Every Cat Has Their Own “Normal”

Get to know the 4 key areas of cat behavior we like to call “The Feline 4”.
As a cat parent, you have a unique ability to know what normal looks like. In fact, the more familiar you are with their daily routines, favorite hiding spaces, and one-of-a-kind habits, the easier it may be to spot changes in their wellness. If you detect a change in your cat’s “normal”, remember that you’re their lifeline. Don’t hesitate to seek professional veterinary care.

: Appetite for Knowledge
Your cat’s eating and drinking habits can tell a lot. You should have a sense of how much food and water your cat consumes on a daily basis, including treats.
: Get the Scoop
It may not be pleasant, but try to monitor your cat’s bathroom habits. Take note of how much urine and stool your cat produces each day. And before cleaning the box, pay attention to things like color, shape, and consistency.
: Having a Ball
From playtime, to grooming, to bird watching, and beyond, it’s good to observe how your cat engages in their own set of daily activities. Changes of any kind may signal a potential health issue.
: The Cat’s Pajamas
Over time, you’ll come to know where kitty prefers napping, resting, and sleeping. These spots may change over time, but tracking them and noticing if they change can help you sense if your cat is hiding a health problem.

Healthy Ways to Help Your Cat Live Their Best Life

Protect Against Pests

Parasites, or pests, come from all different places and can be life-threatening to your cat. So when it comes to choosing the right pest protection for your feline family member, it’s important to know the facts.

What kinds of parasites can affect my cat?

Since there are so many types of pests and there's no telling how or when they'll show up, it's important to protect your cat from the parasites that most commonly threaten their health and wellness.

External pests like these live on your cat’s skin: Fleas, ticks and ear mites
Internal pests like these are found inside your cat: Hookworms, heartworms and roundworms

How do I pick a parasite medication that’s best for my cat?

It’s important to consider a product that provides your cat protection from the many parasites that threaten them, with the least disruption to their routine, or the special bond you share.

Tip 1: Choose a product that does not require you to wear glvoes to apply, or to separate your treated cat from other pets or family
Tip 2: Choose a product that is small-volume, quick-drying, and may be less noticeable to your cat—they’ll thank you for it!
Tip 3: Choose a product that protects your cat from the most common parasites in one dose.

Let a Veterinarian be Your Lifeline

Your cat puts their full trust in you. But when it comes to their health, there’s a world of veterinarians and cat-compassionate clinics that can help you provide a lifetime of health and happiness.

How to Partner with Your Veterinarian, Whether There’s Paws For Concern or Not

You’re not the first cat owner to wonder if you really need to make a trip to the vet - but here are some things to consider:

You can’t always know what your cat is feeling.

Veterinarians are not only experts in feline biology and medicine, but also in how a cat’s behavior relates to their health. So when you may be unsure what behavior means, they will have the answer.

illustration of a question mark with happy and sad faces

The last thing you want is a cat‑astrophe.

Regular visits, even when your cat is healthy, have many benefits. A wellness exam helps give your veterinarian a snapshot of kitty's health, rule out potential issues, and provide preventative care such as vaccines.

A cat-compassionate practice can be your greatest ally

You want the best for your cat and when there’s a health issue, a cat-compassionate veterinarian can be your strongest partner in providing medical help with a gentle touch.

A conversation never hurts.

Meeting with the veterinarian gives you an opportunity to discuss any behavioral changes you’ve noticed and how that might relate to your cat’s health.

Tips for Reducing Your Cat’s Stress at the Veterinarian

: Carrier Training
Did you know that your cat can be examined from the comfort and safety of their carrier? Help make the carrier less scary before your appointment with carrier training at home.
: Creature Comforts
Cats may need extra TLC to bring their stress levels down. Consider bringing a favorite toy, bedding, or treats to help your cat feel more relaxed and at home in their carrier while traveling or in the veterinary office.
: Find the Right Veterinarian
Veterinarians are cat people too, and many are going the extra mile for their feline patients. Today you can find cat-compassionate practices that are dedicated to focusing on the unique needs of cats.
: Keeping Calm
If your cat has a history of getting stressed during exams, talk to your veterinarian about using calming pheromones, cat nip, or other anti-anxiety medications.
: Communication is Key
If you and your cat have already developed a relationship with your veterinarian, sometimes you can get health advice simply by calling and speaking to them and deciding together if a visit to the office is needed.

Helpful Articles

The product information provided in this site is intended only for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may not have marketing authorization or may have different product labeling in different countries. The animal health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with an animal healthcare professional. All decisions regarding the care of a veterinary patient must be made with an animal healthcare professional, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

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Your Cat Depends On You, We’re Here to Help