There’s a very important holiday coming up. March 28th is Respect Your Cat Day! Our feline overlords are truly amazing animals, who definitely deserve respect. In this article, a Pickerington, OH vet lists some ways to show your cat respect.
Kitties may look cute and cuddly, but they are actually quite formidable predators. In fact, we first became friends with Fluffy because of her prowess at catching mice and other vermin. In return for keeping our farms and grain stores rodent-free, our feline pals got food, shelter, and, of course, cuddles and lap space. No wonder cats look so proud when they bring their humans ‘presents!’ We recommend that cats stay inside, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help your furry little hunter indulge her inner lioness. Offer your pet lots of toys, and play with her regularly.
Cats are very clean by nature, and instinctively bury their waste. In the wild, this helps them avoid being detected by predators. If your furry friend stops using her litterbox, it probably isn’t because she’s messy. This usually happens because of dirty litterboxes, but sometimes anxiety or health issues are a factor. Never punish your pet for these slip-ups: instead, figure out why she is avoiding the litterbox, and work to correct the issue. Ask your vet for specific advice.
We don’t really have to explain this one too much. Cats had the ancient Egyptians wrapped around their paws, as evidenced by the Sphinx. In fact, it was a tradition for people to shave their eyebrows when their feline friends passed on. Some even had their kitties mummified! Of course, you don’t have to go this far. Just remember to offer Fluffy lots of praise and compliments, toys, soft beds, and a bit of catnip here and there.
Kitties have big personalities, but they are actually quite small, and can easily feel threatened or overpowered. That’s why it’s so important to let your furball decide when she wants to be petted. Trying to pet or hold a cat that isn’t feeling affectionate will only scare her. Plus, it’s a good way to get scratched!
Please contact us, your Pickerington, OH vet clinic, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs. We treat all of our feline patients with kindness, compassion, and, of course, respect.