Cats make wonderful companions, however they can be somewhat of a mystery. Knowing and understanding your feline companions is the way to keep them happy. Even though cats have the reputation for being independent and aloof, they actually thrive on affection.

If you are getting a cat or kitten for the first time you might want to make sure that no one in your family is allergic to cats. You should take your family to a rescue centre or have them play with a friend’s cat to see if they show any signs of an allergic reaction. Some symptoms to look for are; eye irritations, sneezing, and watery eyes. This way you will know beforehand instead of after you bring home the new cat or kitten and have become attached to them.

When it comes to the nutritional requirements of cats they are clearly different from dogs. Cats are strict carnivores and have to eat meat to remain healthy. Cats need protein in their daily diet to provide amino acids which turn into protein. Proteins are required for tissue growth and repair and to help with metabolism.

Fat and oils contain fatty acids which perform several functions and are a form of energy. If your cat’s diet is lacking fatty acids it could result in a dry coat and dandruff.

Vitamins and minerals are also important to a cat’s diet. There are 4 vitamins and 2 minerals that your cat needs to live a long healthy life. Vitamin A helps stimulate growth in kittens and renewal in adult cats, Vitamin B is important for growth, the nervous system and for the heart. Vitamin D helps in bone development and Vitamin E is for shiny coats. Water is the most important element in a cat’s diet. It transports nutrients, vital to temperature regulation, and essential for digestion. Most active cats will drink around 85ml of water daily.

To make sure your cat stays in good health you need to pay attention to them and notice any changes in their behaviour. At least once a week you should do a “check-up” on your cat. This can be done just by holding and petting your cat while you look for signs of fleas, skin problems, ear mites or for overly long claws. Some signs to watch for are; if their coats start looking rough instead of sleek and shiny and they stop grooming themselves properly. If you notice any of these signs you should take your pet into the vet for a check-up.

Depending on the breed of cat you have will determine how much grooming you will have to do. If you have a long-haired cat, such a Persian they need daily brushing and combing. If you have a short hair they can be groomed occasionally. Most cats will try to keep themselves groomed.

Another thing to remember is to have an out of the way place for their litter box. It is important to make sure you clean it often, especially if you have a multi-cat home. Cats are easy animals to care for. They like to play so make sure you have plenty of things for them to chase and bat around. If you have an inside cat make sure you also provide them with a scratching post of some sort. This way they won’t be using the furniture for that purpose. Cats make great companions and if kept healthy and happy they will give you enjoyment and comfort for a long time.

To protect your feline companions you might want to consider buying pet insurance for your cats. Not only will this give you peace of mind; it will help you to afford expensive medical costs if your pet becomes ill or has an accident. Cat insurance can help ease the strain on your budget if you were faced with high veterinary bills.

A solid cat eye care program includes understanding the impact of some cat eye disorders on your cat’s eyesight. Cataract problems are relatively rare in cats and are usually related to complications from diabetes. Some breeds inherit a tendency for developing cataracts: Birmans, Himalayans, Persians and British Shorthairs. The incidence is low and the cataract tends to remain small, often small enough to be ignored.

Of those cataracts that do cause or threaten blindness, many are treated with surgery. If blindness does result from an inoperable cataract, your feline should live a safe life if she is kept indoors. The cataract itself is not painful.

Recognizing Problems

It pays to catch the problem early. A long-term cataract is denser and harder to remove with longer surgeries tending to involve more complications. A cat owner should suspect a problem and seek veterinary attention whenever the eye appears different than it usually does.

Don’t just think your cat’s eyes are getting older when you notice a distinct disparity in eye clarity, increased opacity, cloudiness or a change in pupil size. These changes indicate a real problem.

Causes

Diabetes is the most common cause of cataracts in cats. The second most common cause is an inflammatory disease, like uveitis. You can readily recognize the signs of uveitis: the eye color changes, the surface of the eye is roughened and the pupil becomes smaller. This condition is painful to your cat. He may squint, have watery eyes, and eyelid spasms.

The most common causes of uveitis are the feline leukemia virus, feline infectious peritonitis, toxoplasmosis, or feline immunodeficiency virus. Early treatment of the cause can prevent a cataract or minimize the effect of one that has already formed.

Another cause of cataracts is an eye trauma. If your cat’s eye is punctured in a cat fight or other incident and the outer layer of the lens is damaged, your veterinarian may talk with you about removing the lens. This is because damaged lenses tend to develop cancer in cats. Removing the lens negates the chance of cancer.

Treatment

Cataracts that go untreated can lead to glaucoma, which is a painful disease. If your cat’s eyes look cloudy, watery, squinty or just don’t look normal, it’s time for a visit to your veterinarian. If uveitis is suspected, your veterinarian might run tests for the underlying causes and prescribe a medicated eye drop to bring the inflammation under control. If a cataract is formed or there has been eye trauma, you will probably be referred to an eye specialist, a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Surgery

Just because a cataract is present, it does not necessarily mean surgery. The size and location of the cataract are factors in treatment. If the cataract is large or very dense, then complications can be controlled with medications.

It is completely reasonable to expect your cat to have a good life even if he becomes blind. Keeping him indoors helps protect him as well as keeping things in the same place so he can learn the paths to his toys, litter box, food and favorite areas. Keep the lights dim helps him see better with what eyesight he has left.

A puncture to the eye lens or larger congenital cataracts are more likely candidates for surgery. Some cat owners forgo cataract surgery that is caused by uveitis. Uveitis already causes inflammation to the eye, so surgery can just lead to more inflammation, complications and pain.

Other Considerations

The pre-op analysis, surgery and post-surgery checkups run from $1,500 to $3,000. Then there is the post-op medication. Opting for a small monthly cat health care insurance program helps with the financial burden. It certainly reduces the necessity of a cat eye care decision based upon limited financial resources.

Cataracts in cats are rare. As part of your cat eye care program, take a few minutes to check out your felines eyes. If you notice cloudiness, watery eyes, squinting or a significant change in your cat’s eyes or navigation, look to your veterinarian for cat eye care guidance. Not all cataracts warrant surgery. A blind cat can lead a normal, happy life indoors and with proper eye medications.