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A healthy cat is a beautiful sight, with bright, alert eyes, a shiny coat, clean ears, good body weight and healthy pink gums. A big part of keeping your cat healthy is proper preventative care. By following these simple health care tips, you can keep your new best friend happy and healthy for years to come!

Spaying and Neutering. In addition to controlling overpopulation, "fixing" your pet can also improve behavior, especially in males. Altered males are less likely to roam in search of mates, fight over territory, and spray. By spaying your female you can greatly reduce the risk of many health problems, including ovarian and breast cancer.

Food and Water. One of the most obvious health tips is to us nutritious, well balanced, good quality food and to provide plenty of fresh clean water daily. A balanced diet will strengthen immunity, making your cat resistant to illness.

Vaccinations. There are several vaccinations that prevent common cat diseases. Depending on which state you live in, certain vaccinations are required by law. In Massachusetts and Rhode Island, two vaccinations that are essential are rabies and distemper. Your vet can guide you as on any additional vaccinations needed. A yearly wellness checkup is always recommended.

Flea Products. Fleas and parasites can make your cat miserable. Keeping your cat free of fleas, ticks, ear mites and worms is very important. There are many products on the market formulated to kill internal and external parasites. However, some flea products contain chemicals that can be dangerous, so always be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully. Never use a flea medication intended for a dog on your cat. Medications. Only a trained veterinarian knows what medications are best for your cat. Never experiment with prescription or over the counter human drugs to treat a cat illness. Painkillers like aspirin are designed for people, not felines. They can be deadly to cats, even in small doses.

Grooming. Daily brushing will keep your cat's coat healthy, soft and shiny. It is especially important to brush long haired cats to prevent matting. However, even short haired felines need to be groomed to remove loose hair. When cats groom themselves, they swallow hair that can form hairballs. Regular brushing can prevent icky hairballs.

Keep Cat areas Clean. Wash your cat's food and water bowls frequently. Algae, mold and bacteria exposure can cause illness and stomach upset. Litter boxes should be scooped daily, and emptied out and washed with bleach weekly. Cats can be fussy creatures, but if their litter is kept clean, they will be happy to use it.

Keep your cat indoors. Parasites, contagious diseases, wild animal attacks, and car accidents... your cat faces countless health and safety risks outdoors. By providing everything kitty needs to stay stimulated indoors such as toys, good food, comfy beds, and lots of love, your cat will enjoy a much safer life. The average life span for an indoor cat is 12 years, although I have heard of many indoor cats living well beyond 16 years. Outdoor cats, on the other hand, live an average of three to five years.

When to see a Vet. Although cats like to sleep, they are active animals. Depression and lethargy are usually the first symptoms of an oncoming illness. Coughing is rare in cats. Coughing or sneezing could be an indication of an illness such as upper respiratory, allergies, or bronchitis. Be on the lookout for excessive water consumption or urination which could indicate urinary infection, thyroid or kidney problems. Blood in stool or urine may be caused by stress, internal bleeding, bladder infections, intestinal or kidney problems. A cat needs to eat every day. If he or she does not eat for a full day, there is usually something wrong. Loss of appetite and weight loss are symptoms of many cat health problems. If your cat is normally active and social, hiding away in a dark place is a clear sign that something is wrong. Cats are experts at hiding illness. Because of this, cat owners need to be more attentive to "hidden" symptoms. Don't wait to seek expert advice! Always see your vet if your cat is ill or shows any unusual behavior.