Cats are known for being independent and self-sufficient, but they still depend on us for many things. Aside from the basic necessities like food and water, we need to provide them with love, companionship and lots of playtime. We, cat parents, do this because we want our felines to be healthy and happy. After all, they make us happy and healthy too.
Unlike dogs, cats are not expressive and intimate, so you need to be more vigilant of their needs. In order to improve your cat’s health and quality of life, you need to make certain changes to their lifestyle. Here are some of the things you can do to make your cat happier, healthier as well as increase its lifespan.
Watch Your Cat’s Weight
A chubby cat may look extra cuddly and squishable, but extra weight isn’t good for their health. In fact, obesity puts cats at risk for health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, lung and heart disease, and decreased immune function. Poor diet and lack of exercise are the main causes of obesity in cats – both of which you can easily change.
When it comes to your cat’s diet, the type of food you feed your pet is just as important as how much you give it. What is the healthiest thing to feed a cat, you may ask? According to experts, a cat’s diet shouldn’t consist of mainly dry kibble – canned food and even raw goods should be included. These will provide your cat with proper nutrition without the extra carbohydrate load that can contribute to weight problems. A diet that limits dry food also offers the benefit of keeping your feline much more hydrated.
As for getting your cat off his carefully chosen comfy bed to get some exercise, it may take a little creativity. Try dragging fluffy toys or rolling toys with bells for your cat to chase. Some kitties love catnip toys while others enjoy going for a stroll on a leash. With a little persistence, you’re sure to find something that your bat will enjoy.
Supply With Probiotics
A variety of cat pet supplies are available on the market. While you may not need all of them, one product you should consider adding to your list is probiotics for cats. That is because the majority of a cat’s immunity resides in its digestive tract, just like in humans. So, keeping your cat’s digestive tract balanced with good bacterial is a great way to ensure your furry friend stays healthy. An easy and practical way to do that is by supplementing your cat’s diet with probiotics for cats. According to experts, these live microorganisms help treat and even avoid a variety of illnesses and diseases in cats – especially those related to the gastrointestinal system.
When shopping for cat pet supplies, you’ll notice that cat probiotics come in a variety of forms including powders, pills, and even infused inside of treats. No matter what kind you choose, make sure it has a high CFU (Colony Forming Units). Diversity is also important. You need to make sure the supplement you get includes a diverse array of probiotics, not just one type of bacteria.
The types of bacteria that cats tend to do best with are those of the Bifidobacterium and Enterococcus families. Bifidobacterium is generally located in the small intestine whereas Enterococcus tends to be found in the colon (large intestine). When it comes to promoting health, each of them could have a different function. Bifidobacterium aids with digestions and Enterococcus helps with the formation of normal feces. You can choose a probiotic for your cat that contains additional strains, but it must include these two kinds of bacteria.
While probiotics were generally prescribed once a pet had an existing issue, like diarrhea, many veterinarians are now recommending that pet parents make probiotic supplements a daily part of their cat’s health routine. They explain that supplying with probiotics is a safe way to help deter the development of digestive problems.
Get Your Cat a Toothbrush
Many don’t know, but cats also need to brush their teeth. Experts explain that like us humans, cats are also at risk for many of the dental issues we try to avoid, like gingivitis. Untreated dental disease can lead to much bigger health problems down the road – just like it can for us. So, if you want to lessen your cat’s risk of developing lung, kidney and heart problems, consider brushing your cat’s tooth. Check out these tips on how to clean your cat’s teeth.
Keep Your Cat Inside
If there is one way to dramatically increase your cat’s chances of living a long, full life, that way is keeping it inside. Allowing your cat to go outside exposes it to the risk of coming into contact with stray or feral cats, who may pass on diseases like feline leukemia, feline AIDS, feline distemper or upper respiratory infections. Outside exploration also puts your cat at risk for issues led by fleas, ticks, ringworm, ticks and intestinal worms. When keeping your cat inside, make sure you provide it with plenty of appropriate places to hide and climb as well as plenty of toys to hunt.
