With National Cat Day approaching on Oct. 29, many cat lovers and veterinarians alike are looking forward to celebrating their furry felines. While cats are indeed cute, cuddly and clever, they can face some serious health issues without the proper care. The expert staff at Mililani Town Center Pet Clinic in Hawaii has been keeping local pets healthy for 29 years; they see your cat as a true member of your family. This top-notch veterinary clinic, led by Dr. Randal Sakaino and Dr. Elizabeth Kingery, wants to stress the importance of cat health and offer some tips on keeping your purring pal happy and healthy.

Here are five tips from Mililani’s top veterinarian you should consider if you own a cat:

• Keep Your Cat Indoors Or Keep Them On A Leash: When you leave your cat outside and unattended, there’s no telling what could happen to them. Sadly, many vets and surgeons see various types of wounds in cats that are left outside, either from being attacked by a wild animal or, cruelly enough, another human. If you want your cat to get some fresh air, consider allowing them outside in your backyard while keeping them on a harness, or walking them on a leash if they are comfortable with it.
• Give Your Cat Exercise: Not all cats are happy being couch potatoes. Sedentary cats are prone to obesity, which is detrimental to your cat’s health. Cat toys are a great way to get your furry feline moving and shedding those extra, unwanted pounds. If your cat seems like they really love the thrill of the hunt, pick a toy that caters to that instinct. You could also hide pieces of kibble around the house to add to the hunting game.
• Keep Your Cat’s Litter Box Clean: You should clean your cat’s litter box once a day. This is not only sanitary, but it helps avoid messes around the house. Cats and cleanliness go hand-and-hand, so it’s essential to keep their litter box as clean as possible.
• Schedule A Physical Exam For Your Cat: Get your cat the quality pet care they deserve—seeing a veterinarian for an annual physical exam is very important. For older cats, a physical exam twice a year is recommended. Cats are known to hide their symptoms, so don’t be fooled and wait until it’s too late. A solid physical exam and blood work from a quality vet will reveal any major problems, such as kidney or liver disease.
• Offer Preventive Care: Annual physical exams and preventative care go hand in hand. When you talk to your trusted veterinarian you can both decide on your cat’s specific needs, which include vaccines, deworming, heartworm prevention, blood work, flea and tick prevention and dental care.