Indentification

• Strong and healthy cats have very distinct characteristics. You can give your cat a mini-examination to make sure that he is in top canine shape. Your cat should have bright eyes and clean nostrils. The inside of his ears should be clean and clear. His coat should be glossy, free of bare spots, and his skin should be moist. He should not be too thin, and his belly should never protrude. His actions should be responsive and eager to play. His sleeping patterns should be normal, neither sleeping too much or too little.
  
  

Provisions

• Your cat needs access to a clean litter box. It should be large enough for him to enter and exit easily. Most cats prefer unscented and fine-textured litter, but if you experiment with varieties, another kind may work better for him. Provide him with separate eating and water dishes, and keep them far away from his toilet area. His food should appeal to his taste desires, but it should also be nutritious. Keep his food fresh, and change his water often.
  
  

Grooming

• You can make the grooming experience fun and pleasant. It should be a routine that you both enjoy. Get a good brush or a steel comb, and use it on him regularly to keep his coat shiny and sleek. He will keep himself clean, but your brushing or combing will keep extra fur out of his intestinal track, and it will keep him free of hairballs. You should also trim his nails with a good set of clippers. This will keep his nails from growing into his foot pads and causing problems.
  
  

Medical checks

• Your cat needs to visit the veterinarian for routine evaluations and tests. The first step is to check for the feline leukemia virus, and the next one for immunodeficiency virus. These two diseases weaken the immune system. The fecal matter is examined for internal parasites. The outside of your cat will be checked for external parasites such as fleas, ticks and mites. If something is not right with your cat, your veterinarian will work with you to correct it.
  
  

Vaccines

• A vaccine program for your cat is an insurance policy against immune system invasions. FVRCP, a combination vaccine, protects your cat from feline panleukopenia, feline rhinotracheitis and a disease caused by a cat calicivirus. It is given at about 2 months of age. The vaccine is repeated twice until the cat is 4 months old. It is repeated one year later and can be boosted every three years. A rabies shot is also given at 3 months of age. Heartworm medication and flea/tick protection is ongoing.
  
  

Important

• Your cat needs to be neutered or spayed at 6 months of age. Other than that, a strong and healthy cat needs to visit the veterinarian when he looks or acts sick. If he is in need of medications or treatment, early intervention will make him well again.