The UK is home to more than 8 million cats. About 17% of households have a cat making cats the 2nd most popular pet in the UK. For many owners, having a cat or dog is more than just a personal preference or hobby and many utilise services such as dog walker Tamworth services . As you may already know, owning a pet comes with some responsibility because your cat has various physical and emotional needs. If you own a cat or are considering getting one, it’s important to get some ideas on how you can improve the life of your new friend. Fortunately, we are here to assist. Below are 6 tips for having a happy and healthy cat.
1. A Balanced Diet
Giving your cat a healthy and nutritious diet is not as simple as many people may assume. It’s not just about deciding on whether to go with the wet or dry cat food at the local supermarket. Your cat’s age is one thing you should put into consideration when choosing a suitable diet. Age is important because it determines how mature your pet’s teeth, hormones and digestive systems are. Consider these factors when selecting a diet for your cat.
2. Have Enough Litter Boxes
Vets recommend that each cat should have their own litter boxes. You should also have an additional litter box just in case. Having enough litter boxes will help prevent behavioural issues like defecating, urinating or spraying in the wrong places, or even severe heal issues like feline lower urinary track diseases (FLUTC) and feline urethra obstruction (FUO). It’s also crucial that you get the right litter boxes. Selecting between uncovered and covered variants can be confusing, as this mainly depends on your cat’s habits and personality.
3. Hydrate
Hydration is crucial for a healthy body, and this is no different with cats. As modern cats have evolved from their long lost ancestors, they mainly get their water from food. This means the food you give your cat should contain at least 75 to 80% water content (just like a rat, their natural prey, provides both food and water in one meal). On the other hand, dry food contains about 5 to 15% water content. Whichever type of food you go for, you should always make sure that your cat is not dying of thirst.
4. Regular Grooming
Grooming is an important part of keeping your cat happy and healthy as well. Grooming prevents your cat’s hairs from becoming tangled. It also reduces shedding – so it’s not just about your cat’s appearance. Regular brushing can reduce the quantity of hair that your cat swallows as it tries to groom itself. It also helps to spread the natural oils produced by the cat’s skin thus promoting a healthy coat. Grooming also gives you an opportunity to check for parasites and other issues that may be harming your cat.
5. Adequate Sleep
Cats sleep even more than we do. Cats can sleep for up to 20 hours a day so sleep is definitely vital to their well-being. With that said, it is important to ensure that your cat has a comfortable place to sleep in order to prevent them from having bed sore and poor spine health. There are pet beds specifically made for cats that can come in handy.
Getting toys and other play things for your cat, choosing the best crate for safe and comfy travel, visiting a cat-friendly vet and making responsible decisions regarding your pet’s safety and health are some of the other things you can do to make your cat happy. When your cat is happy, you’ll be happy as well.