How To Keep Your Cat Happy And Healthy

Did you know that September is a month dedicated solely to keeping our feline patients happy and healthy!  It’s called “Happy Healthy Cat Month.” There is an entire web council devoted to such a celebration called Catalyst Council, you can check that out too.  We will be supporting this great cause by sending goodies home for all our feline patients that come in for the month of September!

Let’s also touch on ways to keep your cat happy.  Below is a list of 10 ways to make your feline companion more content.

1. Visit the Veterinarian.  There are many reasons why they should be brought in annually just like our canine friends.  During most, if not ALL feline appointments we use a calming spray called Feliway to improve your cat’s veterinary experience.
2. Provide preventative medications. Thankfully here in Montana we don’t have many parasites issues, but if your furry friend is any kind of a hunter we suggest that you deworm often.
3. Microchip your cat.  Most felines in our area are outdoor.  Make sure your friend makes a safe recovery home even without a collar.
4. Provide toys.  Not all cats like the same kind of toys, so experiment!
5. Train together.  I know this may sound impossible, but it can be done!  Have you seen the video of the cat running an agility course?  Check out the video below.
6. Work for food.  Puzzle food toys are not just for dogs, but for cats too!  They are great mental and physical exercise!
7. Get your cat acclimated to the carrier.  Many clients tell us how awful and difficult it is to get their cat into the carrier.  Then there is the yowling the entire drive to the Vet.  In addition to spraying Feliway in the exam rooms, we will spray a spritz in the carrier for the ride home.  Lately clients have raved about how this drive home has been less stressful.
8. Go outside (appropriately).  Again, in our area, most felines live mainly outdoors.  For those that do not, try using a harness or a blocked off area on the porch to allow for supervised exploration.
9. Scratch the surface.  Providing an approved area in the house to scratch is key!  Scratching posts come in all different shapes and sizes.  Some even have toys attached!
10. Think about getting another cat.  Our local shelter Heart of the Valley Humane Society is full of adoptees!  Be mindful of different personalities and do introductions slowly.  Also, do not forget the litter box rule: one litter box per cat, plus one extra.  That will help curb any house soiling issues.

You’ll find more information about what you can do to keep your cat healthy over on the Catalyst Council’s post on the same topic.

Enjoy the extra time you spend with your cat this month and let us know if you would like to bring them in for a wellness exam. We can give you more specific ideas on how to keep your cat healthy when we see you.

Speak to you soon,

Crystal Sharp, CVT

P.S. Here’s your cat agility video!