How To Respect Your Cat

Did you know that 28 March is Respect Your Cat Day?  

We don’t doubt that you respect your cat, but why not show some extra consideration today and in the future? Here are some ideas on how to truly honour your cat.

OVERVIEW

1. Care for Your Cat’s Coat
2. Keep Your Cat Stimulated
3. Get to Know Your Cat’s Body Language
4. Find Out How to Hold & Pet Your Cat Properly
5. Learn How to Trim Your Cat’s Nails the Right Way
6. Adjust Your Cat’s Diet to Suit Their Age, Activity Level and Health Needs

SUGGESTIONS & TIPS

As you will find out below, a big part of respecting your cat is handling and treating them in certain ways.

1. Care for Your Cat’s Coat

It’s important to brush your cat, even if he or she is a great groomer. Cats with long hair especially benefit from frequent brushing to keep their coats healthy. Talk to your veterinarian about the right brush for your cat.

2. Keep Your Cat Stimulated

Some cats might not need as much attention as dogs, but they do need some attention and affection as well as mental stimulation. For those times when you’re not around, make sure there are toys to keep your cat busy and entertained.

3. Get to Know Your Cat’s Body Language

Educating yourself on the basics of cat body language can strengthen your bond. Here are a few examples that may help.

Tail Held High: Confident.
Upright Bottle-brush Tail: Feeling threatened.
Exposed Belly: Simply stretching or preparing to fight.
Pinned Back, Flat Ears: Very angry or frightened kitty.
Ears Straight and Up: Something has alerted them.

4. Find Out How to Hold & Pet Your Cat Properly

It might not seem like a big deal, but keeping a cat close to you when holding them is important as it provides comfort and a sense of security. Then again, some cats don’t like to be picked up and held so pay attention to the cat’s response and put them down if they’re not into it.

Cats generally enjoy and prefer physical contact in the form of petting in the head and neck area. Also: Many cats are not keen on belly rubs.

5. Learn How to Trim Your Cat’s Nails the Right Way 

Trimming nails is an important part of grooming, particularly if you have a cat that prefers to stay indoors. Nails that get stuck can tear off. They can also curve over and in as they grow and puncture your cat’s adorable pads. A punctured pad in turn can become infected.

6. Adjust Your Cat’s Diet

A big part of taking the best care of your cat is to adapt their diet to suit their age, activity level and health needs. If you’re not sure what your best options are, speak to your veterinarian. They’ll be able to guide you.

There you have it! We hope we’ve inspired and motivated you.