Happy Meow Year! As you and your feline family member settle into the new year, consider making resolutions that can improve your life and theirs.
Making Your Cat More Comfortable
Cats appreciate the good things in life: a sunny spot in the window, a soft blanket, a fluffy pillow. Create a cozy hideaway for your cat by providing ample comfort spots, from priority perches where they can survey their domain and cozy napping spots to safe hideaways and purrfectly curated toy collections. In multi-cat households, each cat should have access to their own resources, especially when it comes to litter boxes. Some cats may share, but having their own private supplies can ensure a sense of security.
Providing Predictability
While many of us like to switch things up for the new year, cats prefer to keep things as they are as long as the routine is working. Big changes, and even sometimes little changes, can trigger anxiety and behavior issues. Try to minimize disruptions to your cat’s routine as much as possible. When you do need to change things up, go slowly, incorporate new routines gradually, and be consistent. Whenever possible, keep your cat’s experiences – mealtimes and playtimes, for example – as much the same as possible so your kitty knows what to expect.
Built-In Bonding
Cats often need a little extra time to warm up to people compared to other pets, but that doesn’t mean they can’t develop strong and loving bonds with their families. This year, resolve to spend more time nurturing that bond with more playtime. Playing is fun for your cat and mimics their natural predatory behavior. Just 10 to 15 minutes a day can help keep their muscles toned and combat the weight gain that can increase their risk of obesity. Playtime can also redirect excess energy, counteract stress, alleviate boredom, and reduce the risk of behavior issues. Playing with your cat using interactive toys can build your bond and boost your relationship with them while improving their overall happiness.
Health and Wellness
Cats need to see the vet at least once a year for routine checkups and vaccinations. Even if your cat never goes outside or interacts with other animals, a routine vet visit is a must. At this visit, your cat’s vet will examine them to check for parasites and early signs of health issues that could worsen over time. Remember that many issues are more easily addressed when caught early.
Grooming can also be a part of your cat’s New Year’s resolutions, too. While short-haired cats often need minimal grooming, medium- and long-haired cats tend to have more intensive grooming requirements. Regular brushing helps keep shedding (and hairballs) under control while spreading natural oils evenly through the fur. Occasional bathing may also be needed along with sanitary trims, especially for cats with longer fur. Cozy Cat Suites offers grooming options for cats of all shapes and sizes to keep them looking and feeling their best.
The Way to a Cat’s Heart
Many cats are highly food motivated, but too many treats can lead to weight gain, especially as they age. Instead of treating your cat with high-calorie treats, try offering a bit of their normal food allowance in a food puzzle or interactive feeder for greater engagement.
At Cozy Cat Suites, we’re here to help you stay on track with all your cat’s wellness needs. Contact us today to schedule a grooming or boarding visit.
