Cats are known for being easy keepers: they spend most of their time sleeping, daydreaming, and grooming themselves, and don’t need to be walked or trained. However, Fluffy’s love of napping can be detrimental to her health. Well over half of our feline friends are overweight! While chubby cats are cute, extra weight can have a very negative impact on their health. A Nacogdoches County vet offers some advice on keeping your pet in good shape below.
Diet
Proper nutrition really is the cornerstone of any good kitty care regimen. Offer Fluffy a quality cat food, one that’s appropriate for her age and lifestyle. Pay attention to portion control! Even overfeeding your furry pal by just a little each day can lead to obesity, which carries a slew of potential medical issues.
Toys
Kitties are hunters by nature, and they’re naturally driven to want to pounce on things. Use this to your advantage! Offer your pet plenty of toys to bat under the couch. Your furry friend will get the most out of her play sessions if you’re playing with her interactively. Everything’s better with friends! This doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming: you can use a laser pointer or string toy while you’re relaxing and watching your favorite show.
Monitor Weight
Even a gain or loss of a few pounds can be significant for a cat. If Fluffy is, well, fluffy, it may be hard to notice those fluctuations. Weigh your furry pal regularly. You may find the easiest option is to get on a scale, weigh yourself, and then pick up your cat and weigh yourself again.
Furniture
Offer Fluffy things to explore and climb. Cat towers are a purrfect option here. For one thing, they encourage jumping and climbing. Plus, they provide scratching posts and napping spots.
Clean Litterboxes
Dirty litterboxes are not only stinky and unsightly: they’re also havens for harmful bacteria. Keep Fluffy’s powder room clean!
Veterinary Care
Last but not least, Fluffy will need proper veterinary care. Ask your vet to recommend an appointment schedule. Your kitty may not be thrilled about coming to visit us, but it’s in her best interests. Healthy cats are happy cats!Please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or concerns about your cat’s health or care. As your Nacogdoches County pet hospital, we’re here to help!
