February is best known for Ground Hog Day, Valentine’s Day, and the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. But it also sheds light on the importance of maintaining the health and well-being of our beloved cat family members.
Cats need everything that humans do: love, shelter, food, companionship, toys, and regular health checkups. Yes, the annual exam takes place when Tab Hunter or Maggie the Cat have weight and dental workouts. Their ears and eyes were inspected and their bodies examined for lumps, bumps, and fleas. It’s time to share your behavior change concerns and eating problems – whatever affects you. The annual checkup often includes vaccinations based on Tab and Maggie’s ages.
One of the most important discussions a parent cat has with their furbaby doctor is diet. Many of us have a tendency to overfeed our pets. Obesity is not just a human problem. We love treats and so do they; We love to eat. Some of us may have had a vet tell us to love him / her a little less, with treats and table pleasures!
Speaking of a cats love to nibble, they are naturally curious animals. So make sure to keep poisonous things out of reach around the house – especially the pretty things … like plants. This alluring green and colorful flora includes daffodils, hyacinths, Dieffenbachia holly, poinsettia, mistletoe, lilies, azaleas / rhododendrons, cyclamen and kalanchoe, so https://be.chewy.com/bestfriends.org
Movement and scratching are necessary for a healthy cat. When cats scratch, they remove the outer layer of their claws (there are sharper claws underneath) and stretch their muscles and paw pads. Scratching posts are available from your local pet store or online businesses, or you can create one! A scratching post should be sturdy (if it wobbles, Tab and Maggie won’t use it) and stand at least three feet tall. According to aspca.org, rough materials such as sisal, burlap or even tree bark ensure satisfactory scratch and nail care. Some owners make appointments to have their cat’s nails clipped in the veterinarian’s office in place of or in addition to the scratching post or pad.
Some cat parents choose to ditch their pet, which involves amputating the last bone of each toe. You can compare the procedure in human terms to cutting off each finger on the last knuckle, according to Humanesociety, org. Scratched cats should never be outside. Their primary means of defense against predators has disappeared.
A healthier way to prevent your cat (s) from scratching furniture is by mixing your own anti-scratch spray in addition to a sturdy scratching post. According to modkat.com, mix equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle and apply it to the areas that will harm your cat. You can also use citrus-based scents that are known to not like them. Mix lemon juice in one quart of water with orange essential oil and eucalyptus oil, then pour it into the spray bottle. And cats are not keen on garlic and peppermint either.
Cats love to play. Pamper them regularly with new toys. Some toys, especially those of the fishing rod type with a catnip toy, feather, or some other infinitely fascinating item on the end, are especially fun because they can play with you. Oh, and let’s not forget the red point light.
Catnip, also called cat weed and catnip (many of us grew them in our yards over the summer), filled with catnip, are winners, except some cats just don’t get what the fuss is about). Soft toy mice, birds, fish, and other catnip-stuffed animals ensure that cats attracted to the scent have a lot of fun. After sniffing or eating catnip (you can grow it in planters at home), cats can become more playful and loving, sleepier, calmer. According to aufgeregtcats.com, eating catnip is calming, while sniffing it creates excitement and stimulation. The effects of catnip last five to 30 minutes. And after that, a cat will stop responding to catnip for about half an hour!
Responsible cat parents neuter or neuter their cats. Make an appointment for Maggie before she is 5 months old, but no younger than 5 weeks. Neutering your female pet before the first heat offers the best protection against uterine infections and breast tumors – cancerous in about 90% of cats, according to ASPCA.
Male cats (or dogs) that have been neutered (preferably between 6 and 9 months old) are less likely to attempt to mount other dogs, people, or objects. They are less likely to mark their territory by spraying urine all over the place. Also, they won’t go around making mini mes.
Grooming your cat while you sit quietly on your lap with them is a great way to make them look and feel loved. You will feel loved unconditionally, and these quiet moments can lower our blood pressure. They help our body release a relaxation hormone that, according to webmd.com, lowers stress hormone levels. We care for our beloved pets and they take care of us. It’s a win-win situation.
As Albert Schweitzer once said: “There are two ways to escape the misery of life – music and cats.”
