Did you know that February is National Cat Health Month? Keeping kitties healthy is our focus all year, but this is a great time to shine the spotlight on Fluffy’s health. We all know that good food, regular veterinary care, and clean litterboxes are all very important to cats’ well-being. However, cats have some pretty unhealthy habits! In this article from Fairfield Animal Hospital, a Cy-Fair vet discusses our feline buddies’ most dangerous habits.

Poor Choice of Toys

Our adorable, cuddly pets are actually ferocious predators in the wild. Fluffy may never have to hunt anything but her toys and the occasional moth, but she’ll still be driven to pounce on, bat at, and jump on small objects. Unfortunately, cats aren’t very selective when it comes to choosing their toys. Your kitty could pick some very dangerous playthings, like safety pins or plastic wrappers. Keep your furball safe by doing some basic petproofing, and removing dangerous items like toxic plants, chemicals, medications, and anything small or sharp. Items with hanging threads are also very dangerous for playful cats.

Escape Attempts

Cats are much safer living indoors, where they aren’t exposed to the dangers posed by cars, weather, chemicals, and other animals. Fluffy, however, may not see it that way. While some of our furry buddies are more than happy to stay indoors, others will stop at nothing to try and get outside. If your pet has not been spayed or neutered, getting her fixed may help curb her wanderlust. You can also make indoor life fun for your feline pal by giving her safe plants, kitty furniture, and a comfy window seat.

Laziness

If there’s one thing cats are good at, it’s sleeping. Kitties spend the vast majority of their time—up to 20 hours a day—snoozing. This can make it very easy for them to become obese, which is very bad for their health! When Fluffy is young, she’ll get her exercise in with daily play sessions. As your furball ages, however, her workout may go from a fun, vigorous round of ‘catch the catnip’ mouse to a single, half-hearted swipe at a dangly toy. Keep your four-legged buddy active by offering her lots of fun toys and playing with her daily. Do you have questions about your cat’s health? Call us here at Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cy-Fair pet hospital, today!