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5 ways to improve your cat’s life

Since cats ask for so little from us, we sometimes give them the minimal amount of care and attention they deserve.

Last month I wrote about five ways to improve your dog’s life, but what about our cats?

The following are five simple ways cat owners can improve their cats’ lives starting today. We don’t have to make all these changes at once, but how about choosing just one and getting started?

Five easy ways to improve your cat’s life

How to improve your cat's life

1. Play with your cat every day.

I’m talking about just five minutes. We can all spare just five minutes a day.

There’s a reason so many house cats are overweight. They eat too much (free feeding), and they don’t move enough. If we spend just five minutes a day playing with them, imagine what a difference it could make for their mental and physical health.

2. Add some slightly healthier food to your cat’s diet.

You don’t have to suddenly start feeding the most expensive frozen raw cat food brand, but how about choosing a healthier brand of dry food without corn, soy or chemical preservatives?

Tan Tabby cat with soft paws

Cats can be sensitive to change, so you don’t even have to switch the food entirely. Just add a few pieces of the new, healthier food to the old food as a treat with each meal. With time, you can mix in more so it’s half and half if you want, or switch over completely. The key is to make the change slowly so it’s gradual for both your wallet and your cat’s tummy.

3. Cuddle with your cat every day.

My kitties Beamer and ScoutMy cats love to cuddle on the bed while I read, so that’s one thing I try to do with them at least on the weekends.

I usually end up setting my book or ipad down eventually and focusing entirely on them. They love it!

4. Take your cat to the vet.

So many of us put off taking our cats to the vet, or we may only do so once for the initial shots and spay/neuter surgery.

I’m not saying you have to bring your cat to the vet every single year (I don’t), but if it’s been three years or more, it’s probably a good idea to schedule an exam. Cats do such a good job hiding any kind of pain, and a vet may be able to notice potential health issues that we can’t.

I know sometimes cat exams are a joke. I’ve had my cats in for an “exam” and the vet did nothing but listen to their heart rates. This came with a nice $50 bill per cat.

So, ask around to find a cat friendly vet in your area or even a vet who specializes in cat care. It makes such a difference.

5. Invest in a breakaway cat collar with an ID tag.

It’s worth the $20 investment or less to buy your cat a breakaway collar with an ID tag.

Only 2 to 5 percent of impounded cats are reunited with their owners nationally, according to the Humane Society of the United States [1]. For dogs, that number is 30 percent.

Let’s make it easier for our cats to get back home if they ever get loose, lost or impounded.

[quote_center]”Let’s make it easier for our cats to get back home.”[/quote_center]

Breakaway collars are collars specifically designed for cats. If the cat gets his collar caught on something while climbing or jumping, the collar will break free for safety reasons.

So, what other tips would you add to this list?

What are some other simple, realistic ways to improve our cats’ lives?

Citations:
1. http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/pet_ownership_statistics.html

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snoopy@snoopysdogblog

Sunday 20th of April 2014

Some great and easy tips there! Though I've asked for a cat for ages, I really can't see me getting one, Mum says I can't be trusted with cats, doh!

I hope you're having a fun day,

Your pal Snoopy :)

Kathy Heller

Thursday 17th of April 2014

Keep that litter box clean! Have 3 cats now but have had 10, lots of litter boxes

Lindsay Stordahl

Thursday 17th of April 2014

Yes!

2 Brown Dawgs

Tuesday 15th of April 2014

Excellent tips. We take our cat the the vet every year. I keep her current on immunizations in case I have to board her and I want to have the vet look her over. Our vet only charges us the immunization fee and nothing if they don't have to do anything medical. The vet usually checks her heart and feels lymph nodes and looks at gums and teeth before any shots.

I am also really lucky that my cat has no weight issues because getting her to try (and eat) different foods is nearly impossible...lol.

I did feel bad for her this winter though. She spent most of her time sitting in front of the heater vent. Kitty does not like the cold. :)

Lindsay Stordahl

Wednesday 16th of April 2014

That's awesome that the vet only charges for immunizations and not the exam. I'm going to ask our vet about that, since one of my cats is very fearful/aggressive at the vet. It's really impossible for a vet to examine him.

Emma

Tuesday 15th of April 2014

Well, I think my two cats are living a bit too much of the good life around here. They get good quality food, healthy snacks, us dogs play chase and wrestle with them often, the only thing they don't have is a collar but they are house cats, so they won't be getting collars. They are both chipped. I know they could get out, Bert tries, but we like to keep them as naked prisoners...it gives us dogs a paw up on them ;) Great post though, with lots of great points.

Lindsay Stordahl

Tuesday 15th of April 2014

I hope to see your kitty friends featured on your blog more often :)

jan

Tuesday 15th of April 2014

i have added some high up beds or thrones for my cat to have a change of scenery during her endless cap naps. She lets me know when she wants attention and it is always at the worst possible time. Fortunately her desire for attention lasts only a short time.

Lindsay Stordahl

Tuesday 15th of April 2014

Yes, great points about comfy, high-up resting spots. That helps remind them they are better than us :)