Happy Cat Month!
Our feline friends hold a very special place in our hearts. Often overlooked and sometimes forgotten, we care deeply about their physical and mental well being. September is the purrr-fect month to celebrate our felines and make them happy! Below are 10 things you can do this month to better connect with your cat and keep them healthy.
Provide toys. One of the easiest ways to make a cat happy is with a new toy. Not all toys have to be store bought. Paper sacks, wadded up paper and empty boxes will entertain cats for hours.
Train your cat. Cats are smart, as well as food oriented, and can be trained to do fun tricks–the mental and physical stimulation is great for felines. Training your cat can strengthen the bond between you and your best friend.
Make your cat work for food. Feline obesity is a huge problem in this country and one way to combat it is to make cats work for their food. Food toys are available to channel a cat’s natural hunting instincts. The toy releases kibble in small amounts as the cat plays with it.
Acclimate your cat to the carrier. Many cat owners find that the worst part about taking their cat anywhere is getting it into the carrier. The time to work with your cat on making their carrier seem like a safe, secure and inviting place to be, is prior to veterinary visits or family vacations – not when you’re ready to get in the car.
Visit the veterinarian. Healthy cats are happy cats. Many veterinary practices are cat-friendly and may have doctors who specialize in cats. Yearly wellness visits can help catch medical problems early.
Microchip your cat. In addition to a collar and identification tag, microchipping provides permanent identification in case your cat becomes lost.
Provide proper scratching posts. Scratching is an important aspect of feline behavior. Cats should have places they are allowed to stretch and care for their claws. Providing a long and sturdy scratching post in a vertical, horizontal, or angled position, is a great way to keep your cat happy.
Provide preventive medications. No one likes fleas, ticks, mites or heartworms, especially your cat. Even if your cat is kept strictly indoors, they can still be attacked by these little creepy creatures.
Hire a caregiver while you travel. Not every cat can go days without interacting with someone. Many actually need to bond and socialize with a person. Hire a sitter to check on your cat daily while you are out of town.
Think about getting another cat. Cats are social animals, so you may consider visiting the shelter and adopting a best friend for your current kitty. Cats love to play, and a playmate will make them happy—provided they are properly introduced and have the right places to eat, hide, play and go to the bathroom.
