Keeping Your Kitty Happy, Healthy, And Purring 

Are you a new cat owner? Congratulations! Kitties are not only cute but also incredibly charming, entertaining, and full of purrsonality… not to mention absolutely hilarious. While Fluffy is a very easy keeper, there are a few dos and don’ts for first-time owners to be mindful of. In this article, a veterinarian from Brampton, ON lists some of them.

What Do I Feed My Cat?

First things first: ensuring your feline pal receives proper nutrition is essential for their well-being. Choosing a suitable cat food that meets your pet’s nutritional needs is crucial.

Choosing the best brand may be easier said than done. Pet food businesses are adept at employing deceptive advertising techniques to make their goods seem like the best—even when they aren’t. Seek out products that list meat, fish, or poultry as their primary ingredients. Avoid brands that include a lot of fillers and/or components you can’t pronounce or recognize.

You must also decide whether to provide dry food or kibble for your feline buddy and whether to free-feed or schedule meals at specific times. There are advantages and disadvantages to each option. When it comes to pet food options, kibble is a cost-effective and convenient choice. It is less messy and has a longer shelf life. On the other hand, canned food provides higher moisture content and generally offers better nutrition for your furry friend. 

One option is to incorporate both methods: you can leave dry food available, while serving wet food for breakfast and dinner. Portion control is also important. Ask your Brampton, ON vet for more information.

Fluffy will also require fresh water. Consider investing in a fountain; many cats prefer drinking running water.

Can I Leave Fluffy Home Alone?

Cats are known for their independence, which is one of the reasons why they are such beloved pets. There’s no need to bathe or train Fluffy, and you won’t have to rush to get home after work to take her for a walk. As long as she has access to food and water, she should be purrfectly fine on her own, even if you have plans to stay out late. She’s also usually fine being left alone overnight. However, if you plan on being away for an extended period, we advise boarding your cat or arranging for someone to check on her.

That said, we do suggest that you leave a light on and a TV or radio on if you plan to be out after dark. Being alone in a dim, silent house isn’t enjoyable for anyone! Climate control is also crucial.

What Are The Essential Requirements For Indoor Cats?

Cats are much safer and healthier indoors. However, indoor kitties don’t get as much excitement as cats that go outside, so you’ll need to give Fluffy entertainment options. Providing toys, kitty furniture, and a cozy window seat with a pleasant view will keep your kitty entertained and happy. If you want to go the extra mile, consider giving your furball a catio.

It’s also important to provide Fluffy with a suitable scratching post or board … especially if you want to keep your sofa from being shredded. Cat towers are an excellent choice for this!

How Do I Make Sure My Cat Is Safe?

Aside from ensuring Fluffy’s well-being through proper care and nutrition, it’s also important to take measures to petproof your home. Because they are naturally both predators and prey, cats have a strong curiosity and desire to become proficient hunters. Fluffy might be interested in checking if there’s a mouse in the cabinet under the sink or if that rubber band is suitable prey. These kinds of innocent explorations can pose significant risks to a curious ball of fur.

Here are some items to keep away from your pet’s reach:

• Chemicals
• Medication
• Strings, ropes, and cords
• Plastic bags and wrappers
• Toxic plants
• Anything small or sharp
• Candles

It’s important to exercise caution when dealing with large appliances, especially if you have a kitten. An open toilet may not pose a significant danger to a fully grown cat, but it can be extremely hazardous for a baby! Ask your Brampton, ON veterinarians for further details.

How Do I Keep Fluffy Healthy?

As previously stated, proper nutrition is essential.

We also suggest that you keep your feline companion indoors. Cats that roam freely are exposed to various dangers, such as traffic, harsh weather conditions, and encounters with wildlife.

What Sort Of Veterinary Care Do Cats Need? 

Proper veterinary care is also vital. Adopting a kitten? Little Fluffy will need to come in for a few check-ups during that adorable toddler stage. Your furry friend will also require spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, and initial exams, vaccines, and dewormers. Once your feline buddy reaches adulthood, she may only require yearly check-ups. 

There are a few exceptions. If your furry pal spends time outdoors or has any medical conditions, she may require more frequent visits. Similar to humans, older cats typically require more frequent visits to their veterinarians. Always follow the advice of your veterinarian.

Regardless of your cat’s age, you’ll need to stay on the lookout for any indications of illness or injury.

Here are a few important things to keep an eye out for:

• Withdrawal
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Changes In Weight
• Poor Grooming
• Reduced Appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Respiratory Issues
• Increased Thirst
• Unusual Behavior Or Vocalization

If you notice any concerning signs, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian right away. Cats frequently hide symptoms of illness, and it can be difficult to detect any issues until your feline buddy’s health has significantly deteriorated!

What Is The Typical Lifespan Of A Cat?

Cats are enjoying longer lives than ever, due to advancements in veterinary care and a better understanding of their needs. It is becoming increasingly common to see cats living well into their 20s, surpassing the official feline lifespan of 12 to 18 years.

What Makes Cats Happy?

One thing we can say about Fluffy? She deeply appreciates life’s simple pleasures, such as taking peaceful naps and basking in the warmth of sunbeams. 

Without a doubt, love is an essential component in any feline care routine. Pay close attention to Fluffy. Talk to your furry friend, pet her (if she likes it), play with her, and do other things with her. Just dedicating a few minutes each day to playing with or cuddling your feline friend can provide her with a sense of affection and security.

That being stated, we must mention some of Fluffy’s favorite things.

• Sunbeams
• Soft blankets folded up on chairs or beds
• Lap space
• Catnip
• Boxes
• Paper grocery bags (Cut the handles off)
• Beds
• Treats
• Catwalks/Cat Shelves
• Cat grass
• Toys

We also suggest providing Fluffy with a scratching post, a cat tower or play center, and a cozy bed. 

Conclusion: Taking care of cats is not challenging, but it is important for you to understand their requirements. To ensure Fluffy’s happiness and well-being, it is important to provide high-quality food, schedule regular visits to the vet, maintain a clean litterbox, and dedicate time each day to petting and playing with her.

Contact Your Brampton, ON Pet Clinic

Do you need any advice on how to properly care for your cat? Contact us, your nearby pet hospital in Brampton, ON, today