Cats are gorgeous creatures. What’s more, having a feline friend can have fantastic mental and physical health benefits. But while owning a cat (or any other pet) is a great experience, it also comes with great responsibility.
Unfortunately, some people tend to forget that cats are much more than just furry and cuddly mascots. They’re living creatures that demand care. And when it comes to keeping your cat happy and healthy, it’s a much more challenging task than you may think.
For instance, you have to understand your pet’s individual needs and provide it with the perfect cat schedule (yes, cats have their schedules). That’s not all, though. Everything from diet to cleaning habits will impact your cat’s health and happiness.
That’s why, to ensure you take proper care of your kitty, we’ve prepared the following guide.
The Cat Diet
If you want your cat to live a long and healthy life, you have to make sure you provide it with the right nutrition. For instance, unlike dogs, cats can’t become vegetarians. Meat is a foundation of their diets, keeping them strong and fit.
Another thing is always to read labels when buying canned food. You must make sure you provide your cat with a balanced diet that meets its nutritional needs. It’s also crucial to know foods that are toxic to cats, e.g., chocolate or raisins.
Aside from the types of food, you also have to learn the amount and frequency of feeding. Keep in mind that it will depend on the size and breed of your animal.
As a rule of thumb, if you aren’t sure what will work for your cat, the best idea is to contact a specialist who will create a healthy and balanced diet plan. Who would’ve thought that Garfield was so wrong about eating lasagna?
Keep the Litter Box Clean
Cats are known for being fussy, and that statement hasn’t come out of anywhere. The perfect example of that is the litter box “thing.” Only if you keep it clean, your cat will want to use it. If it’s dirty, it will go elsewhere to relieve its needs.
What’s more, keeping your cat’s toilet clean will allow you to control its health more effectively. By monitoring any peeing abnormalities, and odor of feces changes, you’ll be able to react faster and take care of any problem more immediately.
Parasite Prevention
Parasites such as ticks or heartworms can significantly decrease your cat’s quality of life. What’s worse, some of them are also transmissible to people. With that in mind, parasite prevention becomes even more important.
When it comes to that, you must understand one thing. Keeping your kitty in an indoor and hermetically sealed environment won’t do the trick. Parasites are everywhere, and not letting your cat go outside will not solve the problem.
To provide your cat with the help it requires, you must examine it frequently and provide it with the right diet. For more professional prevention, you should contact the vet.
Playtime
Cats are considered to be independent. We believe that they walk their own paths and don’t care about their owners. And while the first statement is true, the second is a cliche that has nothing in common with reality.
As a cat owner, you play an important and integral role in its development and enrichment. Playing with your cat will satisfy its natural need to hunt while strengthening your bond. Entertaining your cat with toys will also help in its proper development.
However, playing with your cat is not all. You can also take it for a walk. Yes, you’ve read it correctly. Going for a walk with your pet isn’t an activity reserved only for dogs. It provides your cat with much-needed outside time and allows you to spend some quality time together.
Veterinary Care
Paying regular visits to the vet is a crucial part of being a pet owner. Unfortunately, many people tend to underestimate their cats’ need for more professional help, the same way they underestimate their need for regular checkups.
A vet will help keep your cat in the best shape possible and provide you with all the necessary information regarding its health. Keep in mind that being proactive will make sure you catch any potential problem faster.
Aside from that, the vet will also help you determine whether your cat should be spayed or neutered. It’s a very important decision to make, and it’s best to seek advice from a professional rather than reading internet forums to make the right call.
Final Note
As you can see, there are many things you have to consider to ensure your cat stays happy and well. Everything from the food you give it to the amount of time to spend playing with it can significantly impact the way your cat feels.
The tips given above will help you take good care of your cat, ensuring you treat it with the love and attention it deserves. Don’t forget that a happy cat means a content owner, and there aren’t many statements more accurate than that.
Additional content: https://personalcat.com/what-can-cats-not-eat/