When was the last time you celebrated your feline friend? At South Hyland Pet Hospital, your cat’s health and happiness are always top priorities. This September, we are celebrating Happy Healthy Cat Month by sharing some of our favorite cat care tips.
Here are a few ways to celebrate Happy Healthy Cat Month and help your cat live their best life.
Create a Cat-Friendly Space
Every cat owner wants their home to be a safe and inviting space for their feline friend. Cats love a cozy place to rest and new heights to explore. A new bed can provide a great place for your cat to curl up and relax. Likewise, a climbing gym can be an excellent way to help your cat explore and provide a new spot to perch.
When creating a cat-friendly space, you should also consider a scratching post with a variety of scratching surfaces. While scratching is often a way cats mark their territory, scratching is essential for nail maintenance and can even help your cat stretch.
Provide Environmental Enrichment for Your Cat
Cats are naturally curious creatures who need mental stimulation and physical activity. Not only is this important for keeping your pet happy, but it can also provide benefits for their long-term health. When it comes to environmental enrichment, there are a wide variety of options to choose from, including food puzzles and interactive games. If you’re looking for a simple activity, consider creating a scavenger hunt of your cat’s favorite treats. This is an excellent way to get your cat moving and encourage their natural hunting instincts.
For more information about fun enrichment activities, you can also check our recent article, “Providing Mental Enrichment for Your Pet.”
Don’t Forget About Preventative Care
When it comes to keeping your cat healthy, preventative care is essential. Vaccines are critical in keeping your pet safe and protecting them against disease. As a kitten, your cat should receive their initial series of vaccines. Your cat will also need vaccine boosters every 1-3 years to provide long-lasting protection.
Another essential piece of your cat’s preventative care is parasite prevention. It’s a common misconception that indoor cats are not at risk of heartworm disease. However, it only takes one infected mosquito to enter your home and infect your cat. Because of this, heartworm prevention is recommended for all cats, regardless of their lifestyle. We also recommend flea and tick prevention to help keep your pet parasite free.
Come See Us!
Routine veterinary care is a critical part of keeping your cat happy and healthy for years to come. Annual wellness exams are recommended for all pets and can help detect early signs of disease. As your cat ages, additional veterinary visits are recommended to monitor their health and address their unique needs. Please give us a call to set up your cat’s next appointment and make sure they’re up to date on any necessary care.
Final Thoughts
While September is Happy Healthy Cat Month, we believe our feline friends should be celebrated every day of the year. We hope these tips will serve as a helpful guide in caring for your pet’s needs and keeping them happy for many years ahead.
If you have additional questions about caring for your cat or would like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 952-884-1868.
Image credit: Unsplash
