Keeping Your Cat Happy

September may be one of Fluffy’s favorite months, as it is Happy Cat Month! The aptly called CATalyst Council launched this purrfect occasion to help people realize what our feline friends truly require to be happy. Continue reading for tips from a local Dumbo, Brooklyn vet on how to start Fluffy’s engine.

How Can I Keep My Cat Happy?

If we asked Fluffy this question directly, she would probably have a long list of demands. On that list, you may expect to discover infinite catnip, catwalks in every area, loads of cat towers and kitty furniture, and plenty of toys, snacks, and boxes. 

Entertainment, excitement, and comfort are essential for your cat’s health and well-being, but before we get into that, let’s start with the basics of good cat care.

Good Food: A delicious dinner can make everyone happy, which should come as no surprise. A healthy diet is essential not only for temporarily appeasing your feline ruler, but also for your cat’s overall health and well-being. Consult your Dumbo, Brooklyn veterinarian for detailed recommendations on this.

Clean the Litterbox: Keeping Fluffy’s powder room clean is simple, but it’s vital for more than simply hygiene reasons. Cats are extremely clean and dislike unclean restrooms. Dirty litterboxes are also stinky, unsightly, and can harbor dangerous germs and bacteria.

Veterinary Care: To be fair, your kitty companion may not be delighted about visiting the clinic. A significant portion of this is due to the car travel itself. Kitties aren’t particularly fond of being in moving automobiles! Fluffy also dislikes changes or anything that disrupts her daily schedule of naps, sunbathing, and planning. That being said, regardless of your pet’s feelings on the subject, she requires proper care to survive.

Your kitty pal’s care requirements will change with time. If you get a kitten, you’ll most likely have to bring little Fluffy  in a few times throughout that first year. Kittens require initial checkups, immunizations, spay/neuter surgery, and parasite management. Microchipping should also be included on the agenda.

Adult cats may only need to come in once a year, for wellness exams, but you will need to keep an eye out for indications of illness. Bring Fluffy in as soon as you detect anything out of the ordinary.

Seniors are more prone to illness and injury, just as senior people are. Once she reaches her golden years, your feline pal would benefit from more frequent visits. Fluffy may need to come in biannually rather than annually.

You should also bring your cat in if you see any signs of disease. This includes the following:

• Anorexia
• Bad Breath
• Shortness Of Breath
• Weight Gain or Loss
• Vomiting
• Changes In Grooming
• Hair Loss
• Diarrhea
• Hiding
• Lethargy
• Discharge 
• Improper Use Of Litter Box
• Vocalizing More/Differently
• Limping  
• Visible Injuries
• Increased Thirst
• Weight Changes
• Swelling
• Uncharacteristic Mood/Behavior
• Bleeding
• Seizure

Keep in mind that cats will disguise signs of disease. You may not notice anything until your kitty companion is severely ill. As a result, if you notice anything wrong with your pet, take him or her to the Dumbo, Brooklyn vet right away.

How Can I Keep My Indoor Cat Happy?

We’ve covered the fundamentals of cat care; now let’s look at what gets your cat’s engine moving.

Let us list a few things that make Fluffy happy:

Toys

Playthings are valuable for a variety of reasons. The most crucial one is pure enjoyment. While Fluffy spends a ludicrous amount of time resting, she hasn’t yet mastered the art of snoozing constantly. Most cats sleep between 14 and 16 hours a day, with some sleeping up to 20. That implies your pet will have at least four hours to fill. Eating and grooming herself will consume some of her remaining time, but not all of it. You’ll need to provide plenty of toys for your cute pet to lose under the couch. While you’ll want things you can use to play with your pet, your kitty should also have some toys that she can play with on her own. Kitties all have their own purrsonal tastes here, so offer a variety of options and discover what she loves best.

Playtime

Playing allows your pet to keep herself entertained. That’s very crucial! Boredom is as awful for pets as it is for humans.

Here are a few reasons why playing is important!

• Fun First and foremost, playing is very enjoyable for cats! Kitties are hardwired to be hunters in the wild, therefore they have strong innate demands to learn the use of their claws and fangs. Let Fluffy unleash her inner tiger every now and then. This will not only be a lot of fun for her, but it may also be really entertaining for you. You have to admit that cats are funny to watch when they are playing.
• Exercise Your kitty companion will also require physical activity to keep healthy. Your pet may be a hairy, meowing bundle of energy as a baby, but as she gets older, she will gradually lose steam. Even a few minutes of pouncing and hopping will help your cat stay active and healthy!
• Building Confidence Cats, like humans, are all unique. Some are daring and adventurous, others are timid and bashful, and some are, well, a little spicy. If your pet is scared, playing can assist in a variety of ways. One reason is that it will allow her to expend nervous energy. Furthermore, it can help her in gaining confidence.
• Bonding Playing is also beneficial for bonding! Fluffy deserves to feel appreciated and treasured!

Kitty Comforts

Cats are simple to care for, but they enjoy having items designed specifically for them. This includes items such as boxes, cat furniture, soft beds, and window seats. Essentially, the more comfortable locations your furball can look adorably smug in or on, the better!

Love

Last but not least, make your feline companion feel loved. This may differ from kitty to kitty. Some cats are more reserved, but they will cuddle with you at night and give you an earful if you arrive home late. Others are furry, meowing cuddle bugs who crave constant attention.

You do not want to force attention on Fluffy, but you need to pay attention to her. Take the time to get to know her and spend quality time with her each day. That doesn’t have to take much time out of your day; simply let your feline pal snuggle up on your lap while you watch TV or chat with her while you’re doing laundry.

How Can I Tell If My Cat Is Happy?

Fluffy cannot tell you anything, but her behavior and appearance can reveal quite a lot. Happy cats are frequently extremely relaxed, although they can also be a bit mischievous. Fluffy may also be a bit bossy, and perhaps even a bit bratty at times. That’s all just purr for the course! 

Contact your veterinarian for further information.

Book An Appointment At Our Dumbo, Brooklyn Pet Clinic

Have you got any queries regarding keeping your cat healthy and happy? Please feel free to contact us at any time. As your local Dumbo, Brooklyn pet hospital, we are here to assist!