May 3rd, 2019 • Posted by Terry Lawvor Miller • Permalink
Cats are often viewed as self-reliant and less in need of medical care than other pets. This is simply not true! Cats deserve proper care, good nutrition, routine veterinary care and the ability to live a happy and enriched life.
Here are six ways to help improve your cat’s happiness:
Cat Health
Find out how frequently your vet clinic recommends coming in for wellness visits. This will depend on the age and condition of your feline friend, so be sure to ask. Make sure your feline is being seen regularly by your veterinarian. If your cat is taking medication(s), make sure they haven’t expired and aren’t missing doses. If you’re looking for holistic ways to treat your cat for a variety of conditions, check out our ground option for pets: CannaCrush. We also have Salmon CannaDrops and Salmon CannaSpray, both applications are great for felines!
Massage
A wonderful way to communicate and bond with your cat is through touch. This is really no surprise as domestic cats and humans are naturally drawn to each other physically. Cats love the stroking and petting humans offer, and humans love to feel a feline’s silky soft fur. But did you know that when properly performed, the power of touch, in the form of massage, can be therapeutic for cats? Here is a list of the primary benefits of massaging your feline:
- You can discover previously unbeknownst cuts, wounds, or lumps.
- You can help relieve arthritic pain and joint stiffness.
- You can detect ticks and other parasites.
- Massage helps provide relief for diabetes, kidney disease and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Generally increases circulation of blood and lymph systems and helps eliminate toxins.
- Strengthens bond and trust between cat and owner.
- Gentle massage can reduce aggression and unwanted behaviors.
- Massage can distract your cat while its nails are being trimmed (this will take two people, however).
- Great for calming nervous cats as “feel good” neuro-transmitters dopamine and serotonin are released in the process of being massaged.
- Improves coat quality.
Cat Identification
Verify that you have a correct address and phone number on your cat’s collar and tag. Consider Microchipping your cat as well. If your feline friend escapes or gets lost, having this type of permanent ID will make a reunion between you and your pet much more likely.
Cat Nutrition
Are you buying high quality cat food? Cats are carnivores and don’t always thrive on a grain only diet. Cats are the healthiest and happiest when they get protein-rich food. If your cat normally eats dry food, add some canned food as an extra treat! The canned cat food is higher in protein and comes with the benefit of extra hydration that cats need.
Cat Entertainment
Make sure your cat has spaces to explore, climb, and hide. You can even entertain your cat with television! Cats can also be walked on a leash with a harness. This helps so they can periodically and safely experience the world outside their window. If unable to walk your cat outdoors, consider setting up a perch near a window so they can see outside.
Cat Hunting
Yes, you read that correctly. It’s likely your pet eats out of a dish or bowel, which doesn’t encourage a cat’s natural hunting instinct. Consider finding a food toy that lets you hide dry cat food inside, so they can hunt for food.