Prioritizing Cat Health

Like humans, cat health is also very important. If humans suffer from stress, so do cats. Stress in your pet is the same as in humans; it can exacerbate existing physical conditions and can lead to a number of problems. Stress can lead to litter box avoidance, aggressive behavior, or depression and withdrawal. These behavioral problems can be signs of health problems like urinary tract infections with litter box avoidance. rnA factor that can cause stress in cats is a change in environment, physical or emotional stress. A change in environment can cause stress in cats because they do not deal well with change. A subtle change in environment such as moving, introduction of a new baby, spouse, or other animal to the household can be stressful for your feline. rnFelines react to new members of your family with aggression, withdrawal, or sudden litter box avoidance, etc. It will take time for cats to get used to a new member of the family. It would take time for understanding and patience. The new member of the family should allow the cat to come around at his own pace, and avoid trying to rush the relationship. Moving to a new house can influence cat health. Transferring to a new house can be stressful for your cat. Thus, when planning to move, make sure that the life of your cat is disrupted as little as possible. During the move, you can close him or her off in a separate room with his favorite toy, litter box, food and bed. And when you reach your new place, first put your cat and his things in a safe room, while you are unpacking and rearranging the rest of the household: doing this will help your cat understand that he is home. rnA new job or a change in routine can also be damaging to cat health. When you get back home, make sure that you give time for your cat. This will allow your feline pet to be accustomed to your absence during the day. rnIf you are a type of person that likes to party a lot, then a cat may not be a good pet for you. Loud parties and noises are stressful for your cats. Fireworks, doorbell ringing, loud music, talking, laughing, will send your cat running for cover. rnMaking sure that your cat is not stressed can keep your cat healthy. Keeping your cat indoors is also good for the health of your feline. Keeping your cats indoors can help prevent your cat from getting feline immunodeficiency virus or FIV. Most undiagnosed FIV are from feral cats. Not letting your cat roam too freely can prevent fights with other cats that can result in deep biting wounds and can lead to FIV. rnThere is a vaccine for FIV, but this is not recommended because it does not really protect your cat from all FIV strains. The vaccine can also result to vaccine-associated carcinomas and can result to a false positive test for FIV. This can put your cat in danger of euthanization if picked up by animal control. Keeping your cat indoors is not only good for cat health; it also keeps your cat safe from catnapping and accidents.