Cat Medical Supplies

The basic supplies to take care of a cat are bowls for food and water, wet and dry cat food, litter and litter box, comb and nail clipper, scratching post, cat bed, cat carrier, toys and a safety collar with an ID tag.

Your cat’s needs will change as they age. For senior cats, mobility can become a challenge due to conditions like arthritis, so it helps to provide a litter box with lower sides for easier access. Pet ramps or steps placed near beds, couches or window perches can also make a big difference, allowing them to reach their favourite resting spots without strain.

As cats grow older, you may also need to adjust their diet, choose softer grooming tools, and schedule more frequent vet visits to keep them comfortable and healthy.

Cats benefit from monthly preventative medicine against parasites. The two main medicines for a cat are tick and flea control, and heartworm treatment, which are usually given once a month. Your vet may recommend monthly deworming to guard against intestinal worms.

An easier alternative is a monthly dose of broad-spectrum medicine that combines flea, tick, heartworm and intestinal parasite protection. Whether your cat is indoors or outdoors, monthly parasite prevention can safeguard them against discomfort, itching and life-threatening diseases. The monthly medicine further prevents the spread of parasites, protecting your family and other pets in the household.

You can tell a cat is unwell if their overall appearance has changed drastically. Look for signs of sudden weight loss, dull or greasy coat, and discharge from the nose or the eyes. An unwell feline companion will also exhibit behavioural changes, such as overgrooming or not grooming at all, sleeping more than normal and drinking more or less than usual.

You may also observe subtle changes in how they move. A cat that doesn’t feel well may tilt their head slightly, have difficulty lifting their head or sit in a hunched position.

Changes in a cat’s usual activities also indicate they may be ill. If they withdraw and hide or engage less, they may be in pain.

Like human beings, different cats present different symptoms. Some cats become vocal, whereas others become less active. The bottom line is that any persistent change in behaviour, appetite or energy can mean an illness. Schedule a vet visit straight away, get them the right cat medical supplies and keep your family pet healthy and comfortable with an early diagnosis.

How often you deworm your cat depends on their age, environment and risk of exposure. Cats that are in contact with a bigger community of cats and interact with wildlife will need deworming monthly.

An adult cat typically needs deworming every three months if they sometimes go out. If your adult cat spends much more time outdoors, schedule a monthly deworming. Kittens are more prone to parasites, so they need deworming every two weeks until they reach eight weeks. Six-month-old kittens need deworming every month.

Outdoor cats are at higher risk of contracting worms. They can get it through contaminated grass, wildlife hosting worms, fleas carrying certain worms and at birth. If worms are not treated immediately with the right cat medicine at the correct dose, the infestation can lead to severe health problems. Untreated worms can cause intestinal blockage, inflamed arteries and disruption to normal heart function.

To treat your cat’s watery eyes at home, use gentle wipes to remove the discharge. You can get pet-safe wipes from cat medical supplies online. But this home remedy provides only temporary relief. Your cat needs a diagnosis from a veterinarian to get an effective treatment plan.

Your cat can have watery eyes for several reasons. They may have epiphora, or an overflow of tears. Epiphora is common in cats with insufficient tear drainage or excessive tear production. Allergies, corneal ulcers and glaucoma are other causes of epiphora.

If your cat shows additional symptoms, such as squinting, excessive blinking or redness and swelling, take them to the vet right away. These signs may point to underlying conditions, infection or injury that need prompt treatment.

To help your cat pass a hairball, add digestive lubricants to their food or shop for cat food formulated for hairballs. Modifying or switching their food to include more fibre, minerals, oils and vitamins will allow the hair to pass through their digestive tract naturally.

Another cat hairball remedy is using a mild laxative that your vet has recommended. Always check with your vet before giving your family pet any cat medicine to prevent adverse reactions.

Every cat has dealt with hairballs at one point; the furrier, long-haired breeds more than other cats. Hairballs form when a cat grooms and swallows loose hair, which can accumulate in the stomach instead of passing smoothly through the digestive tract. Over time, this clump of fur is either brought up by coughing or vomiting, or in some cases, may cause discomfort if it becomes difficult to pass.

Most cats who eat a healthy, balanced diet don’t need vitamins. Your vet may prescribe vitamins if your cat is sick or has a condition that affects nutrient absorption, and in special cases, such as pregnancy, for kitten growth or senior care.

Since most commercial cat food products already contain the essential vitamins and minerals your cat requires, giving additional supplements without guidance can do more harm than good. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any vitamins to ensure they’re safe and necessary for your feline friend.