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If you are the proud owner of an adorable little kitty, you know the joy that goes into caring for your precious fur-baby. But if you’ve been their caretaker for some time, you likely also know that it’s actually quite a responsibility. Taking care of another living, breathing being is no small feat, and there’s a lot to consider when you’re trying to maintain the health of your feline friends. Here’s a handy little list of some of the best ways to ensure your cat stays happy and healthy in your care for as long as absolutely possible.
Cat Insurance
First thing’s first: your cat will need to go to the vet. Definitely for routine visits, vaccinations, etc. but also potentially in an emergency situation. This is why one of the best things you can do for your pet’s health (and for your own peace of mind) is to invest in good-quality cat insurance. Pet insurance, in general, is amazing because it ultimately protects you and your pet from getting stuck between a rock and a hard place. No one expects the worst, but the sad reality is that accidents do happen and potentially life-saving treatments are not cheap.
Like human health insurance, pet insurance allows owners to focus on preventative care with annual visits, vaccines, cleanings, etc. while at the same time offering a safety net should something more serious come up. Cat insurance plans have varying degrees of coverage for things like emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and more. And unlike many human insurances, pet insurance does not often lock you into a specific list of veterinarians, so you can continue to choose what works best for you and your cat regardless of plan.
Diet and Moderation
Another thing to consider with regards to your cat’s health is the food that they eat. Nowadays there are a lot of options out there for pet owners to consider, but ultimately, it comes down to doing your research. What ingredients are in the food that your kitty’s eating? Does it come from a reputable company? You might also want to consider the age of your cat because their dietary needs can change over time. There’s really a bit of a balance needed when choosing their food. You want consistency in your pet’s diet overall, but you also want them to have variety in some areas, such as with both dry and wet foods. There are pros and cons to everything, so be diligent and offer a balance when possible.
Another thing to consider when thinking of your cat’s diet is moderation. Of course, we love our pets so much that we want to give them all the treats and special meals that we can, but their weight is extremely important when maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Particularly for indoor cats, who typically get less exercise, their diet is the main way you can be sure they stay within the healthy body mass limits. Obesity is one of the largest contributors to a plethora of health issues for cats. From diabetes and hypertension to heart disease and cancer, one of the best ways to increase your cat’s longevity is to keep moderation in mind.
Stimulation
Of course, it’s not only your cat’s physical health that needs looking after. Cat’s are creatures that need stimulation in order to be truly content. Have you ever seen a tiger pacing back and forth in a zoo? This is likely due to a lack of stimulation. Your domesticated cats also need stimulation or they might become apathetic and bored. There is quite a bit of research that shows cats that tend to be more destructive when suffering from a lack of suitable stimulants. The solution? Have fun with your cat! Classic options like cat toys or scratching posts work well, but there are also many tech-forward options that can be used even when you’re not at home.
Spaying and Neutering
Finally, one of the most important things you can do for your cats (and the cat population at large) is to have them properly spayed or neutered. While it might seem counterintuitive at first, cats actually live longer, happier lives if they’ve been spayed or neutered. Not only does it eliminate the risks associated with pregnancy and giving birth, it also reduces the possibility of several types of cancers, such as breast, ovarian, uterine, or prostate cancer. Spaying or neutering also stabilizes their hormone levels, which benefits your cats by preserving a more consistent mood or mental state.
Overall, having a pet is extremely rewarding, but it also requires a lot of work. By paying attention to your cat’s physical, dietary, mental, and reproductive needs you can easily maintain their health and happiness for many years to come.
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