Purrfect Ways To Respect Your Cat: Tips From An Askov, MN Veterinarian

Respect Your Cat Day is on March 28! This is a pretty big day for Fluffy. Of course, if you asked your cat how to best show her respect, she might request temples and shrines, statues, fishponds with live fish in them, and catnip gardens. While kitties may have persuaded many ancient peoples to go to such lengths, you don’t have to go overboard. In fact, the best way to show Fluffy you care is to take good care of her … which requires you to understand her unique purrsonality and wants. This article by an Askov, MN veterinarian gives you some ideas on how to treat your cat with respect.

Give Fluffy Nourishing Food

Giving your feline companion nutritious food is the first step in providing good cat care. This doesn’t have to cost a lot, but you should give Fluffy something that is right for her age and health. Ask your Askov, MN veterinarian for specific assistance.

Provide A Furever Home

When you adopt a pet, you’re committing to caring for them throughout the rest of their natural lives. You really shouldn’t take Fluffy in unless you are ready, willing, and able to care for her until the very end, no matter what.

Keep Your Kitty In

Fluffy might very well disagree with this one if given the chance. A lot of cats like being outside. To be fair, the exercise and stimulation they get outdoors can be beneficial. However, your four-legged friend is in danger of many different things whenever she ventures outside.

These are some of the most common hazards:

• Weather
• Cars
• Chemical Exposure
• Predators
• Stray Dogs
• Other Cats
• Parasites
• Toxic Plants
• Infections from cuts

Your feline pal could also get lost, trapped, stolen, or even killed. This is not merely hearsay; up to 18% of cats will get lost at least once in their lives.

Get Your Feline Buddy Fixed

If you haven’t already, you should make an appointment at your vet’s office to fix your cat as soon as possible. This is good for both you and your cute pet. Fluffy will be safer and healthier, and less likely to engage in behavioral issues like spraying and yowling.

This also promotes good animal welfare. With millions of homeless cats in the world, it is only responsible to ensure that your kitty does not contribute to the problem!

Take Time To Play With Fluffy

Cats are delightful pets. Fluffy has a unique ability to make us giggle simply by being herself. These charming balls of fur are extremely energetic and frisky, which is one of the reasons they are so much fun to have around. Playing is very important! Even though it might look silly when your furry pal chases that paper ball or catnip mouse, she’s really into it! For more fun ideas on how to engage with your feline friend, check out our article on Fall With Fluffy.

Kitties can be both hunters and prey in the wild. That’s an interesting mix of traits. Fluffy may be cute, spoiled, and, well, a little lazy, but she is really a hunter at heart. Pouncing, jumping, and batting at your ankles as you walk by are all hunting techniques she would do in the wild. It’s important to give your feline companion the opportunity to show off her inner lioness. 

Make sure your little friend has lots of fun things to play with, and play with her every day for a few minutes. This doesn’t need to take a lot of time: just keep a laser light or cat toy on hand.

Playing has additional benefits as well. You and your furry friend can bond over it. Plus, it gives her a safe way to burn off some extra energy. (It’s also cute to watch.)

Don’t Turn Down Those Snuggle Requests

One great thing about cats? They fit purrfectly into our laps! A lot of kitties just want to be loved, cared for, and kept safe. It’s pretty cute how Fluffy often starts her motor as soon as she starts to cuddle. 

In fact, snuggles are good for both of you. A hormone called oxytocin is released in you both when you cuddle with your furry friend. This is also released when babies nurse or snuggle their moms.

Cats also like snoozing beside their humans. You don’t have to let your cat sleep with you at night if you don’t want to: Fluffy can still be healthy and happy even if you don’t let her sleep in your room. Having said that, it is true that many cats love to sleep with their owners. 

As for whether this promotes restful sleep? It’s a toss-up. It can be very relaxing to have a purring cat cuddled up next to you. A frisky feline that jumps on your toes in the middle of the night? Not so much. (Tip: If your cat becomes restless at night, exhaust her with an enjoyable game of fetch before retiring to bed.)

Offer Little Kitty Luxuries

Taking care of cats is pretty simple: just giving your furry friend good food, a clean litterbox, and regular vet care will take care of the basics. It’s also important to make your home fun and comfortable. Providing beds, boxes, and scratching posts will all help. A nice window seat is also good for your cat. Cat towers are also great!

Offer A Purrfect Litterbox Setup

Cats utilize litterboxes, which makes it easier to care for them. It’s important to keep your kitty’s bathroom clean. Our feline pals really don’t like litter boxes that are dirty. Scooping should ideally be done once a day, and the litter should be changed about once a week.

A good set-up is important as well. You will need more than one litterbox if you have more than one cat. Our feline pals don’t like to share! The box should be in a place that is easy for your pet to get to and not in full sunlight or a draft. It should also provide some degree of privacy.

Visit Your Askov, MN Animal Clinic As Needed

It’s probably safe to say that Fluffy would rather take a nap rather than come out and visit us. We get it! We know that most cats like being at home. Our feline patients aren’t fond of car rides, either. In fact, cats often get more upset on the way to the vet’s office than during their visits. However, getting your furry friend to the vet regularly is very important for her general well-being and health.

We suggest that every feline be microchipped and spayed or neutered. Fluffy will also need vaccinations and parasite control. To learn more about essential veterinary care for your cat, visit our Vet Wellness and Pet Vaccinations page. Getting regular checkups and exams is very important as well, since these tests may detect problems before your kitty shows any warning signs that something is off. Follow the appointment schedule suggested by your vet.

At home, keep an eye out for signs of illness. Some of these are diarrhea, fever, vomiting, weight loss, vomiting, behavioral changes, and trouble breathing. Be on the lookout for things that don’t seem normal for your cute pet, and call us right away if you notice anything off.

Make Sure Your Kitty Feels Loved

Last but not least, keep that motor running! Pet your feline friend, talk to her, and play with her. Our cat friends are actually very sensitive, and they can form strong bonds with people. Give your kitty a lot of love and care. We think that cat purrs and cuddles are some of the best things in life.

Do you have questions about how to take care of your cat? Get in touch with us at your Askov, MN pet hospital anytime!