Cats are undoubtedly one of the easiest animals to keep. Fluffy will take care of her own grooming needs, and you will not have to walk or train her. The majority of kitties spend a tremendous amount of time napping, which also makes life easier for their people. (These tiny furballs are very good at convincing us to pamper them in general, but that’s another story.) Fluffy may be quite self-sufficient, but at the end of the day, she requires more than just fresh water and kibble to stay happy and healthy. This article features tips from a local Pasadena, TX vet on how to be a wonderful cat owner.
Keep your Feline Friend Inside
Kitties may adore exploring, but the Great Outdoors is simply not safe for them. Fluffy is immediately exposed to a variety of threats when she sets those adorable little paws of hers outside. These include automobiles, weather, other cats, predators, and poisons. Cats that venture outside are also at higher risk of becoming lost, stolen, or killed.
Grounding Fluffy not only keeps your pet safe, but it also helps to safeguard surrounding animals. Cats may be beautiful, cuddly, and eccentric, but they’re also fluffy little serial killers. Fluffy hunts and kills a wide range of animals, including numerous endangered species.
Give Your Feline Buddy Quality Food
There are a few different things to consider when feeding your cat. Fluffy’s specific nutritional requirements should be established by her age, health, and lifestyle. However, you have to decide whether to feed your cat wet food or kibble, and whether to feed her at set times or free feed. Ask your Pasadena, TX veterinarian to provide specific guidance.
The most difficult step may be determining which brand to use. Many pet food companies have mastered advertising tricks and employ highly sophisticated strategies to ensure that their products appear the best. Make sure you read labels carefully.
Pet food manufacturers are required to label their products in specific ways, just as they are for humans. The first ingredient on the label is the major ingredient, or the one with the highest percentage or ratio. Meat, fish, or poultry should be the first and most prominent ingredients on the label. Avoid companies with long ingredient lists full of unpronounceable jargon that sound like science projects.
Fresh water is also necessary. You might want to try getting your pet a drinking fountain; cats enjoy running water.
How Can I Keep My Cat Happy?
Cats cannot spend all of their time resting, no matter how hard they try. Boredom is no more enjoyable for cats than it is for humans.
Keep your adorable pet entertained by giving her a range of toys. Spend at least a few minutes each day playing with her. Fluffy may appear sweet when she pounces on and chases after objects, but it is serious business for her: she is replicating the hunting habits and skills that would help her catch supper in the wild.
Keep in mind that each cat has unique tastes. Some prefer wand toys; others like catnip mice. Some want to chase the laser pointer’s red dot, and some simply want to bat ice cubes or bottle caps around. Try a couple things and see what Fluffy prefers. If you have more than one kitty, your pets may have different preferences.
Take Your Feline Friend To The Vet Regularly
While cats are tough, they are not invincible, as many of them seem to believe. In truth, these little furballs are quite small and fragile.
We recommend that all cats be microchipped, spayed, or neutered. Preventative care is also essential. Fluffy needs core immunizations for rabies, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus-1, feline panleukopenia, and (FeLV) feline leukemia. If your kitty is more than a year old, your veterinarian may additionally recommend immunizations for (FeLV), Chlamydia felis, and Bordetella bronchiseptica.
Controlling parasites is also vital. Even indoor cats can become plagued with fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. You can choose from a range of products, so consult your veterinarian to determine which one is best for you and your furry friend.
In between checkups, look for signs of disease. Kitties can be confusing here, since they prefer to conceal symptoms of illness until their illnesses worsen. This is an instinctual behavior, as displaying signs of illness in the environment can attract predators. Unfortunately, your cat may not show indications of sickness until she is really unwell.
Here are some things to look for:
- Reduced Appetite
- Litterbox Avoidance
- Respiratory Issues
- Discharge
- Poor Grooming
- Withdrawal
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Grumpiness
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Disorientation
- Uncharacteristic Behavior Or Vocalizations
If you see any of these symptoms or anything else wrong, please contact your animal clinic immediately.
Petproof Your Home to Keep Your Cat Safe
Cats do not have nine lives, though we aren’t sure they ever got that memo. But it is easy to see where that old wives’ tale originated. Fluffy is prone to mischief and occasionally narrowly avoids it.
We strongly advise petproofing, which entails removing or fastening anything that is not suitable for kitties. Small or pointy objects, like beads, buttons, safety pins, jewelry, and toy components, as well as plastic bags and ties, anything ropy or stringy, and hazardous plants, should all be addressed. (Note: The ASPCA website contains a complete list of safe and dangerous plants here.)
Another major worry is the usage of chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Poisonings are one of the most common reasons for emergency visits and, tragically, one of the leading causes of pet death.
Here are some of the hazardous items for cats:
- Cleaning Agents
- Paint
- Drain Openers
- Detergents
- Automotive Products
- Fertilizer
- Pesticides
- Rodenticides
- Antifreeze
- Bug Spray
- Medicine, including prescribed and over-the-counter medications.
Contact your veterinarian for further information.
Make Your Home Cat-Friendly
Kitties can thrive in a variety of environments, from a little bedroom to a vast mansion. However, regardless of how large your home is, making it cat-friendly is essential.
Adding cat furniture will help. Fluffy will adore a cat tower, which serves as both a scratching post and a lookout position.
You may also make your pet’s home more enjoyable by providing viewpoints and activities for her to explore. A comfortable window seat with a nice view may keep a cat amused for hours. Fluffy enjoys birdwatching! If you really want to go all-out, build a catio or enclosure for your pet.
Make Your Cat Feel Loved!
Last but not least, you’ll need to keep the motor running! Spend time every day with your feline companion and simply pay attention to her. Talking to your pet might help her feel loved and will strengthen her bond with you. (Some cats will answer, but others will simply listen: either way is fine!) The crucial thing is that your feline companion recognizes you are attempting to connect with her. You may find yourself melting when your furry companion cuddles up to you and starts purring, or looks up at you with that endearing feline affection.
Make An Appointment At Our Pasadena, TX Pet Hospital
If you have any questions about cat care, please contact us at your local Pasadena, TX pet hospital. We are dedicated to offering exceptional service!
