September is Happy Cat Month!
Welcome to Happy Cat Month!
September celebrates our feline friends and gives us the opportunity to recognize their role in our lives and educate their guardians on the importance of providing quality care.
How can you make lives better for our companion cats?
Spay and Neuter: Not only will you stop the overpopulation of cats, you’ll also lower your pet’s risk for certain health issues. Fixed cats are also less prone to marking and other hormone-based unwanted behaviors.
Scratching Posts: Your cat’s claws are as important as the rest of their body! Having a scratching post, particularly a vertical one, lets kitties mark their scent and stretch their muscles without causing damage to furniture. Consider regular nail trims as well.
Schedule annual veterinary exams: Regular check-ups are as important for our cats as they are for us! Be sure to look for any changes in your cat’s demeanor and habits, including litterbox visits, unusual vocalizations, and sudden aggressive behaviors.
Healthy Diet: Cats are natural hunters and protein is essential to their healthy functioning. Check the ingredients in the food you purchase and also check with your veterinarian for the appropriate amount to feed daily. Cats can become overweight just like we can.
Playtime: Cats in the wild rely on hunting to survive, and our domesticated friends were built to hunt, too. Since they don’t need to worry about their next meal, these hunting instincts can be satisfied with playtime in the form of toys. Interactive toys will keep them busy, but toys managed by their guardians provide a great opportunity to build a bond! Kittens and young adults require more daily playtime to discourage unwanted behaviors. Older adults can get by on as little as 15 - 30 minutes a day.
