September may be one of Fluffy’s favorite months. It’s Happy Cat Month! The aptly called CATalyst Council launched this purrfectly uplifting occasion with the intention of helping people realize what our feline friends truly require to be happy. Continue reading for tips from a local Northwest Arkansas vet on how to start Fluffy’s engine.
How Can I Keep Fluffy Happy?
You might imagine that if we asked Fluffy this question directly, she would have a long list of demands. Some of the things you may expect to find on that list include infinite catnip, catwalks in every area, loads of cat towers and kitty furniture, and plenty of toys, snacks, and boxes.
Entertainment, excitement, and comfort are essential for your cat’s health and well-being, but they aren’t the only things Fluffy needs.
Here’s our list:
Provide Good Food: A healthy diet is essential not only for temporarily appeasing your feline ruler, but also for your cat’s overall health and well-being. You don’t need to break the bank here, but you should get your furry pal a good, high-quality food that is appropriate for her age, health, and lifestyle. Consult your veterinarian for detailed recommendations on this.
Clean the Litterbox: Keeping Fluffy’s powder area clean is critical for more than simply hygiene reasons. Cats are extremely clean and dislike unclean restrooms. Dirty litter boxes can also harbor germs and can also be quite stinky.
Veterinary Care: To be fair, your kitty companion may not be delighted about visiting the clinic. A significant portion of this is due to the car travel itself. Kitties aren’t particularly fond of being in moving cars! Fluffy also dislikes changes or anything that disrupts her daily schedule of naps, sunbathing, and planning. That being said, regardless of your pet’s feelings on the subject, she requires proper care to survive.
Your kitty’s care requirements will change with time. If you get a kitten, you’ll most likely have to bring the little one in a few times throughout its first year. Kittens require initial checkups, immunizations, spay/neuter surgery, and parasite management. Microchipping should be included on the agenda. Adult cats may only need to come in once a year for wellness exams. Older kitties are more prone to illness and injury and would benefit from more frequent visits. Fluffy may need to come in biannually rather than annually.
Regardless of your pet’s age, you should keep an eye out for indications of illness and bring Fluffy in as soon as you detect anything out of the ordinary.
You should also bring your cat in if you see any signs of disease. These include the following:
- Anorexia
- Bad breath
- Shortness of Breath
- Weight gain
- Vomiting
- Changes in grooming
- Hair loss
- Diarrhea
- Hiding
- Lethargy
- discharge from the eye or nose
- improper use of litter box
- Vocalizing more
- Limping or injuries
- Increased thirst
- Weight changes.
- Swelling
- Constricted or dilated pupils
- Changes in vocalization
- Uncharacteristic Mood/Behavior
- Bleeding
- Different eating habits
- Seizure
Keep in mind that cats will disguise signs of illness and disease. You may not notice anything until your feline companion is severely ill. If you notice anything wrong with your pet, take him or her to the Northwest Arkansas vet hospital right away.
How Can I Keep My Indoor Cat Happy?
We’ve covered the fundamentals of cat care; now let’s look at what gets your cat’s motor going. Keeping Fluffy nourished and healthy is critical, but those things alone will not make her happy. Kitties are very emotional, and they need to feel loved, appreciated, and possibly a little (or a lot) spoiled.
Let us list a few things that make Fluffy happy:
Toys
Playthings are valuable for a variety of reasons. The most crucial one is pure enjoyment. While Fluffy spends a ludicrous amount of time resting, she hasn’t yet mastered the art of snoozing constantly. Most cats sleep between 14 and 16 hours a day, with some sleeping up to 20. That implies your pet will have at least four hours to fill. Eating and grooming herself will consume some of her remaining time, but not all of it.
Playing allows your pet to keep herself entertained. That’s very crucial! Boredom is as awful for pets as it is for humans.
Playing is also good for your pet’s mental and emotional health. Kitties are hardwired to be hunters in the wild, therefore they have strong innate needs to learn the use of their claws and fangs. Allow your kitty to unleash her inner tiger every now and then. This will not only be a lot of fun for Fluffy, but it may also be really entertaining for you. You have to admit that cats are very cute and funny to watch when they are playing!
Exercise
Your kitty companion will also require physical activity to keep healthy. Your pet may be a furry, meowing bundle of energy as a baby, but as she gets older, she will gradually lose steam. Even a few minutes of pouncing and hopping will help your cat stay active and healthy!
Building Confidence
Cats, like humans, are all unique. Some are daring and adventurous, others are timid and bashful, and some are, well, a little spicy. If your pet is easily scared, playing can assist in a variety of ways. One argument is that it will allow her to expend surplus energy. Furthermore, it can assist her gain confidence.
Bonding: Playing is also beneficial for bonding! Fluffy deserves to feel appreciated and treasured!
Your kitten should also have some toys that she can play with on her own. Offer a variety of options and discover what she loves best.
Kitty Comforts
Cats are simple to care for, but they enjoy having items designed specifically for them. This includes items such as boxes, cat furniture, soft beds, and window seats. Essentially, the more comfortable locations your furball can look gorgeous in or on, the better!
Love
Last but not least, make your kitty companion feel adored. This may differ from kitty to kitty. Some cats are more reserved, but they will cuddle with you at night and give you an earful if you arrive home late. Others are tiny cuddle bugs who crave constant attention.
Take the time to get to know her and spend quality time with her each day. Simply letting your cat snuggle up on your lap while you watch TV or chat with her while doing laundry can help her feel loved.
How Can I Tell If My Cat Is Happy?
Fluffy cannot tell you anything, but her behavior and appearance reveal a lot. A positive evaluation from your veterinarian is an excellent beginning point. This can rule out any medical conditions that could detract or impede kitten happiness.
Aside from that, your pet should have clear, bright eyes, soft, clean fur, and be in good physical shape. She should be awake, receptive, and perhaps a little curious and lively. Happy cats are frequently extremely relaxed, although they can also be a bit mischievous.
Contact your Northwest Arkansas veterinarian for further information.
Book An Appointment At Your Northwest Arkansas Pet Clinic
Have you got any queries regarding keeping your cat healthy and happy? Please feel free to contact us at any time. As your local Northwest Arkansas pet hospital, we are here to assist!
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