Pet blog and guide
The healthy cat
In Switzerland, cats are among the most popular pets: one in four households is shared with a feline friend. Even though cats have a will of their own and sometimes are secretive, it is their owners who are responsible for their welfare. Good powers of observation and a thorough understanding of a cat’s needs are very important in this context.
Musculoskeletal system
A healthy cat has a smooth gait and can effortlessly jump up onto high objects. It can elegantly walk along the top of narrow walls and dart up a tree in seconds. If your cat suddenly changes its habits or increasingly avoids its favourite high perches, this can be a sign of pain. While bites or other injuries could be the cause in younger cats, many older cats suffer from arthritis of the back. In this case, your cat may also stop sharpening its front claws on tree trunks or scratching posts.
Eyes
As in other animals, eye discharge, swelling or squinting of one or both eyes are warning signs that should be evaluated by a vet. Such symptoms can be due to feline upper respiratory infection, other infections or reactions to environmental allergens. Injuries to the eyelids or cornea caused by clawing occur frequently after fights with other cats and should be treated by a vet. Owners of outdoor cats in particular should remember to check the eyes for foreign objects. Vets often find needles or pieces of grass behind the third eyelid.
Important: A protruding third eyelid can be a sign of systemic disease or pain, and the cause may not necessarily originate in the eye!
Teeth and oral cavity
The domestic cat has 30 sharp teeth. But as important as a sharp set of teeth is to a cat as a hunter, it can also cause problems. Tartar and gingivitis, but also broken teeth caused by accidents or falls, are frequent occurrences and should be checked out by your vet. Sudden development of foul breath from the oral cavity, profuse drooling, one-sided chewing or refusing dry food are important signs of potential dental problems in your cat. Important: Purebred cats are frequently predisposed to a disease that destroys tooth enamel. It is very painful and associated with pronounced reddening of the gums!
Ears and skin
Our cat companions have light-pink, clean ears. Scratching the ears, shaking or tilting the head should be heeded as warning signs by cat owners. Grainy, grey-coloured discharge in the ear canal is an indication of ear mites, which are especially common in kittens and outdoor cats in rural regions. Ear infections caused by bacteria or yeast can also occur in cats, the main symptom being a brown waxy build-up in the ear. Your vet can easily diagnose both of these disorders by examining the discharge under a microscope. Important: Self-inflicted scratches and wounds to the head or neck are also signs of an ear infection! However, they can also be associated with allergies, parasites or a fungal infection of the skin. These disorders usually lead additionally to itchiness and bald spots on other areas of the body.
Prevention is better than cure
The general appearance of your cat is the best indicator of its health. To maintain your cat’s good health throughout its lifetime, ensure it has the following:
- An opportunity to go outdoors or get sufficient exercise by playing indoors
- Social interaction with people and other cats
- Regular treatment to prevent internal and external parasites, especially for outdoor cats
- An annual check-up by a vet and vaccinations against feline upper respiratory infection, feline panleukopenia and, in the case of outdoor cats, leucosis
- Appropriate cat food high in animal protein, which meets all of a cat’s special needs. Offer your cat both dry and wet food!
- Water from various sources such as water fountains or bowls dotted around the house
Cats, because of their special needs, can also benefit from food supplements. This is especially true when they’re growing, shedding or experiencing periods of stress. Speak with your vet about the ideal dietary balance!
Anima-Strath is a 100% natural supplement based on yeast. Controlled breakdown of the yeast cells and the combination with herbal extracts results in a premium-quality supplement. A total of 61 vital substances, including trace elements, important vitamins and essential amino acids, promote your cat's good health. Whether you have an indoor or outdoor cat, Anima-Strath is well tolerated in all cats and can be administered over an extended period to support the immune system.
Barbara Fox, veterinarian
