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As a cat owner, you want to give your pet the best quality of life possible. Choosing a quality cat food and spending time playing with your pet every day are important elements of maintaining good health. In addition to those daily activities, there are some other essential tasks that don’t come up as often but are still vital to your cat’s health.

1. Vaccinations

The general vaccination recommendation for cats is to get shots for feline calicivirus, feline viral rhinotracheitis, and feline panleukopenia every three years. However, depending on the specific risk factors a cat has for being exposed to any of those diseases, the AAFP recommendations also state that a more a frequent vaccination schedule may be beneficial. Speaking with your vet is the best way to determine how often your cat should be vaccinated, as well as if any of the non-core vaccines are a good idea.

2. Weight

Cats can look very cute when they gain extra weight. But being overweight can put cats at risk for a variety of health conditions. Helping your cat avoid those health risks is why it’s so important to keep an eye on its weight and take prompt action if you notice it getting heavier. Two of the best ways to help a cat shed excess weight are slowly reducing its food portions and increasing the amount of time you spend playing with it every day.

3. Moisture

In the wild, a cat’s typical prey contains around 70% water. Even though hydration plays an important role in a cat’s overall well-being, it’s easy to overlook this issue. Two ways to address it are with canned food and a cat fountain. As with dry food, it’s important to look into the full nutritional value of any canned food before feeding it to your pet. And if your cat doesn’t seem fond of drinking water out of a regular bowl, a cat fountain may be the answer.

4. Teeth

Issues like tartar buildup and plaque can negatively affect a cat’s oral health. Ensuring that your cat’s teeth are regularly checked by a vet and any necessary dental procedures are done will go a long way towards maintaining your cat’s health. You may also be able to manage brushing your cat’s teeth at home by using specially designed cat toothbrush and toothpaste formulated specifically for cats. Cat dental treats are another great way to care for your cat’s teeth.

5. Aging

As your cat gets older, some of its needs may change. This can include everything from nutrition to comfort. By paying attention to any aging related changes in your cat, you’ll be able to help your pet continue enjoying the highest quality of life.