Kitties are known for being very easy keepers. However, they are quite emotional and need to feel happy and loved to thrive. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize what our feline friends truly need to be happy. Continue reading for tips from a local Hiram, GA veterinarian on how to start Fluffy’s engine.
How Do I Keep My Cat Satisfied?
You might imagine that if we asked Fluffy this question directly, she’d have a long list of demands. It may contain endless catnip, catwalks in every room, tons of cat towers and kitty furniture, and, of course, plenty of toys, snacks, and boxes. Entertainment, excitement, and comfort are all crucial for your cat’s health and well-being, but they are not the only things you should provide.
Basic Cat Care Instructions
Before we get into indulging your feline friend, let’s go over the fundamentals of good cat care. Our feline friends are relatively easy to
Good Food: It should come as no surprise that a delicious dinner can make anyone happy. A healthy diet is not only necessary for temporarily gratifying your feline ruler; it is also critical for your cat’s health and well-being. Consult your vet for particular suggestions.
Clean The Litter Box: Keeping Fluffy’s powder room clean is simple, but it is necessary for more than simply sanitary reasons. Cats are incredibly clean and dislike unclean restrooms.
Veterinary Care: To be fair, your feline friend may not be happy to visit the clinic. The car ride alone contributes significantly to this. Most cats really dislike being in moving cars! Fluffy disapproves of most major changes and tends to be unhappy about anything that upsets her typical schedule of napping, sunbathing, and planning. That being said, regardless of your furry friend’s opinion, she does require proper healthcare to survive.
Your kitty companion’s care requirements will fluctuate over time. If you get a kitten, you’ll probably have to bring your tiny pal in a few times throughout that first year. Kittens require initial checkups and vaccinations, as well as spay/neuter surgery and parasite management. Microchipping should also be on the table.
Adult cats may only need to come in once a year for wellness checkups, but you should keep an eye out for indications of illness and bring Fluffy in as soon as possible if you see anything unusual.
Seniors are more vulnerable to disease and injury, therefore they will benefit from more regular visits. Fluffy may need to come in bi-annually rather than annually.
Between appointments, keep an eye out for signs that something isn’t right. If you observe any signs of illness in your cat, you should bring her in right away.
Here are a few examples:
- Anorexia
- Poor Breath
- Shortness Of Breath
- Vomiting
- Poor Grooming
- Hair Loss
- Diarrhea
- Hiding
- Lethargy
- Discharge From Eyes Or Nose
- Improper Litter Box Use
- More/Unusual Vocalizing
- Injuries
- Limping
- Increased Thirst
- Weight Changes
- Swelling
- Pupil Constriction Or Dilation
- Vocalization Changes
- Uncharacteristic Mood/Behavior
- Bleeding
- Diverse Eating Habits
- Seizure
Keep in mind that cats attempt to conceal signs of disease. You may not see anything until your feline friend is very ill. As a result, if you notice anything wrong with your pet, take it to your Hiram, GA veterinarian right away.
What Do I Do To Keep My Indoor Cat Happy?
We’ve covered the fundamentals of cat care, so let’s move on to the things that get your kitty’s motor running. Keeping Fluffy nourished and healthy is critical, but those things will not always make her happy. Kitties are highly emotional, and they require to feel loved, treasured, and perhaps a little (or a lot) spoiled.
Here are some things that make Fluffy happy:
Toys
Fluffy may spend an absurd amount of time resting, but she has yet to make snoozing 24 hours a day a habit. Most cats sleep 14 to 16 hours per day, while some sleep up to 20. That means your pet will have at least 4 hours to fill. Eating and grooming will take up some of her remaining time, but not all of it. Playing offers your furry pet something to do. That’s quite significant! Boredom is equally as unpleasant for animals as it is for humans.
Fun
It’s also entertaining for cats! Kitties are predisposed to be hunters in the wild, so they have strong natural desires to learn how to utilize all of their claws and teeth. Allow your cat to occasionally unleash her inner tiger. This will be a lot of fun for Fluffy, but it may also be very fascinating for you. Cats are incredibly hilarious to watch while they’re playing.
Exercise
Physical activity is also necessary for your feline companion’s health. Your pet may be a fuzzy, meowing bundle of energy as a kitten, but as she ages, she will gradually lose steam. Even a few minutes of pouncing and hopping will help keep your cat active and healthy!
Gaining Confidence
All cats, like people, are unique, with their own purrsonalities. Some are daring and adventurous, some are timid and bashful, and some are, well, a little spicy. If your pet is scared, playing can help her in a number of ways. One reason is that it will allow her to expend some of that extra nervous energy. It can also help her gain confidence.
Bonding
Playing is also a vital way to bond with your feline friend. It is essential for Fluffy to feel appreciated and adored. Holding a laser or wand toy for her is a great way to do that.
Your cat should have some toys that she can play with on her own. Offer a range of items and see what she prefers.
Comforts For Your Cat
Cats are very easy to care for, but they are considerably happier when they have items designed specifically for them. This includes boxes, cat furniture, soft beds, and window seats. Basically, the more comfortable places your furry pal can look cute in or on, the better!
Love
Last but not least, ensure that your kitty companion feels cherished. Some cats are more reserved, yet will cuddle with you at night and give you a hard time if you arrive home late. Others are small cuddle bugs who require constant attention.
Take the time to get to know your cute pet, and spend time with her every day. That doesn’t have to take much time out of your day; simply allowing your cat to snuggle up on your lap while you watch TV or talking to her while you are cooking, cleaning, or doing laundry counts as quality time in Fluffy’s book.
How Do I Know if My Cat Is Content?
Fluffy cannot tell you, but her behavior and appearance reveal a lot. A solid vet score is an excellent starting point, as you’ll know your pet isn’t in any pain or discomfort. Healthy cats are happy cats!
Aside from that, your furry friend’s eyes should be clear and bright, her fur soft and clean, and her body in good condition. She should be attentive and receptive, with a hint of curiosity and play. Happy cats tend to be quite charismatic and, as you probably know, are often quite mischievous.
For more information, consult with your Hiram, GA veterinarian.
Make An Appointment With Your Hiram, GA Pet Clinic
Do you have questions about how to keep your cat healthy and happy? Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time. We are your neighborhood Hiram, GA pet hospital and are here to help!
