Any cat family knows that your fuzzy fur ball is loved just like a child. The best way to show your kitty how much you care is by keeping them healthy and well. Here are the ten most important things you can do to keep your feline friend purring:
- Healthy diet
You may be surprised to find a healthy diet is not that easy to find. Many big box stores sell bags of dry food that are not ideal for your cat’s nutritional needs. Think about cats living in the wild and their natural diet. They are designed to thrive on a diet that is high in protein, high in moisture and low in carbohydrates. Consult the label on your pet’s food before you purchase. It should include fewer ingredients with high moisture and protein. You vet will also be a good resource for finding the best nutrition for your pet. - Water
Lots of fresh, clean water is important for cats, especially if they’re eating a dry kibble. Emptying, washing, and pouring fresh water for your cat at least once a day is ideal. If your home is more than one level, it’s wise to include a water bowl on each level of the house. We all know when we get cozy, we may not be so inclined to walk all the way downstairs for a glass of water, but if it’s convenient, we’re more likely to drink. - Exercise
Play time is essential for your cat, no matter what their age. It’s easier for older cats to become sedentary. But, once you’ve pulled out the laser pointer, ribbon wand, or catnip ball you will likely have coaxed out the wild cat in your house cat. Cats should get a solid 30 minutes of play each day in order to keep their muscles toned and healthy. - Vet appointments and vaccinations
We’re all so busy these days that it becomes hard to keep up with appointments, but please don’t let your cat’s veterinarian appointments become last on the list. In order to make sure no health problems are developing, it’s essential that a vet look your pet over annually. You may not notice ear mites, cavities, or vision loss, but your vet will. Addressing health problems early on can make quite a difference in your pet’s recovery. Vaccinations are also important to keep up with. - Brush their teeth
Did you know cats are supposed to have their teeth brushed daily? Most feline owners are unaware! There are lots of different cat toothbrushes and cleaning pastes on the market to consider. And you may be surprised that your cat might actually enjoy the meat and seafood flavors available. - Properly clean the litter box
No one really enjoys cleaning the litter box, but it’s so important for your cat’s health. Did you know there’s more to it than scooping out your pet’s waste once a day? Ideally, you should dump all the contents of the litter box into a garbage bag monthly and thoroughly clean the box. The best spot for washing is your utility sink or outside. Wearing gloves, wash the box and litter scoop with a gentle soap and sponge. Rinse thoroughly and let it air dry. Then, fill with fresh litter. - Brushing and bathing
Your kitty is probably bathing themselves so often it’s easy to forget other necessary hygiene duties. Several times each week, it’s important to brush your cat’s fur. This helps reduce shedding throughout the house. Also, it’s nice to give your cat a proper bath in the tub once or twice a month. Start with just an inch or so of water in the tub and no water running to ease them into the idea. Then, slowly wet your cat with handfuls of water and a small amount of gentle baby shampoo or cat shampoo, rinsing thoroughly. - Check their eyes and ears
In between vet appointments, keep an eye on your pet’s eyes and ears. If you find any dark material in your cat’s ears you can take a damp washcloth and gently dab or wipe the area, being careful to avoid the sensitive inner ear. If you have concerns over your cat’s vision, or have noticed fogginess in the eye, it’s important to have your pet seen by your vet. - Watch out for plants
Many household plants are actually toxic to cats. Too often, cats get curious and chew on leaves only to find themselves in serious trouble. If you have live plants in your home, you can keep them in a room with a closed door. If you wish to have any plants around your cat, please consult your garden store or an online resource to confirm your plants are safe for kitties. - Household dangers
There are many things throughout our homes that can be a danger to cats. Bits of string or rubber bands are often fun to play with, but become choking hazards quickly. Keep an eye out for items like this around your home and put them away. Another common danger is the string on window blinds. Cats have found themselves so mesmerized by these strings that they jump and jump until they become entangled. One solution is to install a simple plastic toggle to wrap your string around next to each window.
There are many ways we can help our cats to live long healthy lives by minimizing dangers and taking care of their needs. We hope this list of ideas has helped you discover some new pointers.
Should you need any cat grooming or boarding services, we hope you will consider Golrusk. Because at Golrusk… pets are family!