Cat Health Basics for the Philippines: Diet, Litter, Play and Parasite Control

The essentials at a glance
Healthy cats need the right food, fresh water, a clean litter area, daily play, and steady parasite protection. Keep it simple. Set phone reminders so nothing is missed.

Diet and hydration in the tropics

• Feed a complete diet for your cat’s life stage. Measure meals to keep weight steady.

• Change water twice a day. Many cats drink more from wide bowls or a fountain.

• Move one water bowl to the coolest room.

• Change diets slowly over 5 to 7 days. Sudden switches can upset tummies.

• Ask your vet before home-cooked or raw diets.

Litter set-up that cats actually use

• One tray per cat plus one extra.

• Place trays in quiet spots away from food and water.

• Use an unscented clumping litter if your cat prefers it.

• Scoop daily. Full clean once a week.

• For seniors, pick low-entry trays that are easy to step into.

Brain games for condos and houses

• Two short play sessions daily. Use wand toys and chase toys.

• Give vertical space with shelves or towers.

• Offer scratch posts in a few places.

• Rotate toys weekly so play stays fresh.

• Try a window perch or a safe, secure catio.

Parasite risks in the Philippines

• Fleas: Common year round in warm homes.

• Ticks: Can come in from gardens, dogs in the building, or travel.

• Intestinal worms: Picked up from soil, pests and the environment.

• Heartworm: Mosquitoes can affect cats too. Prevention is simpler than treatment.

Choosing protection for your cat
Pick an application you can give on time, every time. Match the correct weight band and read the label.

• Monthly broad spot-on with tick cover: Examples include Revolution Plus.

• Monthly broad cover without ticks: Examples include Revolution Original.

• Long-acting external control: Examples include Bravecto spot-on for cats.
  Your vet can confirm what is available locally and what fits your cat’s lifestyle, including heartworm prevention needs.

How to apply a spot-on

• Weigh your cat and choose the correct pack.

• Part the fur and apply to clean, dry skin at the back of the head.

• Keep children and other pets away from the site until dry.

• Follow the label for bathing timelines.

• If you miss a dose, apply as soon as you remember and reset your schedule from that date.

Simple safety tips

• Use cat-only products. Never use dog treatments on cats.

• Do not combine products unless your vet advises it.

• Do not split tubes between pets.

• Store treatments in a cool, dry place away from sun and heat.

• If your cat is unwell, pregnant, lactating, very young or senior, ask your vet first.

When to see a vet

• Weight loss, low appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, or change in thirst or toilet habits.

• Ongoing itch, hair loss, ear redness or a bad smell.

• Weakness or breathing changes after a tick is found.

• Any side effects that last beyond a day after dosing.

FAQ

Do indoor-only cats in high floors still need parasite control
Often yes. Fleas and mosquitoes can get indoors. A steady plan prevents flare ups.

Monthly or long acting. Which should I choose
Pick the schedule you can follow without missing dates. Both work when used correctly.

My cat grooms the application area and drools. Is that normal
Brief drooling can happen if product is tasted. Offer water and monitor. Next time, apply at the back of the head and separate pets until dry. If signs persist, see your vet.

How can I make dosing less stressful
Apply during a calm moment, reward with a favourite treat, and keep handling short. Set a reminder so you never rush dose day.