Safety Tips for Cats…
Four Crucial Summer Health & Safety Tips for Cats!
“THE ONLY THING I ENVY ABOUT A CAT IS ITS PURR. IT’S THE MOST CONTENTED SOUND IN THE WORLD.” – Lucy Maud Montgomery [1]
We’ve always had cats.
As a boy, I’d happily add to our immediate family by occasionally bringing home a new kitten — always the last one in the litter, the one nobody else wanted. And I loved ’em all. And they gave back a quiet love.
These many years later, we have Tillie and Rusty. And they’re part of the family, for sure.
Rusty is always up for playtime, at times a golden blur, at times lazy and trusting and full of lion-loud purrs. He’s my best bud.
Tillie is the watcher. When we brought them home, Rusty curled up in the cat carrier at my feet to sleep. But his sister Tillie kept looking up at me through the screening, while batting Rusty in the ear, saying, in her own way, “Hey, wake up! Something’s going on here. Who is this human? They’re taking us somewhere.”
Tillie eventually deigned to give us purrs. But she still watches everything. Never saw a cat who figures things out like she does. She’s not a black cat, but she can find the shadows and blend in.
Summer’s here. And we’re hearing about endangered family pets. Dogs left in overheated cars — big news! But our cats — no problem. Just leave ’em home. They’ll be okay.
Oh yes, Summer’s here. “While it may be the perfect time for family trips and outdoor activities,” explains Dr Ernie Ward, veterinarian and IAMS Cat spokesperson, “it’s also a great time to reset and make sure you’re keeping the whole family healthy, including your feline friend. By keeping your cat healthy, hydrated and active, your family will be able to enjoy more time together and get the most out of the season.”
Dr Ward continues, “For both people and cats, hydration, proper nutrition and overall healthy habits are imperative to fully enjoying the summer months. To live their best lives, cats need to feel healthy from the inside out and much of that stems from what they eat. It’s important to look for a premium cat food that includes high-quality protein to help your cat maintain strong, lean muscles and incorporate healthy vitality.”
Four Crucial Summer Health and Safety Tips for Cats:
1. Focus on food – Cats are natural carnivores and need the proper amount of protein in their diets. Ward recommends IAMS High Protein cat food, which is formulated with 84% animal protein – more than the leading dry cat brand. [2]
The high concentration of high-quality chicken and salmon helps maintain strong muscles and keep cats active.
Other key elements to look for in a high-quality dry cat food include:
Optimal levels of fatty acids for a soft and shiny coat.
A fiber blend, including prebiotics and beet pulp, for healthy digestion.
A good mix of premium, high-quality ingredients to contribute to healthy energy levels.
2. Keep hydrated – Cats need to stay hydrated, especially in warmer weather. Make sure their water dishes are always full and place a few dishes throughout the house. If there are certain rooms your cat is drawn to or if the family is spending quality time in a different area, have water readily available so pets can easily quench their thirst and avoid dehydration.
3. Prioritize playtime – Though they tend to sleep a lot, cats need exercise, too. Playing a cat and mouse game with your furry friend is one way to give him or her necessary exercise and create a fun bonding experience. Toys that can encourage cats to get off the couch are a great way to get engaged in a little aerobic activity.
4. Eliminate clutter – Cats are curious by nature and it’s no secret that they tend to explore even the highest or smallest nooks in the house. It’s nearly impossible to keep an eye on your cat at all times, so it’s important to create a safe environment at home. Tuck cables and cords away, limit the amount of free-standing, sharp or glass objects and keep hazardous chemicals, such as cleaning supplies, locked away to help reduce the possibility of illness or injury.
These tips from Dr Ernie Ward can help keep your cat active, healthy and safe during the summer months. For more information on establishing healthy habits for your furry friend, visit IAMS.com/visibledifference.
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4 Crucial Summer Health and Safety Tips for Cats
[1] Have you had a laugh today? Shed a tear? Had that glowing feeling of love? To See Our “Cats Quotes: Loving & Funny Cat Quotes” CLICK HERE NOW!
[2] Based on Nielsen sales data and in-market packaging as of March 11, 2017. Comparison does not include specialty products.
Source: Civilized Bears, Family Features Editorial Syndicate & PRNewswire
