Pet Ownership: How to Prevent Cancer in Cats
Just hearing stories from people who are going through cancer is already terrifying. How much more if it strikes you or your charming cats? Cancer can affect many parts of the body and cause fatal and dire consequences if not arrested in its early stages. However, while cancer is already a horrifying thought for pet owners, there are easy things you can do to keep your felines healthy and avoid contracting the mentioned health problem.
Five Ways to Prevent Feline Cancer
Felines are susceptible to the similar illnesses humans encounter, including particular kinds of cancer. While cancer is not very common in cats as in dogs and humans, cat cancer is more deadly and aggressive. Thankfully, we have gathered five basic ways to prevent it from occurring to your dearest felines.
1. Spay or neuter your cat
Having your feline neutered or spayed can significantly reduce the chances of having specific types of cancer and even health issues that are too costly to deal with. Furthermore, sterilizing female and male cats will help avoid particular reproductive cancers and contact with outdoor cats.
Most vets in Corpus Christi will usually recommend having felines spayed or neutered since it comes with many health benefits. However, if your cat has health problems, have them inspected by a pet professional first before sterilizing them to ensure they are qualified for the surgery.
2. Have them vaccinated
Vaccinating your cat is your task as their pet parent. See that your furry feline is vaccinated against feline leukemia virus and rabies to protect them from contracting numerous deadly illnesses. The feline leukemia virus is very infectious among kittens, and infected felines are more susceptible to certain kinds of cancer.
Regularly bringing your felines to animal facilities like Riverside Veterinary Clinic for up-to-date vaccinations and wellness exams can help alleviate your worries and keep your feline healthy to avoid cancer.
3. Feed them a high-quality diet
Poor diet increases cancer risk in felines, so it’s vital to feed them a high-quality diet. Giving them healthy foods without cancer-causing substances like preservatives, artificial colors, and unnecessary filler elements can guarantee their good health. In addition, a proper diet can enhance your cat’s immune system and keep their overall health in tiptop condition.
Along with feeding them appropriate diets, make sure you monitor their oral health, too, as overlooked dental illness can cause oral cancer. Routinely bringing your felines to the vet dentist to be inspected is required to preserve their oral health. You may check their dental services by browsing their website or directly visiting their clinic.
4. Avoid carcinogens
A carcinogen is a hazardous substance often found in home and garden cleaners and one of the culprits of cat cancer. Unfortunately, this is commonly neglected by many cat owners. If the cleaners you are frequently using in the house are carcinogenic, consider shifting to safer options.
Remember, felines are hygienic and industrious groomers of themselves. When they clean themselves, they ingest even the toxic elements on their fur. This may be prevented by removing dangerous chemicals and carcinogenic items in your furry cat’s environment.
5. Consider keeping them indoors
Keeping your furry companion indoors is the best way to protect them. There are many excellent reasons why keeping them inside is wiser than allowing them to run loose outdoors. If your furry companion goes out, they may come across outdoor felines and likely get into fights.
If a cat is unvaccinated, it might contract health issues like feline leukemia if they get into fights with outdoor cats. Keeping them occupied and active inside your house can help prevent this.