Cats are a big part of life for people in the UK. 17 percent of UK households own a cat, which translates to around eight million cats in the country. The felines are the second most preferred pet in the UK. As with any pet ownership, a little kitten requires support for its physical and emotional needs. If you are currently a cat or dog owner or are thinking of using dog walking services or bringing one home in the near future, you want to get some ideas on how to provide your feline friend with the best life that you can offer. We have put together six recommendations that will put your furry friend on the road of a happy life.
A Healthy and Balanced Diet
Trying to figure out what to feed your pet for optimal nutrition and health goes beyond just choosing a wet food or dry food from your local supermarket. For instance, you need to consider the age of your pet because cat food formulations for young cats are a bit different from that for older cats. There are also considerations for your cat’s teeth, its hormonal levels, its digestive system, and other preferences. These things must be considered when you choose the most ideal diet for your pet.
Adequate Litter Boxes
Veterinarians suggest providing one litter box for every cat in the household, plus one extra. When a cat feels like there are not enough boxes, it can lead to negative behaviours like urinating or defecating elsewhere in the home and spraying. It can also lead to FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disease) or FUO (feline urethral obstruction). It is important that you find the style of box that your cat likes. Some cats prefer a covered box while others might prefer an uncovered style. You will have to find a box that fits your cat’s habits and preferences.
Adequate Hydration
Water is vital for the health of all living things, and our feline friends are no different. The domesticated cats of today evolved from ancestors who lived in the deserts of the Middle East. Their natural tendency is to get their water from food. Therefore, you should give your cat canned food that has 75 to 80 percent water content. This is similar to the percentage of water they get from their prey, like a mouse. Dry food only contains about 5 to 15 percent water. So, depending on what your cat eats, you need to make sure that there is always plenty of fresh water available to the cat.
Good Grooming Habits
You need to brush your cat regularly whether your cat is a short-haired breed or long-haired breed. Because cats like to groom themselves, regular brushing will reduce the amount of hair that your cat ingests. Brushing decreases shedding and keeps your cat’s hair from getting matted and tangled. It stimulates an even distribution of natural skin oils so your cat’s coat is healthier. As you are grooming, it also provides you the opportunity to examine the skin and ears for parasites or other problems.
A Comfortable Place To Get Plenty of Sleep
It is normal for a cat to sleep as much as 20 hours a day. Therefore, it is important to give your furry friend a comfortable place to take high-quality cat naps. The cat bed should support a healthy spine and mitigate bed sores. There is a wide range of sizes, styles, and shapes available, so spend some time to pick one that fits your pet’s need as well as your budget.
Entertainment, Pet Crate, Vets
Give your cat appropriate cat toys and a scratching post to keep it engaged and active when it is not sleeping. If you need to transport your pet, find a crate that is suitable for your pet. Finally, be sure to find a vet who has experience in treating cats.
You are your cat’s primary caregiver, so your pet’s health and happiness are in your hands. Make the right choices, and you will enjoy many happy and healthy years with your feline friend.