Cat Health: Your GoodRx Guide

Caring for your cat

Cats are notoriously complex, but caring for them doesn’t have to be. While every feline has their own personality, there are steps you can take to help any cat have a long, happy, and fulfilling life.

At minimum, your cat needs:

• Annual vet visits and vaccinations

• Quality cat food and fresh water

• A litter box filled with clean litter

• Exercise in the form of play time and enrichment

Each cat has their own preferences when it comes to food, toys, and places to sleep. If you have never had a cat before, here are some basic supplies you will need to get started:

• Ceramic or stainless steel food and water bowls

• Scratching posts or pads

• ID tag and break-away collar

• Interactive toys

• Brush and deshedding comb

• Cat bed or blankets for them to lie on

• Cat carrier

With the basics out of the way, read on to get into more of the specifics of cat care.

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Feeding your cat

Cats are natural carnivores, which means they get most of their nutrients from animal products. They also have difficulty digesting sugars and starches. So you should limit the amount of carbohydrates they eat, as they aren’t able to absorb the nutrients they need from those foods. Eating carbohydrates can also make them gain weight.

When choosing a cat food, make sure you read the label to ensure that it will meet your cat’s nutritional needs. Here are some key things to look for:

• Taurine

• Vitamin B (or niacin)

• Methionine

• Vitamin D

These nutrients are vital, because they supply your cat with amino acids that they do not produce otherwise. 

It is also important to make sure that your cat drinks enough water. Cats don’t need as much water as dogs do, but that also means they seek it out less. You can encourage your cat to drink more water by putting out extra water bowls or getting a cat water fountain. Introducing wet food into their diet can also help to keep them hydrated.

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Your cat’s enrichment, exercise, and playtime needs

Cats are often considered to be low-maintenance pets, but that doesn’t mean you can just plop them in a room with nothing to do. Cats, like everyone, need to exercise and have fun in order to feel happy and fulfilled. 

When left to their own devices, cats can resort to destructive behaviors, such as:

• Scratching carpet or furniture

• Overgrooming

• Not using their litter box

• Excessive vocalization

There are a few things you provide to give your cat the best possible environment:

• Food and treat puzzles or toys

• Scratching posts/pads

• Cat trees, towers, or shelves (cats love to go up high!)

• Playtime with a variety of toys

Playing with a cat involves feeding into their hunting instincts. This is why many cats like chasing tiny balls or toys with feathers: they resemble prey. Try a few different types of toys to find out which ones you cat likes best. Then make sure they’re regularly able to chase their toys of choice. But make sure they get to catch their toys sometimes, too!

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Taking your cat to the vet

Many people think that cats don’t need to visit the vet every year. But going to the vet is a good habit to get into. Annual visits to the vet help to:

• Monitor your cat’s weight

• Keep your cat’s vaccinations up to date

• Catch any possible illnesses or conditions early

Vaccinations are an important part of preventing disease, even for indoor cats. At a minimum, cats should receive their core vaccinations against:

• FVRCP — feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), calicivirus (C), and panleukopenia (P) 

• Rabies

• Feline leukemia virus (for kittens)

Kittens will follow an initial vaccine schedule that requires them to get multiple shots across several weeks. Older cats will need vaccine boosters every 1 to 3 years. 

When a kitten is around 6 months old, they should be spayed (female cats) or neutered (male cats). This is a procedure used to sterilize your cat and will prevent them from having babies. Cats can be spayed or neutered at any age, however. Sterilizing your cat can prevent disease, manage overpopulation, and help to keep their behavior in check.

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Common cat health conditions

The best way to figure out what specific conditions your cat may be at risk for is by consulting with a veterinarian. However, there are a few health conditions that are common among cats, including:

• Fleas, ticks, and other parasites

• Upper respiratory infections

• Ringworm

• Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)

• Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) 

• Dental diseases

Many of these common health issues can be prevented through measures such as vaccines, medications, and preventative care. Another way to help ensure your cat stays happy and healthy is by keeping them at an ideal weight. 

Cats are also at risk for a number of chronic health conditions, such as:

• Hyperthyroidism

• Diabetes

• Cancer

• Urinary issues

• Liver disease

• Arthritis

• Heart disease

Regular visits with your local vet will help you routinely check for possible conditions that can arise. If health issues occur, your veterinarian will suggest an appropriate treatment plan for your furry friend.

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