October is National Pet Wellness Month!
In honor of this special month, we wanted to take this time to show a little extra love to our feline friends. After all, a happy and healthy cat = a happy life, right?
A great way to kick off Pet Wellness Month is by scheduling a vet appointment for your cat. Because cats are thought to be more self-reliant than other pets, it can often be misconstrued that they don’t need as much care, but it is important to maintain regular vet visits for any pet to make sure they are feeling happy and healthy. Grooming is also a good way to check for injuries or health issues while keeping their fur clean. Plus, they love it!
Any cat owner will tell you that not all cats fit the stereotype of being aloof and unfriendly, they just show their affection in different ways. Head butting is their way of saying “I love you” while purring and kneading with their paws are good indications of their contentment. But remember, there are some instances where purring can mean they are feeling stress, fear, or pain, so knowing your cat and their moods can help you take the necessary steps to ensure their happiness. Here are a few simple ways you can keep your kitty content right from the comfort of your own home.
A dirty home can cause your cat stress, as it can keep them from getting comfortable. Regularly cleaning their litter box will help with odor control, while vacuuming can control excess dander that could harm your cat’s delicate respiratory system.
Cat grass is an easy way to introduce some essential nutrients that might be missing from your cat’s diet, especially if they are an indoor cat. Chewing on grass is a natural behavior and cat grass is great for digestion, can relieve upset tummies, and help them deal with anxiety.
Playing fun games that stimulate their hunting instincts, such as hide and seek, is a great way to bond with your cat while giving them a chance to act on natural behaviors. Cuddling is also a great way to bond, as cats form social and emotional bonds through physical contact.
Did you know that cuddling with pets can also benefit humans? Studies show that close contact with animals can relieve stress and even lower heart rate and blood pressure. Besides the many physical health advantages to pet ownership, there are many links between pets and mental health as well. While cats tend to be more independent than other animals, they still offer steady companionship, which can help fight feelings of loneliness and depression while improving our quality of life.
Here at Offleash’d, we think that every month should be National Pet Wellness Month, and for all our feline fans out there, we want to give you access to resources to ensure both you and your cat lead the happiest and healthiest of lives. Do you have any other fun tips and tricks for making your cat happy? Tag us on social media @offleashd and show us how you bond with your favorite feline companion!