Four Health Tips To Help Indoor Cats Live The Good Life
Posted on: 3 July 2016
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Most vets will recommend that cats stay indoors if at all possible for health reasons. Indoor living can be healthier for your cat, but there still can be a few health-related issues that an indoor cat might face. Here are four health tips that can make your indoor cat's lifestyle healthier and happier.
1. Make Your Home Fun
If your cat can have curiosity and get exercise within the home, this can keep them healthier and also keep them from becoming depressed. Make sure to designate play times either first thing in the morning or when you get home from work so this is part of you and your cat's routine. If your cat can stay engaged and frisky, they will avoid obesity and boredom, both being bad for their health.
2. Quelling Anxiety
If you have more than one cat, it is important both feel empowered and safe. This might involve more than one litter box, separate food bowls, and plenty of perches and sleeping spots so there isn't as much competition. This will keep cats from acting out, fighting, and relieving themselves outside of litter boxes. Pheromone sprays and calming chews can help calm an overly anxious cat as well.
3. Keeping Nails Clipped
If your cat's life is indoors, they may not have an outlet to scratch down nail tips. Overgrown nails can eventually curl into your cat's paw pad and may require surgery. It's good to keep scratching posts or boards available for cats to access, but be aware you still might need to give them regular clippings. Try to start grooming activities like nail clipping when your cat is younger. If your cat resists or tries to scratch you, you might need to take them to the vet or groomer for a nail clipping.
4. Veterinary Care is Still Needed
Just because your cat is an indoor cat, this doesn't mean that they don't need proper veterinary care. Indoor cats can still get sick and need to be seen at the animal hospital for vaccines, checkups, and to start life out getting spayed or fixed. You might also want to have your cat microchipped in case they do escape, so that they will have a better chance of getting home.
Indoor cats usually live longer because there are less risks for them than outdoor cats. This doesn't mean that they are in the clear from all health risks. Try your best to keep your cat's indoor lifestyle healthy and free from illnesses or dangers that can stem from an indoor lifestyle.
Contact a clinic like Groves Veterinary Clinic for more information.