Simple Tips for National Cat Health Month

By Mar's Mission Editorial Team, with assistance from AI tools

According to 2025 estimates, about 45 million U.S. households share their home with at least one cat.

"Cats represent a growing percentage of the pet population in U.S. households," highlights a May 2025 AVMA report.

This National Cat Health Month, it's a good time to highlight the importance of routine veterinary care.

Regular Veterinary Visits

Routine check-ups are vital for catching health issues early. Cats can hide symptoms, according to Texas A&M University, until problems become serious, so regular vet visits help detect concerns before they escalate. During these visits, licensed veterinarians can:

• Perform physical exams to check for lumps, dental issues, or skin problems

• Update vaccinations to protect against common diseases

• Screen for parasites like fleas, ticks, and worms

• Discuss diet, weight, and behavior changes

Balanced Diets and Fresh Water

Nutrition plays a crucial role in a cat’s health. Feeding a balanced diet tailored to the cat’s age, weight, and activity level supports their immune system and energy.

"To live a long, healthy life, your cat needs proper nutrition," says Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

"Ask your veterinarian to help you determine the ideal body weight for your cat and follow their suggestions for adjusting your cat’s diet to reach and maintain that weight," they add.

Fresh water is equally important. Encourage hydration by:

• Offering clean water daily in multiple locations

• Using water fountains to stimulate drinking

• Adding wet food to their diet for extra moisture

  
  

Monitoring your cat’s eating and drinking habits also helps you spot early signs of health problems. Discussing a nutrition plan with your licensed veterinarian helps ensure your cat receives a balanced diet tailored to its specific health needs. 

Safe and Stimulating Environments

Cats thrive in environments that meet their physical and mental needs.

"Cats maintain their natural behaviors, such as scratching, chewing, and elimination, while living indoors, and they may develop health and behavior problems when deprived of appropriate environmental outlets for these behaviors," says a 2014 report by doctors of veterinary medicine Meghan E. Herron, DVM, DACVBa and C. A. Tony Buffington, DVM, PhD, DACVN.

Providing a safe, enriched space reduces stress and promotes healthy behavior. Consider these tips:

• Offer scratching posts and climbing structures to satisfy natural instincts

• Rotate toys regularly to keep your cat engaged

• Provide cozy resting spots away from noise and household traffic

• Keep toxic plants, chemicals, and small objects out of reach

  
  

This month, let's challenge ourselves to take one new step for our cat's health — schedule that overdue vet visit, swap out the water bowl for a fountain, or add a new enrichment toy to their space. Small changes can add up.

And if you'd like to support cats who don't yet have a safe home to thrive in, consider donating to or volunteering your local shelter.

Mar’s Mission does not provide veterinary care or services. The information we share comes from reputable and trusted sources to help support the care of companion animals. For urgent or professional medical needs, please contact a licensed veterinarian immediately.