Cats can be wonderful companions and really improve the quality of life for pet owners through structure and caring responsibility. Your cat relies on you for regular vet checkups, but there are lots of other things you can do to improve the overall health of your feline friend.
Here are some natural health tips for cats to give your cat the best life possible.
Choose Cat Food Wisely
The dietary needs of cats mirror the needs of their ancestors and wild counterparts, which means they primary need meat protein to survive. Some cat nutrition experts believe that cats should not eat grains because grains are not a natural part of a cat’s diet. This is also true for starchy foods, such as potatoes and peas. Meanwhile, many commercial cat foods are high in grains, starches, and carbohydrates, while not including enough protein for a natural diet. Talk to your cat’s vet about more natural versions of pre-packaged cat food or experimenting with a raw cat food diet.
Try Non-Toxic Cat Litter
Not all cat litters are the same because some have more artificial chemicals and fragrances to cover up smells than others. To reduce your cat’s exposure to potential toxins, choose the most natural cat litters you can fine. Natural cat litters are made with plant-based products and can help you avoid feline health problems. Also, make a habit of changing your cat’s litter regularly to prevent the spread of bacteria and potential disease.
Keep Your Cat Active
Unlike dogs that receive regular walks, play group sessions, and time in the outdoors, many cats are kept exclusively indoors. But just because you have an indoor cat doesn’t mean your kitty has to be inactive and sedentary. You can buy cat toys and climbing towers to encourage your cat to move around more throughout the day. Spend time playing with your cat indoors so he or she gets some exercise and don’t become bored while in the house all day.
Explore Alternative Medicine for Cats
Just like there’s alternative medicine for humans, cats can also benefit from alternative medicine practices and homeopathy. Some pet owners choose to try cat treatments involving acupuncture, chiropractic massage, traditional Chinese medicine, and aromatherapy. Look for vets that specialize in holistic medicine for cats so that your cat will be evaluated by a whole and not just have isolated symptoms treated when they arise. Chiropractic and spinal manipulation can significantly help cats that have arthritis, pain from an injury, or joint issues. Seagate’s pet joint care product can also help alleviate these symptoms naturally and without pharmaceuticals or surgical interventions.
Provide Natural Enrichment
In addition to providing for your cat’s basic and medical needs, there are things you can do to make your cat more naturally happy each day. Make time to pet, groom, or cuddle with your cat regularly to show your affection. You can outfit your home with cat-specific furniture and even encourage safe access to the outdoors with a fenced-in yard or screened-in porch. Make sure you cat has a nice view of the outside world while indoors, and grow some natural grass for him or her to nibble on. Some cats benefit from having a second cat in the house as a companion as well, especially if you are rarely home or have limited time to spend with your pet.