If you’re a cat owner, you understand the importance of maintaining your cat’s health. With about 76.43 million cats, the U.S. has more felines than any other country. Routine checkups with your cat’s vet are vital in order for your cat to live a full life. Cat health can be measured in many different ways. If you notice differences in your cat’s mood or behavior, it may be a sign that something is off. For example, if your cat is usually very active and energetic and one day becomes slow and lethargic, it’s probably a signal that something isn’t right. If you feel as though your cat’s health is declining, it may be a good idea to invest in a lifetime pet insurance plan that will cover any illnesses or accidents that may affect your cat health. The pet insurance process is relatively simple, and there are various options for pet insurance plans.

If you feel as though you would make a good cat owner and are considering getting a cat, it’s important to understand your options. There are about 60 million feral cats in the U.S., and that number could be drastically reduced if more people opted for adoption rather than purchasing from a commercial pet store. Adopting a cat from a shelter frees up space for other cats that desperately need a safe place to stay. Also, cats from shelters are generally very friendly and loving, a disposition you may not see in pet store cats.

Once you’ve adopted a cat, cat health checks are important to assure that your cat is up-to-date with vaccines. It’s also extremely important to make sure you spay or neuter your cat – 84% of U.S. cats are spayed or neutered. Spaying female cats decreases their desire to roam and their risk for developing uterine cancer. Neutering male cats almost completely eliminates the risk of marking/spraying, decreases aggressive behavior such as biting, and reduces the risk of cancer. Overall, spaying or neutering helps cats live longer and happier lives.

Overall, the importance of cat health should not be underestimated. Cats don’t take much maintenance to keep happy, especially since cats sleep for an average of 16 hours each day. Before you make the decision to adopt a new pet, do your research on animal care and make sure you’re prepared for any challenges that may come along. All in all, cats give so much love to their owners, and they deserve the same love in return.