Surprising Habits That Help Keep Cats Healthy

It’s no secret that cats are popular pets, but with all the expenses associated with cat ownership, from food to litter and even vet bills, it can be difficult to keep tabs on your feline friend’s health. There are some surprisingly simple habits you can adopt that will help keep your cat healthy and strong.

Exercise: Outdoor Playtime

Outdoor playtime is a great way for cats to stay healthy and active. Cats can benefit from playing outside in the same ways that humans do, by getting exercise and sunshine. Taking your cat outdoors for regular playtime can help improve their overall physical health and mental wellbeing. Not only will they enjoy exploring the outdoors, but they’ll also get valuable physical activity while doing so.

Since cats have a higher risk of injury when playing outside, it may be wise to invest in pet insurance to cover any potential medical bills that may arise from an accident or illness while playing outside. Cat insurance can offer peace of mind when it comes to caring for your feline family member by helping you financially if anything unexpected happens during outdoor playtime. It’s worth researching different policies available so you can find one that best suits your budget and requirements.

Diet: Healthy Food Choices

A nutritious diet is essential to maintaining the overall health of cats. Healthy food choices include lean proteins like chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy products; complex carbohydrates like whole grains; and healthy fats such as olive oil. To ensure good nutrition, pet owners should feed their cats high-quality wet or dry cat food that contains plenty of vitamins and minerals. It’s also important to provide clean drinking water at all times to prevent dehydration. Additionally, feeding your cat meals at regular intervals throughout the day can help keep their blood sugar levels steady which keeps them feeling energetic and active throughout the day.

Hygiene: Grooming Essentials

Grooming is an important part of keeping cats healthy. Regular brushing and bathing not only help keep their coats clean, but can also keep them from getting matted fur and skin problems. Nail trimming is also essential for cats’ hygiene. Not only does it prevent scratches on furniture, but it prevents painful ingrown nails as well. It’s important to trim a cat’s nails every 3-4 weeks or so to ensure their claws are kept short and don’t get too sharp. Teeth cleaning is also essential for keeping cats healthy; plaque that builds up can cause bad breath and tooth decay if left untreated. Brushing a cat’s teeth with toothpaste made specifically for cats can help reduce plaque build-up, freshen breath, and keep gums healthy. Finally, regular ear cleaning is key for preventing infections from wax buildup or debris in the ear canal. Using specially formulated cleansers specifically designed for pets will help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the ears while removing dirt and other debris that can lead to infection or discomfort if not taken care of regularly.

Mental Stimulation: Toys & Games

Toys and games can provide cats with mental stimulation, which is essential for their wellbeing. Cat puzzles are a great option – they look like regular toys but have hidden compartments that require cats to use their problem-solving skills to find treats. Interactive laser toys also provide a fun way to get cats active while stimulating their minds. These toys involve pointing the laser light around the room, prompting cats to chase it around and practice coordination and agility. Other types of interactive toys such as feather wand toys or treat balls help keep cats engaged and mentally stimulated as they work out how to get the treat inside! Finally, puzzle feeders are an excellent choice for pet owners looking for a long-lasting activity for their feline friend. Puzzle feeders come in all shapes and sizes – from basic boxes with slots for kibble pieces to complex mazes requiring more advanced problem-solving skills.

Environment: Clean Living Spaces

Cleaning up after your cat is a great way to keep their living space clean. Vacuuming often can help reduce the amount of pet hair and dander in the air. Additionally, washing bedding and blankets regularly will help maintain a cleaner environment for your cat. It’s also important to make sure that any litter boxes are kept clean and odor-free. This helps stop bacteria from spreading and keeps cats healthy.

It’s also important to regularly groom your cats to keep them looking and feeling their best. Brushing their fur on a weekly basis can prevent tangles, mats, dirt buildup, fleas, and other parasites from taking hold in their fur. Regular grooming can also keep cats cool in summer months as it helps remove excess fur that would otherwise trap heat around them. Lastly, nail trims should be done monthly or when needed in order to keep nails short enough so they don’t become ingrown or snag on things like carpet or furniture which can cause injury or infection if not taken care of properly.


Infographic created by FCA Floor Covering Associates, Top-of-the-Line Flooring Store Serving the Chicago Area

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a few surprising habits that help keep cats healthy. Playing with toys is not only fun for cats, but it helps keep their mental and physical health in check. Cats also benefit from being around other animals, as long as they are properly introduced and supervised. Finally, spending time outdoors can be beneficial for cats – although, some may need to be kept indoors if they have certain medical conditions. All of these habits should be done with caution and care, so that cats remain safe and healthy all year round. With the right balance of exercise, nutrition, and plenty of love, your cat will live a long and happy life!

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