PETALING JAYA (18 November 2015) – Cats are wonderful pets to have. Independent with unique personalities of their own, cats are fuss-free and low maintenance pets. Nevertheless, like many pet owners, you may still want to give your furkid undivided attention, love and care. After all, being attentive to your cat’s wellbeing can help prevent potential health issues for your pet.

All cat owners know that a healthy kitty is happy kitty. Like humans, cats are vulnerable to illnesses and injuries caused by their activities or simply due to aging. Unlike humans, cats cannot tell you if they are unwell. “As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to look out for signs of illnesses and injuries. This can be done by observing your cat’s behaviour and also by checking their bodies for telltale signs. Knowing when your cat is healthy helps you to determine when your cat is not. So pay close attention to your cat, since they can’t talk and tell you what might be wrong,” says Whiskas’ veterinarian, Dr Susan Wan.

The following checklist can help you determine your cat’s health:

• Bright Eyes: A healthy cat has bright clear eyes free from discharge or any cloudy film
• Shiny Fur Coat: A shiny coat of fur is an easy to see sign of a healthy cat. Giving your cat a balanced diet helps maintain a fine, sleek and shiny coat for your furkid.
• Lively and Energetic Demeanour: A diet rich in suitable nutrients gives your cat the energy it needs to stay active and ready to play. A diet specially tailored for your cat will ensure strong muscles and healthy joints in the long-term, as well as a strong immune system, so you will have an energetic companion by your side for a long time.

According to Dr Wan, “Understanding your cat’s breed and the types of health issues it is prone to helps owners keep an eye out for abnormalities. Any changes in behaviour such as in interaction, activity, grooming, food and water consumption and any visual indications of health problems, such as abnormal conditions of the eyes and fur are signs of sickness. If they occur, you are highly encouraged to contact your veterinarian and seek professional help. So, make sure to observe your cat. Watch their body language. Bright shiny eyes, a glossy clean coat and active behaviour – the presence or absence of these signs can reveal more than you think.”

Regular grooming for your cat is recommended so that their coat remains sleek and free from matting and tangles, especially if your furkid is a longhaired breed. Grooming sessions also build a strong bond between the both of you. Keep up-to-date with their annual deworming and vaccination schedules and other planned visits to your vet.

Making sure your furkid is eating right is one way you, as a responsible owner, can help your cat live a healthy life. Ensure that they get the right amount of the required nutrients such as high-quality protein, essential omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, beta carotene, multivitamins and antioxidants that contribute to your cat’s overall health. As such, it’s a great time to try WHISKAS, which is formulated according to the WHISKAS Vital System that contributes to the three main signs of a healthy cat: clear, bright eyes, a sleek coat and a lively and energetic demeanour.

With a good balance of the right diet, exercise and grooming routine, giving your cat a long, comfortable and healthy life (or nine!) is possible.

For more information, log on to www.waltham.com.

Bio : Dr. Susan Wan, D.V.M (UPM) 

Mars Foods Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Dr. Susan Wan graduated with a Degree in Veterinary Medicine from Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2001. Upon graduation, Dr. Wan served as a locum veterinarian as well as an in-house veterinarian with a chain pet store.

Dr. Wan joined Mars as Technical Services Manager in 2002 where she was responsible for providing technical support to various stakeholders in the pet industry. Dr. Wan also spearheaded several initiatives encourage responsible pet ownership in the country through the organizing of seminars and community talks on pet care and nutrition.

Dr. Wan is now the Head of Customer Development, Specialist Trade for Mars Malaysia and Singapore where her key responsibilities are to grow the pet care segment in the specialist trade. She is also the champion of Mars Petcare Academy in Malaysia. Mars Petcare Academy is a global program to enhance product awareness and stewardship consistently, and to create Mars Petcare ambassadors through targeted learning experiences with the product and with pets.

Dr. Wan is a proud parent of 5 dogs, a cat, a rabbit, a guinea pig and a tortoise.