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CAT / health & care

How to Keep Your Cat Healthy

Five cat health and care tips from Banfield Pet Hospital

Overview

1. Feed your cat a nutritious diet

  • Nourish your cat with high-quality protein sources, found in most premium pet foods.
  • Choose a food made for your cat’s life stage, whether kitten, adult or senior.
  • Consult your vet if your cat shows signs of food sensitivity.
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2. Spay or neuter your cat

  • Spaying or neutering is a safe, routine surgical procedure that prevents unwanted kittens and reduces your pet’s risk of certain cancers.
  • Cats should be spayed or neutered when they’re about four to six months old.
  • Even indoor cats should be spayed or neutered.

3. Vaccinate your cat

  • Vaccines protect your cat from a variety of illnesses, some of them deadly.
  • The process should begin when your cat is a kitten — or as soon as possible after your cat joins your family — and include regular boosters.
  • Ask your vet which shots are appropriate for your pet.

4. Protect your cat from parasites

  • Fleas, worms and other parasites can cause illness, deplete nutrients and, in some cases, can be passed to humans.
  • Commit to keeping your pet parasite-free with regular flea-and-tick and deworming treatments.
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5. Schedule vet check-ups twice a year

  • Cats age faster than humans. Two annual vet visits will help keep your cat well and identify health issues before they can become more serious.
  • Contact your vet if your cat develops any health problems or unusual symptoms between check-ups.
Find a Banfield Pet Hospital near you.