The 28th of March is a pretty significant day for Fluffy: it’s Respect Your Cat Day! Of course, if you asked your feline overlord how to best show her respect, she might demand big shrines, statues, fishponds with live fish in them, stocked aviaries, and catnip gardens. Kitties may have inspired many ancient peoples to go to such extremes, but you don’t have to. In fact, the best way to show Fluffy that you care is to understand her unique personality and wants. This article by a neighborhood Conway, SC veterinarian gives you some ideas on how to treat your furry buddy with respect.
Keep Your Feline Pal Indoors
If given the opportunity, Fluffy might strongly disagree with this one. We know, lots of cats like being outside. To be fair, there are lots of things to see and do outside, and the exercise and stimulation can be good for them. However, your cute pet is in serious danger from many things in the Great Outdoors.
These are some of the most common:
- Cars
- Weather
- Stray/Loose Dogs
- Other Cats
- Parasites
- Chemicals
Your kitty could also get lost, trapped, stolen, or even killed. That’s not just a rumor: up to 18% of cats will get lost at least once in their lives.
Get Your Kitty Spayed Or Neutered
If you haven’t done this already, you should make an appointment at your vet’s office to fix your feline buddy as soon as possible. This is actually going to be good for both you and your kitty. Fluffy will be safer, healthier, and less likely to have behavior problems, like spraying and yowling.
It is also a way to promote good animal welfare. there are already millions of homeless cats out there! It’s only smart to make sure your pet doesn’t add to those numbers.
Take Time To Play
Cats are great pets. In fact, they may be the purrfect companions! They definteily are a lot of fun. Fluffy has a unique ability to make us giggle simply by being herself. She’s also hilarious to watch when she’s hard at play. Don’t underestimate the importance of those jumps and pounces. Even though it might look silly for Fluffy to chase that paper ball or catnip mouse, she’s really into it.
Kitties can be both hunters and prey in the wild. That makes for an interesting mix of traits. Fluffy is cute, spoiled, and, well, a little lazy, but she is also a hunter at heart. Playing allows your feline friend to embrace her inner lioness! (It’s also really cute to watch.)
Make sure your little friend has plenty of fun toys to play with, and take time to play with her every day. This doesn’t need to take a lot of time. Just keep a laser pen or cat toy near where you like to relax.
Playing has other benefits. It’s a great way to bond with Fluffy. Plus, it gives her a safe way to burn off some extra energy.
Let Fluffy Snuggle With You
One great thing about kitties? They fit purrfectly into our laps! Fluffy often starts her motor as soon as she starts to cuddle. Snuggling with your cute pet is actually good for both of you. When you cuddle your feline pal, you both release a particular hormone called oxytocin. This makes us feel loved, safe, and happy.
You don’t have to let your kitty sleep with you at night. Fluffy can still be healthy and happy even if you don’t let her sleep in your room. However, many cats love to sleep with their owners.
Offer Little Luxuries
Kitties are pretty easy keepers. Just giving your feline friend good food, a clean litterbox, and regular vet care will take care of the basics.
It’s also important to make your home fun and comfortable. Sometimes little things can make a big difference. Provide your cute pet with things like beds, toys, scratching posts, and, of course, the occasional empty box. Cat towers are also great, because they give cats places to watch, places to clean their nails, and jungle gyms.
Start With Good Food
Giving your feline pal healthy food is the cornerstone of a good kitty care regimen. It doesn’t have to cost a lot, but you should offer Fluffy something that is right for her age. Ask your vet for specific information.
Make A Furever Commitment
When you adopt a cat, you are promising to care for that kitty for the rest of their natural life. If you are not prepared, willing, and able to provide for Fluffy no matter what, then it may be better to not take her in. Adoption is forever!
A Purrfect Powder Room
The fact that kittens use litter boxes definiitely makes it easy to care for them. it’s important to keep your furry buddy’s bathroom clean. Understandably, cats don’t like dirty litter boxes. Scoop once a day, and change out the litter about once a week.
A good set-up is important here, too. If you have more than one kitty, you will need more than one litterbox. Cats do not like to share!
The box should be in a place that is easy for your pet to get to and not in full sunlight or a draft. It should also give your furry buddy some peace.
Take Fluffy To Your Animal Clinic
We know, we know: Fluffy would probably rather take a nap than come see us. We get it! We know that most cats like being at home. These little furballs also don’t like car rides very much. In fact, cats often get more upset on the way to the vet’s office than during their visits. Even so, getting your cute pet to the vet regularly is very important for her health and well-being.
We suggest that all kitties get microchipped, spayed or fixed, and get regular shots and parasite control. Also, getting regular checkups and exams is very important. These tests and screenings often find problems before symptoms appear. Ask your vet to recommend an appointment schedule.
Also, keep an eye out for signs of illness. Some of these are diarrhea, fever, vomiting, weight loss, vomiting, feeling tired, and having trouble breathing. You should also be on the lookout for things that don’t seem normal for your furry pal, such as behavioral changes. Keep in mind that kitties tend to hide signs of sickness, so you may not realize Fluffy isn’t feeling well until she’s quite sick. Contact your Conway, SC vet immediately if you notice anything off.
Make Sure Fluffy Feels Loved
Last but certainly not least, it’s important to make sure your kitty feels loved. Pet your furball, talk to her, and play with her. Our feline friends are actually very emotional, and they can form strong bonds with people. Give your kitty a lot of love and care. We think that cat purrs and cuddles are some of the best things in life!
Do you have questions about how to take care of your feline friend? Get in touch with us here at your Conway, SC pet hospital! We are dedicated to providing the best care around.
