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

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?

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 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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