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Staying fit and healthy is just as import to our feline friends as it is to us.  So here are a few tips to help you keep your cat in tip top shape.

HEALTHY EATING:

A healthy diet is at the heart of making your cat feel and look great.  Cats are true carnivores and need to be fed a meat-based diet.  They also need amino acids like taurine in their diet.  A complete cat food provides the best balance of protein, vitamins, oils and minerals to keep your cat healthy.

Treats are fine from time to time but like us, if we make too many trips to the biscuit tin, cats will soon put on weight from eating too many snacks.  Special cat food treats are better than leftovers, but a little cooked chicken or fish can also make a tasty treat.

However, the healthiest treat of all for your cat is a little extra play time with you!

GETTING ACTIVE: 

Although cats have fast metabolisms they do still need to stay active – especially as they get older or if they are an indoor cat.  Regular exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight and keeps muscles toned and strong.

But you don’t need to start taking your cat to the gym, play is one of the best ways for a cat to stay active.  Just 10 minutes a day chasing, pouncing, and playing with a toy can work wonders.  You can also make mealtimes more active too by using puzzle feeders for a real workout for body and mind.  Plus, play is a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between you and your cat. The 10 minutes doesn’t have to be all at once; cats will soon give up after a few minutes, so spread it out during the day.

SPOTTING SIGNS OF ILLNESS:

Cats are masters of disguise and are very good at hiding signs of pain.  Arthritis, for example, is very common in cats over the age of 12.  However, it can be tricky to spot.  Here are a few signs to look for:

Dully and unkempt coat:  cats with arthritis often struggle to groom themselves

Less active: cats with this painful condition may stop moving as much and be reluctant to jump up or down

Toileting issues:  cats with arthritis may find it hard to climb into their litter tray

You know your cat better than anyone.  If they are less active than usual, off their food or just don’t seem themselves, then it might be an idea to visit the vet.

Your cat keeps you healthy too 

You always knew owning a cat was good for you, well now its been confirmed by research!  A study by the Mental Health Foundation has found that owning a cat is beneficial for your health.

Over 87% of cat owners who took part in the survey said their cat had a positive impact on their well-being.  Research has also shown that the sound of a cat’s purr lowers blood pressure and reduces stress.  So, you and your cat really are good for each other.  

To learn more about everything from cat health and diet, to making a new cat feel welcome, you might like to visit Cats’ Protection’s new and improved help and advice pages:

www.cats.org.uk/cat-care/help-and-advice

My thanks to Cats' Protection for their permission to include this article on the Daily Mews website.