September is the National Month of the Happy Cat. Do you know what the best way to celebrate this month is? By having a cat that is happy and healthy of course! Cats are easier to please than you would think; however, seeing to it that your feline pal is healthy may mean you will need to put in a little effort. It will be well worth all the trouble!
For cat lovers and pet parents who know what they’re doing, every month needs to be Happy, Healthy Cat Month. September is a great time to raise awareness of what must be done for our feline friends!
1. Healing Time
One way to definitely keep your cat happy is to make sure they’re healthy. You shouldn’t ever wait until you surmise that your cat could be sick before seeing the vet. Cats don’t like others to know if they’re hurt. This is an evolutionary throwback from when cats lived in the wild. Take Kitty to the vet for not only preventive treatments but regular check-ups. Irritating insects incite itching in your illustrious pet, even indoors. Inquire about beneficial pest prevention methods from your vet. If you are of modest means, health insurance is available for cats. Ask about it.
2. Eating Time
Make sure your furry friends have a healthy and balanced diet. You can talk to your veterinarian to see how to help keep your cat on track in this department. Depending on their age and health, cats have different dietary needs, and it is up to their owners to make sure that they are getting what they need to be healthy and stay healthy. In most cases, feed your cats quality food and fresh, clean water. Milk should not be the only fluid cats receive to stay hydrated. It can actually cause some stomach irritability.
No pet parent will find themselves having trouble getting their healthy cat to eat. Meat is your cat’s favourite food. Cats need food that has lots of protein and very few to no carbs. Cats are obligate carnivores. That means a cat needs to have meat. Your cat’s food must list meat of some form as the primary ingredient. There should be no artificial additives, fillers, or colours in your cat’s food. Every cat has unique nutritional needs. Ask the vet what would be effective.
A ubiquitous but harmful error is to overfeed your cat. It is all too easy to confuse food with love and give your darling pet more food than what’s good. Kitty will have to problem with that. This results in a chubby munchkin with a high risk of cancer, diabetes, and arthritis. Your cat should be getting ample exercise as well.
4. Play Time
Cats love to play. They love searching around their surroundings, and they love hunting and pouncing on moving objects. They need to have stimulation to stay occupied and happy. Have areas set up around your home that are play zones for your cat.
One sure way to see to it your cat happy is to let it have fun. Give it your time as well. Throw some toys for her, dangle the string. Set up a scratching post and combine it with a toy like a squeaking mouse or a ball of string so your cat can play and be entertained and stimulated. Provide climbing trees so that it can have fun without ravaging your home. Give it your time as well. Throw some toys for it, dangle the string. Just keep in mind that these toys are safe for your cat to play with, and cannot be swallowed or destroyed by your cat.
5. Potty Time
This may seem like a miniscule thing, but it’s very important indeed to a cat. Cats like to be neat and clean. A tidy cat likes something more than just occasional grooming. Cats like it when their litter box is clean. So will you! Pick out a tray and litter that fits your cat best!
6. Outdoor winter warnings
Some cats like to wander outside in the winter, so pet owners should be mindful about what may seem appealing to them at this time of the year and how to keep them safe. Since the weather is cold, some cats adventuring outdoors may want to find a warm place to rest. Check your vehicle hood to make sure that cats are not hanging out in there to seek warmth before you turn on the engine. This could prevent cats from becoming injured or killed by the fan belt.
Another way to keep your cat safe while it is outside is to keep it away from ethylene glycol. It is a chemical found in products such as antifreeze and brake fluids, and can cause injury or death to your cat if consumed. Animals are attracted to this chemical because it tastes sweet. Try to clean up any mess due to spills from this substance, and throw away anything coming into contact with it.
These are just some of the many ways you can show you cat a bit more love. Cats love to feel loved, so snuggle up with your cat and keep it warm, comfortable and safe!
If you would like more tips and information on taking care of your pets, visit OntarioSPCA.ca.
How do you show the love to your feline friend?
I always grew up with pets and especially cats. They are such loving creatures. A happy cat brings joy to everyone!
Good pointers for cat owners, though a lot applies to dogs too of course.
Thank you for the tips. Health care is so important for animals
My pleasure!
This was a good read, I have a 2 year old cat and getting 2 new kittens (2 months) on Friday to keep her company.
Nice highlight of crucial tips for all cats. My cat thanks you.
My pleasure!
I’ve had cats since I was 7 and although they are finicky, independent and moody, I wouldn’t want to be without one in my life.
I’ve read that cats do best on wet food, not kibble. It’s too dehydrating on their bodies since they are carnivores.
I find it quite amazing that there are all these months, weeks or days dedicated to something or other. Is there also a happy healthy dog month too? I’m guessing yes.
April is Active Dog Month!
Aw <3 I love cats! Thanks for sharing this 🙂
Cats are my whole world. Their health is my number 1 priority. Unfortunately, I lost my best buddy 3 weeks ago. His brothers and sisters miss him to.
Oh, sorry to hear about your loss! Hugs!
Thank you. It was definitely the hardest thing that I’ve ever gone through.
Great information, I picked up a few tips.