Taking Great Care of Your Cat

Our feline friends are unquestionably one of the easiest pets to care for. Fluffy will take care of her own grooming, and you won’t have to walk or train her. Plus, the majority of cats spend a significant amount of time napping, which simplifies life for their owners. Fluffy may be pretty self-sufficient, but she still needs more than just fresh water and chow to be happy and healthy. This article contains advice from a local Middletown, KY veterinarian on how to be a purrfect cat owner. (Or servant.)

Keep Your Feline Friend Inside

Kitties enjoy exploring, but the Great Outdoors is simply not safe for them. Fluffy is immediately exposed to a variety of risks as she sets her little paws outside, including autos, weather, other cats, predators, and poisons. Outdoor cats are also more likely to be lost, stolen, or killed.

Grounding Fluffy not only keeps your pet safe, but it also protects nearby creatures. Cats are actually fluffy little serial killers. Fluffy hunts and kills a variety of animals, including many endangered species.

Give Your Feline Companion Quality Food

When it comes to feeding your cat, there are several factors to consider. Fluffy’s nutritional requirements should be determined by her age, health status, and lifestyle. However, you must select whether to feed your cat wet food or kibble, as well as whether to feed her at regular intervals or on demand. Request special guidance from your veterinarian.

The most difficult task may be deciding which brand to use. Companies have perfected advertising techniques and use sophisticated strategies to guarantee that their products seem their best. Make sure you read labels carefully.

Pet food manufacturers must label their products in specified ways, just as they do for people. The first ingredient on the label is the main ingredient, or the one with the highest amount or proportion. Meat, fish, and poultry should be the first and most frequently listed ingredients on the package. Avoid companies with lengthy ingredient lists full of unpronounceable language that sound like science experiments.

Fresh water is also important. You may try getting your pet a drinking fountain; cats like drinking running water.

What Can I Do To Keep My Cat Happy?

Cats cannot sleep all of the time, no matter how hard they try. Boredom is no better for cats than it is for people.

Keep your lovely pet entertained with a variety of toys. Spend at least a few minutes per day playing with her. Fluffy may appear innocent when she pounces on and chases after objects, but this is serious business for her. She is practicing the hunting habits and skills that would enable her to catch food in the wild.

Keep in mind that each cat has different preferences. Some prefer wand toys; others prefer catnip mice, some love to chase the red dot on the laser pointer, and others just want to bat ice cubes or bottle caps around. Try a few items and see which Fluffy favors.

Take Your Feline Friend To The Vet On A Regular Basis

Cats are hardy, but they are not invincible, despite popular belief. In actuality, these little furballs are quite small and delicate.

We recommend that all cats be microchipped, spayed, or neutered. Preventative care is also necessary to protect your pet from a variety of harmful parasites and diseases. Fluffy needs core vaccines against rabies, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus-1, feline panleukopenia, and feline leukemia. If your cat is older than a year, your veterinarian may also recommend vaccines for (FeLV), Chlamydia felis, and Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Controlling parasites is also essential. Even indoor cats can get attacked by fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. You can choose from a variety of products, so consult your veterinarian to determine which one is best for you and your pet.

Between visits, watch out for symptoms of illness or disease. Kitties can be perplexing in this situation, since they tend to hide symptoms until they worsen. This is an instinctive reaction, as showing indications of sickness in the wild can attract predators. Unfortunately, your cat may not show signs of illness until she is really ill.

Here are some red flags to watch for:

• Poor Grooming
• Withdrawal
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Decreased Appetite
• Avoid Using Litterboxes.
• Respiratory Issues
• Discharge 
• Grumpiness
• Uncharacteristic Behavior
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Disorientation
• Unusual Vocalization

If you see any of these signs or anything else wrong, please contact your Middletown, KY animal clinic right away.

Keep Your Cat Safe By Petproofing Your Home

Cats do not have nine lives, but it’s simple to see where the old wives’ tale began. Fluffy is prone to mischief and often miraculously manages to dodge it. However, she only has one life, and is actually quite fragile.

We strongly recommend petproofing, which means removing or securing anything that is not safe for cats. Small or pointed objects like beads, buttons, safety pins, jewelry, and toy components, as well as plastic bags and ties, anything ropy or stringy, and dangerous plants, should be handled. (Note: The ASPCA website includes a comprehensive list of safe and harmful plants here.)

Another significant concern is the use of chemicals and medications. Poisoning is one of the most prevalent reasons for emergency visits and, unfortunately, one of the main causes of premature pet mortality.

Here are some of the dangerous things for cats:

• Cleaning agents
• Paint 
• Drain Openers
• Detergents
• Car Products
• Fertilizer 
• Pesticides
• Rodenticides
• Antifreeze
• Bug spray
• Medicine, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

For more information, please contact your Middletown, KY veterinarian.

Make Your Home Cat-Friendly.

Kitties can flourish in a number of settings, ranging from a little bedroom to a large mansion. Making your home cat-friendly is crucial, regardless of its size. It may also be easier than you think! 

Adding cat furniture will help. Fluffy would appreciate a cat tower that doubles as a scratching post and a lookout point.

You may also make your home more appealing to your pet by giving viewing locations and activities for her to enjoy. A comfortable window seat with a pleasant view may keep a cat entertained for hours. Fluffy likes birdwatching!

If you want to go all out, create a catio or enclosure for your pet.

Make Your Cat Feel Love!

Finally, keep the motor running! Fluffy needs a sense of belonging and security. Spend time each day with your feline companion, simply paying attention to her. Talking to your cat might make her feel appreciated and enhance her bond with you. Some cats will respond while others will simply listen. The important thing is that your kitty partner understands you’re trying to connect with her. You might find yourself melting when your furry buddy cuddles up to you or looks up at you with that wonderful feline adoration.

Make An Appointment At Our Middletown, KY Pet Hospital

If you have any questions about cat care, please contact your local Middletown, KY pet hospital. We are committed to providing great service!