February is known as the month of love. While we celebrate romantic relationships, we should also celebrate the bond we have with our feline friends. That’s because February is also known as national cat health month!
This month puts the spotlight on our cats’ health and wellbeing. It’s a good opportunity to remind kitty owners of the must-dos to keep them living their best life.
So this February, wish your feline buddy a happy national cat health month by doing the following:
- Take your cat for a check-up.
The frequency will depend on the animal’s age and medical condition. Generally, check-ups are done to keep vaccinations updated and spot cat health issues early on.
- Keep your kitty active with toys, scratch posts, playtime, or walks.
This is crucial in maintaining a healthy cat weight to avoid related health problems. Mental stimulation helps curb problematic behavior caused by boredom.
- Feed your cat healthy foods.
If you’re wondering how to keep a cat healthy, the answer lies in its food. Many fur parents choose Open Farm products for their health benefits, flavor range, and sustainable practices. Our formulations prioritize the happiness and wellbeing of your feline friend, and it shows in their appetite, energy level, and general health.
For complete meals, you can choose from the delicious dry food line or our Rustic Blend wet food collection. To supercharge our healthy cat food, we also offer Cat Supplements with probiotics for good digestion and collagen-rich bone broth for healthy skin and bones.
- Spay or neuter your cat.
If you haven’t yet, now is the time to consider spaying or neutering your cat--because February is also Spay and Neuter awareness month! This not only helps keep the feline population in check, but also prevents many cat health problems.
5.Give your cat lots of love!
Human contact and socialization are essential to a happy, healthy cat. These animals crave attention, so shower them with it. Besides, scratching your kitty’s ears and hearing her purr in contentedness isn’t just therapeutic for her, but for you as well!
Common Cat Health Problems and Dangers and How to Avoid them
Another important aspect of national cat health month is education. This February, familiarize yourself with common health issues and diseases that affect the feline population.
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Check your home for toxic plants. Lilies, azaleas, mistletoe, and holly are some common culprits.
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Avoid giving milk past kittenhood. It may cause diarrhea, particularly in lactose-intolerant cats. Milk also contributes to obesity.
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Know your cat’s “normal” to recognize when something is off. Cats tend to hide pain, depression, and illness, so you may not catch the signs until it’s too late. Changes in vocalization, appetite, behavior, routine, and potty habits are important symptoms that often go unnoticed. Check the litter box regularly for the quality, quantity, and frequency of waste. And don’t forget those check-ups to the vet!
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Unless there’s a medical issue with the claw, do not declaw your cat. This is considered cruel and dangerous to their health and safety.
Serious Common Cat Health Issues and How to Combat them
You should also be familiar with the common diseases affecting cats in your area, particularly how they are transmitted and what the symptoms to look out for.
Viruses that affect cats, including feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, feline panleukopenia virus, and rabies are often transmitted through contact with infected cats and their bodily fluids. Many of these diseases can be fatal. But the good news is, these are all easily preventable by getting regular vaccinations and restricting exposure to other cats and the outdoors.
Kidney disease is not contagious, but it is common in cats. Age, genetics, poor diet, and toxins are influencing factors. While there is no treatment for renal disorders, it can be managed through proper diet, medication, and hydration therapy.
Keep your cat healthy and happy during National Cat Health Month by giving them the gift of Open Farm. Our dry cat food, rustic stews, and kefirs are packed with nutritious ingredients that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist!
