Having a cat is a fantastic responsibility to have. Cats are cute, curious, and require less attention and maintenance than dogs do. Even though cats don’t need as much attention as dogs, it doesn’t mean that they can’t fall onto rough times and develop health problems. Here are a few ways you can help prevent your cat from catching diseases such as feline arthritis and keep them as healthy as possible:

1. Clean and healthy diet
Feline obesity is one of the most common health complications that a cat can have. Just like humans, obesity can cause high blood pressure, diabetes, trouble sleeping, heart problems, and in some extreme cases an early and unexpected death. Now I’m not trying to say that you can’t give your cat a treat every now and then, but you can’t constantly give your cat junk food and expect them to still be healthy and well-fed! Feline diabetes can be just as deadly as human diabetes. Make sure to give your cat a well-balanced diet with wet food so that they won’t become constipated.

2. Coat care and hairballs
Cats love to be clean and shiny, and they also love to lick themselves clean. Unfortunately, your cat can easily consume their own fur, causing hairballs to form inside their stomach. Sometimes cats can pass stool with fur in them normally, but often the cat will vomit up hairballs, or they will end up constipated. That’s why it is important to cut your cat’s hair weekly, wash them daily, and brush their coats. This can also be a great bonding experience for you and your cat.

3. Play and toys
Your mind is the powerhouse of your whole body. The condition of your mind has a lot to do with the health of your body. Make sure to buy your cat toys so that their minds can be stimulated. Cat toys are not only cheap, but they can also keep their minds and bodies in shape. There are also some toys that are designed to help your cat self-groom such as scratch mats, towers, and sometimes these toys can be little balls.

4. Create a loving bond
Love and bonding with your cat are critical to its health and well-being. While it is true that cats don’t require as much as dogs, cuddles, kisses, and positive interactions with their owners are still very important.

5. Regular health check-ups
This one may be an obvious answer for most, but you need to make sure your pet gets a visit from the doctor at least twice a year. By taking your cat to the doctor twice a year, you will be able to prevent some types of diseases or illnesses from starting or spreading. Even if your cat looks and acts normal, it is still important to visit the doctor.