Keep Your Cat Healthy
Caleb Ryan
| 25-07-2024
· Animal Team
Keeping your cat healthy and happy begins with a few easy steps, some of which you can start right away by adjusting your cat's environment.
To ensure your cat lives their best life, we shares valuable advice for pet owners. Starting with proper cat care is essential, and developing good daily habits is key. Lykkers, following these tips can help you give your cat the love and attention they need and deserve.
1. Brush Your Cat Every Day
Brushing or combing your cat daily can significantly reduce hairballs and prevent mats and tangles, especially for long-haired cats. While cats groom themselves extensively, regular brushing helps remove loose hair and promotes better coat health.
2. Don’t Feed Your Cat Too Much Dry Food
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Unlike dogs, cats are obligate carnivores, which means their diets should primarily consist of meat. We advises that the main meal for cats should always include meat, against feeding cats exclusively dry food, as it can lead to excessive carbohydrate intake, potentially causing health issues such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.
3. Pay Attention to Your Cat's Thirst
Domestic cats, descended from desert-dwelling ancestors, naturally drink less water than dogs. They ideally obtain most of their water from their food. For example, a typical prey like a mouse is about 70% water. Canned cat food contains around 78% water, whereas dry food averages only 5% to 10% water.
It's crucial to ensure your cat always has access to fresh water, regardless of their diet. Cats fed primarily dry food may drink more water. Older cats, nursing cats, and those with chronic health issues are more susceptible to dehydration. Keep an eye out for signs such as sunken eyes, lethargy, or panting, which indicate dehydration in cats.
4. Provide a Sufficient Number of Litter Boxes
A good guideline for litter boxes is to have one box per cat plus an additional one. So, if you have three cats, you should ideally have four litter boxes. The placement of these boxes is crucial. While humans may prefer to hide litter boxes in basements or dark corners, some cats feel uneasy in such secluded spots.
Cats are vulnerable when using the litter box, they prefer to have visibility around them. Therefore, covered boxes or those cleverly hidden in furniture may not be appealing to your cat for this reason. It's important to provide litter boxes in locations where your cat feels comfortable and secure.
5. Don’t Assume You Know Why a Cat Is Peeing Outside the Box
It can be very frustrating for cat parents when their kitty avoids the litter box and urinates elsewhere in the house, especially on furniture like couches or beds. There are several reasons why a cat might do this, and it's important to first rule out any health issues.
Many factors could be at play, so start by checking for any signs of illness. A visit to the vet can help determine if your cat has a urinary tract infection or another health problem causing the behavior. Once medical concerns are addressed, consider your cat's litter box preferences.
Experiment with different types of litter to see which your cat prefers. Maintain cleanliness by scooping the litter once or twice daily, and more frequently if you have multiple cats. Also, try relocating the litter box to a quieter area, away from noisy appliances, and ensure it's easily accessible for your cat.
By addressing these factors, you can help encourage your cat to use the litter box consistently and reduce incidents of inappropriate urination in the house.
6. Train Your Cat to Use a Scratching Post
It's important to teach your cat to use a scratching post effectively. A common mistake is not making the scratching post appealing to your cat.
Start by placing the scratching post in the center of the room. Placing it in a corner or out-of-the-way spot may cause your cat to ignore it. Initially, sprinkle the scratching post with catnip to attract your cat's interest when you first introduce it.
Once your cat gets into the habit of using the scratching post, you can gradually move it to a less busy area of the house. At this point, you can choose to stop using catnip if your cat is already using the post regularly.
By making the scratching post appealing and gradually relocating it as needed, you can help redirect your cat's scratching behavior away from your furniture and onto the appropriate surface.
7. Spay or Neuter Your Cat
One of the most beneficial things you can do for your cat's long-term health is to have them spayed or neutered. Female cats experience significant discomfort when they go into heat. Spaying and neutering not only contribute to your cat's well-being but also help ensure their safety.
Unneutered male cats are prone to fighting, which can lead to the transmission of diseases through bites and scratches. Female cats also face risks, as they can become pregnant as early as four months old and undergo the stress of multiple litters of kittens.
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8. Travel Safely With Your Pet
It's crucial to restrain your cat when traveling in a car to ensure safety for both your pet and yourself. Allowing a cat to roam freely can distract the driver and, in the event of an accident, the cat could be injured or even become a dangerous projectile.
Using a comfortable travel carrier for car rides and teaching your cat to use it without fear. This helps keep them secure and calm during travel.
Additionally, against leaving your cat alone in a parked car under any circumstances. Even with cracked windows or in cooler weather, the temperature inside a car can rise rapidly, causing discomfort and potentially fatal heatstroke within minutes. If you don't plan to bring your cat inside with you, it's safest to leave them at home where they will be comfortable and safe.
9. Choose a Cat-Friendly Vet
Many veterinary practices cater to multiple species, which can be stressful for cats surrounded by dogs in the waiting room. Ideally, look for a vet that offers separate waiting areas for cats and dogs. However, not all practices have the space for this setup.
10. Let Them Show Off!
When your cat loves you, they often demonstrate it in their own unique ways, such as bringing you the results of a successful hunt, even if it's something like a decapitated mouse. Accepting these gifts gracefully as a sign of affection. Additionally, cats may express their love through head bunting, purring, or kneading you with their paws. Enjoy these displays of affection and cherish the bond you share with your feline companion.
Lykkers, after learning these essential tips for keeping your cat healthy and happy, we hope you feel equipped to provide the best care for your feline friend.
Have you tried any of these tips before? How did they work out for you and your cat? We'd love to hear about your experiences and any other tips you might have for fellow cat owners. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!