing on proactive care for long-term health. Discover more.
*Independent Vetcare Limited will pay £10 plus VAT for every Pet Health Club Essential Plan sold (via the partnership discount code provided) to Cats Protection, a registered charity 203644 (England and Wales), SC037711 (Scotland) and is listed as a Section 167 institution by the Charity Commission of Northern Ireland .
You'll need to register your cat with a vet as soon as possible. Try getting a recommendation from a friend or neighbour, or pop into some of your local practices before you decide.
Veterinary practices are registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Find out more about finding a vetWhere possible, ensuring you have enough history about a cat's health is important. If the cat has any previous conditions that are likely to recur, or ongoing medical conditions, this should be flagged up.
Cats are good at hiding pain and signs of illness, and often owners don't notice their cat is suffering or unwell because they hide it well. If you do notice anything unusual in your cat, it is worth visiting your vet. Look out for signs like coughing and sneezing, runny nose and eyes, or lumps, bumps and wounds.
See also - Signs of pain
A balanced diet is important to keep your cat healthy and it is best to stick to a reputable cat food which includes everything your pet needs.
It is particularly important you manage your cat's weight by making sure they are not overfed and have plenty of exercise. To check your cat isn't overweight, you should be able to feel your cat's ribs when you stroke their body lightly.
See also - Diet, Feeding Cats, Obesity
As your cat gets older, their needs and behaviour may change. You'll need to keep an eye out to make sure their general health is in order.
If there are changes to their general health, appetite and mobility, it is wise to take them to a vet.
See also - Elderly cats
Image - Sue Dobbs - CP Bridgend