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Cat parents and enthusiasts can now dedicate a whole month of the year to felines! Our cat’s health is important; sometimes, we need extra motivation to focus on their physical and emotional health. National Cat Health Month reminds us how important it is to maintain regular veterinary appointments. February is Cat Health Month and is a perfect opportunity for cat owners to focus on the health and well-being of their feline friends. In this article, we’ll discuss how you can take part in National Cat Health Month.
What and When Is National Cat Health Month?
The relationship between cats and humans goes back thousands of years before they became favorite domesticated pets. Egyptian gods were portrayed with the heads of cats, and they served an essential role in killing off venomous snakes and protecting the Pharaoh. They earned royal treatment and became so praised among the Ancient Egyptians that they were mummified and buried with their owners.
It was about 8,000 years ago when cats became domesticated. They formed a symbiotic relationship with farmers, where farmers valued them for killing off pesky rodents, and in return, they were fed. They have since become a favorite pet in American households, and we now have a whole month of the year dedicated solely to them.
National Cat Health Month takes place in February each year. It is a time to bring attention and focus to your cat’s health and well-being, and there are many ways cat owners can be a part of this vital initiative, do their part for their pets, and help spread the word.
Why We Love National Cat Health Month
There are many reasons to love National Cat Health Day, including the following:
1. This Month Is Necessary
Unfortunately, some cat owners overlook or forget about their cats’ mental and physical health. National Cat Month also brings awareness to the health of other cats that can’t be cared for the same way, such as cats in shelters. Every cat deserves a happy and healthy life.
2. A Healthy Cat Is a Happy Cat
All cats deserve loving caregivers, clean water and food, daily exercise, a safe place to sleep, and entertainment to keep them happy. Celebrating and participating in National Cat Health Month can encourage other cat parents to focus more on their pets’ emotional and physical health.
3. It Encourages You to Learn More About Your Cat
Bringing attention to your cat’s health and wellness helps you focus on their behavior and capabilities and spend more time with them. You may learn things you didn’t know, like how you can train your cat to play fetch. You may also learn more about which foods your cat shouldn’t consume and which can help them thrive.
The 6 Ways to Celebrate National Health Month
With February being dedicated to National Health Month, you can celebrate the love of your cat by focusing on their well-being and ensuring they stay in optimum health. Here are some ways you can celebrate and take part in National Cat Health Month:
1. Take Your Cat for a Check-Up
As a cat owner, you should take your cat for a wellness check-up at least once a year, so if you still need to do so, National Cat Health Month is a great time to book your cat’s appointment. Your veterinarian can detect any potential issues early on so you can provide your cat with the necessary care and maintenance.
2. Have a Cat Grooming Session
A grooming session with your cat is a great way to bond and can benefit your cat’s health since it allows you to assess their coat, skin, and claw health. Look out for dry or irritated skin or dull, missing, or patchy fur. Ensure that their claws aren’t irritated or hurt; if you notice any changes, make an appointment to see your vet.
3. Spend Time With Your Cat
Spend extra quality time with your cat by interacting and playing with their favorite toys. You can even go out and purchase a few new toys to change things up and spoil your kitty for National Cat Health Month. Learn how to train your cat to do a few tricks and use the time to bond!
4. Spread the Word
One of the best things you can do is spread the word about National Cat Month. You can share photos of you and your cat on social media for other cat lovers to see. Start a trend or a hashtag to generate more awareness and reach more people. Have fun with it and share a photo of you grooming your cat, a video of you playing together, or a picture of your cat in the vet waiting room. Talk about National Cat Month to all your friends and family and encourage them to get involved.
5. Volunteer at a Local Shelter
You can volunteer at a local shelter to feed the cats or help clean their living quarters. You could also host a food drive to donate to the shelter or a fundraiser to raise money for their medical needs. If your friends have cats, ask them to join you at the shelter!
6. Adopt a Cat!
Consider adopting a feline friend if you have the means to. A cat from the shelter will be forever grateful for their new home.
Tips to Keep Your Cat Healthy All Year Long
National Cat Health Month is a great way to focus on the health of your cat, but there are simple things you can do to ensure your cat is healthy all year long.
- Ensure your cat visits the vet for a check-up at least once a year.
- Stay updated with your cat’s vaccinations to protect them from diseases and illness.
- Have your cat spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted litters and conditions related to your cat’s reproductive organs.
- Provide your cat with vet-recommended preventative medication for fleas, worms, and ticks.
- Ensure your cat’s teeth are clean and healthy. Your vet can perform a dental check-up and cleaning if necessary.
- Ensure your cat receives adequate mental and physical stimulation.
- Ensure your cat is fed a good-quality, vet-approved diet.
- Provide your cat access to clean, fresh water every day.
- Monitor your cat’s weight.
- Always monitor your cat’s behavior and get to the vet as soon as something seems off, such as a lack of appetite, lethargy, weight loss, and unusual litter box habits.
If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
Conclusion
National Cat Health Month takes place in February and brings attention to the health and well-being of our feline friends. Cats are so good at hiding when they are ill or in pain, but owners need to ensure they receive the necessary care to stay in optimum health. We encourage you to participate in National Cat Health Month and ask your friends and family to join you.
See also:
- Animal Rights Awareness Week: When It Is & How to Participate
- National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day: When It Is & How to Particiapte
Featured Image Credit: Uschi_Du, Pixabay
