Here’s a comprehensive summary of essential cat care tips:

Vaccination: Effective Protection for Your Cat

Vaccinations prevent several serious diseases.

Indoor Cats:

• 2 months: Initial vaccine
• 3 months: Booster
• 4 months: Booster + rabies vaccine
• Annual vaccination thereafter

Outdoor Cats:

• 2 months: Initial vaccine
• 3 months: Booster + feline leukemia vaccine
• 4 months: Booster + feline leukemia + rabies vaccine
• Annual vaccination thereafter

Deworming: Protection Against Parasites

Intestinal worms can affect your cat’s health. Follow this schedule:

• Under 3 months: every 2 weeks
• 3 to 6 months: monthly
• Over 6 months: seasonal (May-October) if your cat goes outdoors

Feline AIDS and Leukemia Screening

Conduct FIV/FeLV testing before vaccination, ideally between 2 and 3 months. Early detection prevents the spread of these contagious, life-threatening diseases.

Sterilization: Benefits and Ideal Timing

Ideally performed between 3 to 6 months, before the first heat cycle, sterilization prevents:

• Unwanted reproduction
• Excessive masturbation
• Urine marking

Pre-anesthetic blood tests are recommended to assess kidney and liver function for safer surgery.

Laser Sterilization: Advanced Technique

Compared to traditional methods, laser surgery offers:

• Reduced bleeding due to vessel cauterization
• Less pain by severing nerve endings
• Reduced swelling and faster healing

Dental Care: Maintaining Your Cat’s Teeth

Prevent dental diseases and tartar buildup using:

• Daily tooth brushing with specific toothpaste
• Dental gels (Maxigard, Breathalyser)
• Enzymatic treats (Cet chews)
• Specialized diets (Hill’s t/d)

Professional scaling under anesthesia may be necessary if tartar accumulates.

Flea Protection: Recommended Solutions

From March to December, flea protection is essential even for balcony-access cats:

• Advantage II®: Eliminates fleas on pets and their environment.
• Advantage Multi®/Revolution®: Protects against fleas, mites, heartworm, and some intestinal parasites.
• Revolution Plus®: Also covers ticks.
• Nexgard Combo®: Comprehensive protection against fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm, and intestinal parasites.

🚫 Avoid collars, shampoos, and sprays, which are often ineffective and toxic.

Heartworm: A Hidden Threat

Mosquitoes transmit this parasite, blocking pulmonary arteries. Revolution® provides comprehensive parasite protection, including heartworm.

Bathing: Necessary or Not?

Cats self-groom and rarely need baths unless advised by a veterinarian. If bathing is necessary, use specific cat shampoos and rinse thoroughly.

Ear, Eye, Skin, and Claw Hygiene

Regularly check these areas for abnormalities. Keep them clean and dry, and trim claws regularly as needed.

Diet: Recommended Food for Cats

• Up to 6 months: Kitten food
• After 6 months: Transition to adult food
• Wet food recommended for better hydration

Dietary Transition: Prevent Digestive Issues

Rapid dietary changes cause digestive upset. Follow this method:

• Days 1-3: 75% old food + 25% new
• Days 4-6: 50% old + 50% new
• Days 7-9: 25% old + 75% new

💡 Tip: Present both foods in separate bowls initially.

Hydration: Encouraging Your Cat to Drink

Cats may not drink enough. Helpful tips include:

• Provide spring water instead of tap water
• Add ice cubes for freshness
• Use a water fountain to stimulate drinking 💧 Clean and change water daily.

Litter Box Tips for a Clean Cat

Cats instinctively use litter boxes. Accidents may indicate health or behavioral issues. For optimal comfort:

• 1 litter box per cat + 1 extra
• Place boxes in quiet areas
• Clean daily

When adopting a kitten, introduce it gradually, starting with one room and expanding gradually.

Cat Health Insurance: Essential Protection

Just like humans, cats can have health insurance. Many companies offer veterinary plans tailored to your needs.