September is Happy, Healthy Cat Month! OF course, we think our feline buddies should be happy and healthy all the time. Cats aren’t hard to care for, but it is important to remember that they do have some specific kitty needs. Here, a Chesapeake, VA vet offers tips on keeping Fluffy purring.
Playtime
Kitties are absolutely adorable when they are pouncing on a toy. (They’re also cute when they pounce on bottlecaps, but that’s another topic.) Running and jumping are great for Fluffy physically. Playtime also offers your furball beneficial mental stimulation, which is great for her mental health, especially as she ages. Offer your furball lots of toys, and take time to play with her regularly.
Veterinary Care
Proper veterinary care is crucial to your furball’s health. We recommend that all cats be microchipped and spayed or neutered while they are still young. It’s also important to keep up with Fluffy’s exams, vaccines, and parasite control products. In between your pet’s regular appointments, watch for signs of sickness, such as hiding, poor grooming, litterbox woes, and reduced appetite. Call us immediately if you notice anything amiss.
Kittyproofing
Cats have an amazing capacity for getting themselves into trouble. Some simple kittyproofing will help keep your home safe for your kitty. Remove or secure anything you don’t want Fluffy playing with. This includes small or sharp objects, toxic plants, plastic bags and ties, wires and cords, chemicals, and medications.
Keep Kitty In
One of the best things you can do to keep Fluffy safe is to keep her indoors. As soon as your pet sets her cute little paws outside, she faces some very serious dangers, such as cars, weather, predators, and other wild animals.
Good Food
Good nutrition is also very important to keeping your pet healthy. Offer Fluffy a good, high-quality brand. Pay attention to the label: you want to look for products that list meat, fish, or poultry as the first and most numerous ingredients. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Litterbox
Keep Fluffy’s litterbox clean! We recommend scooping daily and changing the litter frequently.
Love
Last but not least, make sure Fluffy feels loved and safe. Pay attention to your pet! Talk to her, play with her, and offer lots of ear scritches to keep that motor running!
Please contact us, your Chesapeake, VA pet clinic, anytime. We’re here to help!
