‘Tis the Season to Address Your Cat’s Quality of Life at Home
As we roll out the red carpet for Santa, it’s easy to feel consumed by the seemingly endless naughty and nice lists. Not only are we distracted by shopping for family meals or neighborhood potlucks, but there are always last minute gifts to purchase, and a million other things to do.
The collective frenzy of the holiday season can cause us to shift our priorities a bit, and we’d be willing to bet that our cats sense it. Luckily, with a few minor adjustments, you can improve your cat’s quality of life for the new year that is just around the corner.
Magnifying Their Environment
Since cats who are allowed to free range their neighborhoods are at risk of accidental injury or exposure to contagious disease, it may make sense to close the door this holiday season. Holiday traffic, cold weather, and the prevalence of winter pet toxins are all good reasons to keep your kitty indoors this season. That said, whether your cat is staying in or going out, he or she should be microchipped, on schedule with parasite prevention, and fully vaccinated.
Up the Ante
Indoor-only cats have the potential to live the longest, healthiest lives, but this lifestyle can be at the expense of overall cat happiness. Sure, some cats are perfectly content to hang around the house, but others may become bored, depressed, lethargic, and prone to weight gain.
It’s a complicated puzzle for cat owners, but there are ways to boost your cat’s quality of life while limiting (or eliminating) their time outside.
- Maximize all vertical space in your home. Having multiple surfaces to climb or jump between not only helps keep the pounds off, but increases physical and mental stimulation. Cats prefer the highest point in any room, and giving them unfettered access to perches (with scratching posts along the way) makes them feel great.
- Add places for them to enjoy a warm sunbath, such as beneath a favorite window. Add visual interest by providing an outdoor bird feeder they can watch throughout the day. Be sure that the window locks and has secure screens.
- Add a fish tank to your cat’s environment to increase visual interest. Be sure that your cat won’t hunt the fish!
- Plant a cat-friendly indoor garden for them to chew on and sample.
- Play with them a few times a day, for about 15-20 minutes at a time. Interactive play helps your cat burn calories, but strengthens the bond between you, as well. Remember to honor your cat’s predatory instincts, and encourage them to hunt, pounce, and ambush.
- Food or treat dispensing toys can increase your cat’s quality of life while you’re not home, and rewards them for staying focused on the task at hand. If you need assistance with portion control, please let us know.
- Training your cat to walk on leash, perform tricks (like high 5’s or fetch), or to seek out and enjoy their crate all add incredible value to their routine.
A Catio for Christmas?
The answer to many possible issues connected to cat ownership may be the installation of a catio (a cat patio). This fully enclosed outdoor space gives cats the best of both worlds, and can positively enhance an indoor-only cat’s quality of life. Set it up directly off a window or door so you cat can freely roam between inside and outside, or in the yard where they can feel the impact of grass and dirt beneath their paws.
Invigorate Your Cat’s Quality of Life
If your gift to them is better overall health, we can help you get started on a dental care routine at their scheduled wellness exam. We can also address lifestyle, diet, nutrition, behavior, parasite prevention, and vaccinations.
If you have any further questions about your cat’s quality of life, please give us a call. From all of us at Cat Care of Vinings, we wish you and your beautiful cat a happy, healthy holiday season.
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Cat Care is exactly what it says. The whole office is geared toward all felines… There are cat trees, and cat friendly furniture throughout. But is what is more important is the feline expertise…
These people love your pet almost as much as you do… This seems less like a business and more like a labor of love. [They]…always keep you in the loop of what is happening…and put both you and your pet at ease…providing first rate care for you cat.
CCV is a warm, quiet environment that helps my nervous cat feel more comfortable… The vet techs and office staff are skilled, helpful and friendly. A+
Where do I begin? There are so many positives about Cat Care of Vinings…this entire practice is on a whole other level… The environment is relaxing and the staff are comforting and supportive.
The quality of treatment and unbelievable care with which my kitten was treated are priceless to me especially as kitten moves into her later years. I wouldn’t take her anywhere else.
Knowledgeable, caring vets and a very supportive team. Highly recommended based on my personal experiences…
…more information than the previous…places… Also,…we did not feel like they were pressuring us into paying for expensive procedures that may or may not work… [They] actually showed care and concern for our kitty…
I am extremely fortunate to have taken her to Cat Care of Vinings… They take time to listen…answer questions, offer guidance…compassion, and give frequent and welcome updates.
I was shocked at how little we knew even after more than a decade of cat ownership and regular vet visits. I really can't say enough about how thrilled we are with Dr. Palmer and Cat Care of Vinings. We just feel so fortunate to have you in our lives and are most grateful. Thank you all for all that you do! :-)
Dr. Michael Friedlander is experienced, capable, kind, and caring with my cat and with me. Her staff is also excellent. Besides the excellent care for my cat, Michael also educated me on what I need to do to take care of my cat, such as vaccinations and heart worm prevention. This is a top notch feline veterinary hospital with a top notch staff!
The Vets have taken time to know and understand both my kitties. All clinic staff are caring, knowledgeable, and generally first rate.
The staff are always welcoming and hospitable. Doctors will go out of their way to make sure your cat is taken care of and comfortable. They always return your calls and even call to check up on your cat after an appointment.
The veterinarians and staff here are very professional, caring and thorough (they check for things other vet clinics don’t). They genuinely love their clients (i.e. cats)…
At Cat Care of Vinings, every person…demonstrated care. Everything was well explained… I received phone calls updating me on his progress and asking how he was after I took him home. They are compassionate and knowledgeable about cats and that is what really matters.
This veterinary clinic changed my cat's entire life…[he had] severe dental problems… I was reluctant to…do the procedures… I cannot stress how happy I am… Everyone treats the cats with love and care, and they treat the people with respect and offer great advice.
I have had cats my whole life and have used many veterinarians over the years. Cat Care of Vinings provides the best care I have ever received for my 'kids' - cats
…We must say that Dr. Jennifer Palmer…is the BEST. Her medical experience, bedside manner, candor, and quest for knowledge…is immeasurable. She goes beyond the call of duty to ‘reach-out’ for answers and health options you may not be aware of.