September is Happy Healthy Cat Month

 September is Happy Healthy Cat Month. There are many simple tasks pet owners can do to keep their pets happy and healthy. 

Happy, Healthy Cat Month Tips

Featured post by Dr. Danielle Bernal, Veterinarian with Wellness^® Natural Pet Food

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     Instinctively, felines are natural hunters. Help your cat or kitten stay on top of their skills with plenty of play time together. Not only does this keep your cat active to support a healthy weight, it also keeps stress levels down and encourages bonding for a happy, purring kitty. Just be sure that you keep any laser pointers away from your cat’s eyes!

·         Cats don’t always like to drink water. While they may not have the same thirst drive as dogs, that doesn’t make hydration any less important. 

·         Due to their sedentary lifestyles, indoor cats are especially prone to weight gain, which can lead to a wide variety of health issues. It's best to pick cat food with wholesome ingredients, to make sure your cat gets the proper nutrition.

·         Cats experience boredom, too, and they can express it in ways you may not be so fond of, such as chasing other pets or shredding household items like curtains and furniture. Excite your feline friend by bringing a taste of the wild indoors, with perches by a sunny window or potted plants that are cat friendly. A few to avoid are tulips, lilies and English ivy–these are all toxic for pets!

·         Hairballs are unpleasant for cats and pet parents alike, but they can be managed with some extra grooming time and a proper diet.  Hairballs happen when stray hairs get stuck in the digestive tract as a result of self-grooming, and cats spend nearly 20% of their waking hours grooming. However, a few minutes of daily brushing can help catch those loose hairs before your cat does. 

·         Many pet parents love to treat their dogs with healthful snacks, but cats like treats too, and treating helps reinforce the bond between pet and pet parent. Look for recipes that are low in calories so you can treat them without feeling guilty. 

What do you do to keep your cat happy and healthy? Share your tips with us in the comment section!

SThis post was sponsored by Wellness, text and graphic provided. Sandpiper Cat Blog was not compensated for this post. Consult with your veterinarian for your pet's health needs.