How to Keep Your Cat Healthy at Home and Beyond

Your cat is more than a pet; they’re your companion and confidant, and sometimes even your comic relief. Return the favor by recognizing and supporting their unique health needs—starting with proactive, preventive cat care. 

Cats are masters at hiding illness, and veterinary visits can be stressful for both of you. Learning to recognize early warning signs, ease anxiety, and prep for appointments at home can help keep your feline friend healthy and happy—so you can spend more time enjoying their antics, instead of worrying about their care.

An estimated 93% of cat owners consider their cats part of the family.¹ This close bond gives you insight into your cat’s daily routine and behaviors, which are key to noticing subtle changes that can signal certain health conditions.

Get to know your cat’s behavior and habits, so you can seek veterinary care early—before their condition worsens. Things to watch include:

• Appetite — Eating more or less or showing finicky behavior

• Thirst — Increased or decreased water intake

• Litter box use — Going outside the litter box, straining, increased or decreased urination or defecation

• Activity level — Attention-seeking or hiding, lack of interest in play

• Grooming habits — Changes in your cat's coat (loose or missing hair) 

In addition to monitoring your cat daily, routine veterinary visits are the best way to spot subtle health concerns. Maintaining regular preventive care—even when your cat seems normal—helps them enjoy better health for each of their nine lives.

Read more: 5 Signs Your Cat is in Pain and Hiding it

Unfortunately, an estimated 70% of cats in the U.S. did not receive any veterinary care in 2024, and more than 80% missed out on routine wellness (preventive care) visits.¹ 

One of the biggest reasons? The stress cats—and pet owners—often experience during veterinary appointments.

Taking steps to reduce your cat's anxiety at home and during travel can help make visits calmer and more manageable, helping your cat get the care they need.

Help your cat love their carrier — Make the cat carrier a positive place, and a normal part of their everyday life.

Take short car trips — Show your cat that all roads don’t lead to the vet.

Talk to your veterinarian — Ask if pre-visit medications such as gabapentin or trazodone could ease your cat’s anxiety. 

Use gentle handling and care techniques — Wrapping your cat in a towel to administer medications helps them feel secure. This is also great for trimming your cat's nails, regular grooming, and dental care.

Even the most mild-mannered tabby can become a tiger when they get a taste of a bitter pill. Wedgewood DeliverEase® offers compounded cat-friendly medication preparations that make it easy to care for your cat with every dose.

When your cat’s medication is formulated with their needs in mind, giving pills or liquids becomes a bonding experience—not a stressful one. Wedgewood Gourmeds®, for example, were shaped with three corners to make them more appealing to cats. We also take the same thoughtful approach to flavorings, using marshmallow to help mask bitterness—even though cats don’t have taste receptors for sweet flavors.

You can’t put a price on your cat’s health, but veterinary care costs are rising. Treating your cat’s wellness as a long-term investment helps you support your cat’s health and meet future challenges without fear or stress.

Take action today to protect your cat tomorrow by:

• Exploring pet insurance — Since 2020, cat pet insurance coverage has tripled, helping more families afford preventive and emergency care and providing powerful peace of mind.¹

• Scheduling a wellness visit — Regular veterinary care throughout your cat's life is key to spotting health issues early. This is even important as cats age, since their health can change quickly. Senior cats (7–10 years old) were the least likely to see a veterinarian in 2024.¹

• Building a relationship with your veterinarian — Regular exams help your vet get to know your cat’s unique needs for more personalized care. This includes stress-reducing strategies to make each visit better than the last. 

Learn more: How To Tell If Your Cat is Aging

Caring for your cat goes beyond routine checkups; it’s about strengthening the connection you share. Younger cat caregivers especially recognize the value of early action: 77% of Gen Z cat parents say they would spend any amount to keep their cat healthy.¹ But the investment doesn’t always have to be financial. Small everyday actions can save not only on veterinary costs but also on emotional ones, fostering trust and reducing stress for you and your cat.

Every day, your cat looks to you for food, affection, and the occasional treat. Changing how you look at your cat—from noticing subtle signs of pain and illness to recognizing stress—can help ensure they live a longer, healthier, and happier life. Take small, proactive steps today—whether it’s creating a calm home environment, carrier training, or exploring cat-friendly medications—and give your feline companion the care, comfort, and love they deserve every single day.

1. CATalyst Council, Feline Market Insights Report Volume II.