A Quick Guide to Keeping Your Cat Healthy and Happy
- Author: Mary Singleton
- Posted: 2024-07-24
If you plan to become a cat owner, you can use several strategies to provide them with love and care they need. You can incorporate most tips into your cat's routine to make them as happy and comfortable as possible. Starting the cat care journey on the right foot is essential for a pet parent. Then follow proper daily habits to keep your cat healthy and content. The following strategies will help you provide your furry friends with the attention and care they need:
Brush or Comb the Cat's Fur Daily
Brushing your kitty daily will reduce their chances of developing some hairballs in their digestive tract. Most cat owners think that cats groom themselves and hence have no need to comb their hair. However, brushing your furry friend helps remove the loose hair. The cat will enjoy the brushing moments if you connect them with happy moments. For example, you can brush your cat before meals, so they associate the routine with tasty food.
Your Pet Doesn't Need Too Much Dry Food
Cats are different from dogs in that they can't be vegetarians. You need to add meat to their main meal of the day. Since most dry foods contain a high percentage of carbohydrates, serving large portions can cause obesity and Type 2 diabetes in cats. Avoid getting tempted to give them similar foods if you are a dog and cat owner. A cat's digestive system cannot handle carbohydrates like a dog's.
Give Your Cat Enough Clean Drinking Water
Since ancestors of domestic cats once lived in the desert, the felines don't get as thirsty as dogs. They get most of the water their bodies need from the food they consume. Most of the things cats love feeding on, like a mouse and canned food, contain a high water percentage.
On the other hand, dry food has an average of 10% water. Always provide your cat with fresh water for them to drink at will. You will notice your pet drinking more water whenever they consume dry food. Additionally, watch out for panting, dullness, and sunken eyes since they are signs of dehydration in cats.
Provide Your Cats with Enough Litter Boxes
Experts advise that you have a litter box for each cat, plus an extra one. Therefore, you should set up five litter boxes if you have four cats. It would be best if you were careful where to place the boxes.
Although most cat owners love putting the boxes in places such as dark corners and basements, cats may not enjoy using them there. You need to understand that the feline is in a vulnerable position when using the litter box. They like using the box where they can see whatever is happening around them. Due to the same reason, your cat may avoid using a litter box with a cover.
Avoid Assumptions If You Notice Your Cat Avoiding the Box
Seeing your cat avoiding the litter box and peeing on your chairs, rugs, or other places can be frustrating. If you notice that on your cat, you should take them to the vet for a check-up. The vet will check whether the furry friend has a UTI or other illnesses before concluding the pet's newly-acquired behavior.
If the vet finds no disease on your cat, check if the pet dislikes the litter boxes available. You can try changing the boxes to see if there's a specific brand your pet likes. Make sure you scoop the boxes every day to keep them clean. Also, move the boxes to a quieter and easily accessible location.
Teach Your Pet to Use a Scratching Post
You must train your cat to use a scratching post to avoid clawing your valuable furniture. It would be best to place the post in the center of the room so the cat to locate it quickly. When you get a new post, apply some catnip to it. Then, place it at a place with less traffic for the cat to enjoy using it.
Cat owners must provide their pets love and care to remain happy and healthy. It would be best to incorporate helpful strategies in the cat's daily routine for the best experience. If you start on the right foot, you'll be sure to follow the right path, which will benefit you and your furry friend. The above are some strategies you should consider for content and healthy cat.
