Be the Best Cat Parent You Can Be in 2011
2011 may be the year of the rabbit, but ask any dedicated cat owner, and they’ll tell you every year is the year of the cat. HomeAgain loves cats, too, and one of our resolutions is to help all cat owners care for their beloved felines. We’re here to help you become the very best cat parent you can be. The rewards are endless and come in delicate (purr, snuggle, meow…) and whimsical (pounce, nuzzle, swat…) packages.
Age matters
One of the first things to realize about your cats is that their age really makes a big difference on their biological functions. Young cats spring through the day with boundless energy, while older cats and kittens need multiple naps to perform at their best and maintain health.
But rest cycles are just one of biological functions affected by age:
- Dietary needs
- Immunities & disease
- Dental hygiene
You’ll need to make lifestyle adjustments to accommodate all your cat’s changing needs. A good cat parent knows that, since their cats can’t really tell them what they need, they have to spend extra time observing their furry friends. Follow up by chatting with your vet about any changes in behavior.
Spring for the good stuff
Just like people, eating a healthy balanced diet, makes all the difference with health. The right kind of food—fortified and balanced with all of kitty’s necessary nutrients—will go a long way in keeping your cats feeling and looking their very best.
A good cat parent buys the right kind of food for their cats’ age and particular dietary needs. So even if it’s a little more expensive, know that your cat appreciates the extra lengths you go to keep them healthy.
You also have to limit splurges. For many cat owners, it’s harder not to give your cats the food they love over the food that’s best for them. Reward them sparingly, and you’ll get the reward of having a healthier and happier companion.
So many people stop playing with their cats after they grow out of their kitten stage, and that’s just a sad state of affairs. Cats love to play, and just like us, without play, then tend to get bored and sedentary.
But as most cat owners know, cats are very smart and curious, and entertaining them can be a challenge. Mix up playtime with new toys, games, and catnip (in moderation) to keep things fresh. A good cat parent devotes time each day to playing with their cat and makes sure their cats have enough playthings to entertain themselves, too.
An emergency plan
Here at HomeAgain, we’re very keen on the proactive elements of pet safety. We believe it’s very important to make sure cat owners have resources for difficult and disastrous situations.
A good cat parent plans for situations where their cats get lost or need emergency medical help. HomeAgain provides assistance for these emergencies, such as Lost Pet Specialists available around the clock and a Pet Medical Emergency Hotline, through our membership program. Renew your membership or sign up and make 2011 a safe one for your cat. Log in now.
What do you think makes a good cat parent?
We know we’re not the only ones entitled to an opinion on the whole cat-parent thing. So we took it to Facebook and asked our community of PetRescuers what they think.
Sue: Patience, rug cleaner, oh ... and any kind of feathers :)
Carla: I have two females. They're well fed, watered, they like sleeping on my bed, and I talk to them and give them kisses on their furry heads. In other words, they own ME! Lol!
Elizabeth: Following them around the yard or through the woods when they want to play outside, and making sure they don't get hit by a car or eaten up by a fox. Being a cat owner is so stressful!
Cindy: You must be able to endure endless sarcasm, feline humor, demanding behavior, disdain, and disgruntlement. In return, you get the honor of serving said feline!
LaVonne: Well...I could point you to my friend Michele B; she's the best cat parent I know! Rescues kitties, possums, even bees ‘n' spiders...but if it wasn't for her rescuing some o' those Florida kitties, well, let's just say she's their angel.
Circe: Lots of love, patience, kindness, and the understanding that you are no longer in charge of things ;-)
Shannon: The ability to sleep with a cat perched on your chest:)
Lizzy: Patience and understanding. Cats don’t always cuddle with you.
Catherine: A sense of humor and tolerance for becoming a human pincushion.
Anne: The ability to provide food, shelter, care, and a warm lap that doesn't move too much.
Jessica: A whole lot of patience! :)
George: Lots of patience and understanding and a lint brush.
Debi: A true love and respect for all that makes a cat a cat!
Patricia: Love, a warm place to curl up and sleep, lots of treats, and being easily trainable by the kitties—like me!