Every new year, we are asked the same
question, what is your new year's resolution? While we often focus on improving
our health and wellness, maybe this year is a good time to have that same focus
on your pet! Here are a couple of ideas to improve your cat's overall
wellness, and it might even improve yours:
1. Schedule regular playtime with
your cat. Spending 10 minutes a day with your cat can avoid destructive
or objectionable behavior, as well as decreasing your stress levels!
2. Focus on your cat's dental
health.
Cats can have significant dental disease by the time they are a few years old,
with problems growing into their senior. Try brushing your cats teeth once a
week or schedule yearly cleanings with your veterinarian.
3. Get your cat to a healthy
weight.
Approximately 25 precent of cats are overweight due to their sedentary
lifestyle. Change the buffet style eating to scheduled feedings two to three
times per day, around the same time each day for about 30 minutes.
4. Contribute to a savings for
your cat. Vet bills are can be pretty pricey, especially if you have an
emergency need. If you go a few years without an emergency, dedicate that money
to a yearly teeth cleaning!
5. Help your cat tap into his or
his animal instincts. Cats in the wild normally eat only after successfully catching
prey. Meet your cat's needs by having them work for at least 50 percent of the
daily food through food-despensing toys or puzzles. This may also help with #3!
6. Carrier train your cat. Carrier-trained
cats are easier to work with in an emergency or vet visit, which results in
better medical care.
7. Enrich your cat's environment. Invest in
interactive toys, scratching posts (found at the Angel's Wish retail store!), cat
trees or a bird feeder outside a window. This will increase your cat's activity
and keep the mind and body young.
It's important to make resolutions
that are both realistic and beneficial. Not only will it be good for your cat,
but it will be good for your health as well.
Source: The Daily Cat
