We love our cats and they add so much to our lives. Here are 7 ways that you can return the favor.
- Feed good food
The value of a high quality diet cannot be overemphasized. Cats are obligate carnivores so there are essential elements that must be provided by the diet (as opposed to the cat manufacturing them herself like non-carnivores can). There is some controversy about selecting a diet for a cat and some feel that cats need a dry diet to help stimulate blood flow to the teeth and gums while others feel that cats need a wet diet to provide more moisture content. I personally like to feed a balance of both because both needs are important. Whatever form you choose, make sure that it is super premium food. Remember that food labels can be misleading (See Ask A Vet: How Do I Find The Best Cat Food).
- Take your cat to the vet
There is a common misconception that cats do not need to see vets. Nothing could be further from the truth. Cats are masters at disguise. They hide disease like their lives depend on it because to them, it does. Cats instinctively know that nature selects for the strong and they need to project strength. If they are sick or weak, they make sure no one can tell until they cannot hide it anymore. Your vet can tell, however. Bring your cat in regularly, even if he seems healthy. For more on this, see Does My Healthy Cat Really Need To See A Vet.
- Teach cats not to fear the carrier
No matter what, sometimes, your cat will have to be transported. It is much better if he is not afraid of the carrier. Travel is stressful enough. Make sure that your cat feels safe inside the carrier, so that the other scary things seem distant and less threatening. When your cat is already sick or hurt, a scary carrier just adds to the misery. If you take the time to accustom your cat to the carrier when she isn’t afraid, you are making her life so much better when she is. Leave the carrier in plain sight all the time. Hide kitty treats and favorite toys inside. Rotate them so she never knows what she will find, then she will slip into the carrier on her own and get a reward. It will teach her to associate happy things with the carrier and make it less frightening to her. For more on this, see What Can I Do To Make Vet Visits Easier?
- Cat Grass/Cat Nip
As I have mentioned cats are carnivores and only need to eat meat. They do not need grass, but some cats really seem to find chewing on cat grass fun. There would certainly be grass or plants in a wild environment, so providing access to plants that are safe enriches your cat’s environment. People have postulated that wild animals eat grass to try to deworm themselves, but I think that chewing grass releases hormones in yours cat’s brain that reward the behavior, just like doing things that we like does in our brains. Cat Nip is another harmless plant that many cats like. Studies suggest that cats perceive the aromatic oil and the scent elicits a euphoric sensation for about 75% of cats. You can add fun to your cat’s environment with safe and entertaining plants.
- Scheduled play times
Although cats may not perceive time exactly like we do, they do like predictability, especially if what they can predict is always fun. Make time for your cat every day and give her your undivided attention. If you cat prefers to be held or stroked, make sure you set aside a time for it. If you cat likes to play with you, make sure you are a dependable playmate. These family activities strengthen your social bonds and cause a release of good hormones in both of your brains, increasing the overall sense of well-being for you both.
- Enrichment toys
Exercise (both mental and physical) is very important for an animal that is designed to roam a territory hunting. Give your cat opportunities to use his mind and his body. Puzzle toys are a great way to do both. These gadgets are loaded with kibbles or treats and your cat has to devise a way to effectively roll the ball or trigger the mechanism to release the food reward. Make sure that it is not so difficult at first that your cat gives up, but you can set the difficulty level as your cat becomes wiser. Encouraging cats to stalk and spring in play is also a good use of brain and body. My cats like fishing pole toys that we can dangle and drag. Active toys do not have to be expensive. I had a cat once that would fetch tiny paper balls until every human in the house was exhausted. Find something that moves your cat-mind and body.
- Climbing and hiding places
Nothing uses the cat’s muscles like a good climb. Cat trees and perches are a terrific way to let your cat stretch his strength. Many times the cat trees are covered with a surface that also encourages a constructive place for your cat to scratch. You do not have to spend hundreds on a cat tree. You can arrange your furniture in a way that allows your cat to climb to windows and perches in your home. Watch your cat and keep his habits in mind when you decorate. I learned (the hard way) that my cat liked to sit in a certain window all time when I placed a table in front of the window with a delicate candle on a pedestal. I recommend thoughtful placement of beloved items to make homes cat friendly.
Decreasing stress and improving health are great ways to show your cat love. These 7 ways do not have to be labor intensive or expensive. You can make your home a perfect fiefdom for your tiny royalty if you can see life through his eyes.
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About The Author: Dr. Kathryn Primm is a practicing small animal veterinarian. She has consulted on articles for national magazines, done numerous radio interviews and appeared on local television. She has contributed to an article for Prevention magazine and Woman’s Day in Feb 2014 and June 2015. Her radio segment Chattanooga Pet Talk airs each week on all the local iHeart Media affiliates.
She has a social media presence on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ and enjoys interaction with others about her passions, animals and communication. She is a regular contributor to Boomeon, the online community which can be found at www.boomeon.com. She has also written a book, Tennessee Tails:Pets and Their People. The book received recognition as Runner Up in the Memoirs category at a national book festival. You can read more about Dr. Primm and how to get the best value for your pet care dollar at her website, www.drprimm.com.