Caring for Your Pet

The prime years of an adult cat fall from ages 1 to 10, and as long as he's healthy, this should be a time of joy, entertainment, and cuddly companionship. To make sure your cat stays at his best, keep these tips in mind.

Be sure to get annual exams from your veterinarian.

As long as your cat seems healthy, you'll probably only need to see your veterinarian once a year for a routine check-up. During the visit, the veterinarian will check vital signs like pulse and weight and administer any needed boosters. The American Animal Hospital Association recommends blood chemistry tests, blood counts, urinalysis and fecal tests once a year to identify any problems that may exist but for which the cat may not yet be showing symptoms.

Maintain a good diet.

Consult your veterinarian to choose an appropriate food and measure the appropriate amount, since a "bowlful" might mean different things to different people in your household. Avoid changing foods — if your cat doesn't eat for a period, this isn't because he dislikes the food, but because most cats eat in cycles, eating more sometimes, less others. If he's getting overweight, or if he goes off his food for an extended period, see your veterinarian.

Make sure fresh water is available.

A 10-pound cat needs approximately a 1/4-liter of water daily. Make sure it's fresh, not stagnant, and that the bowl is clean, or your cat might find another place to drink.

Groom your cat regularly.

Long-haired cats need regular brushing to keep hair from matting. But even short-haired cats should be brushed regularly to keep their coat in good condition. It'll also keep them from swallowing an excess of hair when they groom themselves, which can cause fur balls.

Make sure he gets plenty of exercise.

Just as with a dog, sufficient exercise is essential for good feline health. Even if you keep your cat indoors, as most veterinarians recommend, you can make sure this happens by playing with your cat yourself, providing batting, chasing and flying toys for him to play with, putting out paper bags and boxes for him to explore, and by putting up a "kitty condo" for him to climb.

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