They’re fuzzy. They’re adorable. They invade our lives and take complete command of it. Of course we’re talking about that most amazing house pet, the cat. These animals have lived alongside humans for almost as long as dogs, and have served purposes just as important. From companionship to pest control, they’ve been a wonderful addition to our lives. Happy Healthy Cat Month celebrates all they do, and reminds us of what we should do to make sure we have a healthy happy cat.
History of Happy Healthy Cat Month
Happy Cat Month is brought to us by the CATalyst Council (www.CATalystcouncil.org ) to help spread education and awareness about the health, welfare, and importance of companion cats. There’s a misconception that cats are incredibly self-reliant, and just don’t need the kind of molly-coddling you find with dogs. The truth is that cats are incredibly social animals, and they require the same level of care and attention that we lavish on our dogs. But the misconception is causing a problem where cats aren’t as enriched, loved, and taken care of health-wise as is needed.
How to celebrate Happy Healthy Cat Month
Think about the last time you took your cat to the vet. When did it happen? Has it been a year? Three years? If your cat hasn’t had a check-up in the last 12 months, it’s time to get one scheduled. Indoor and outdoor cats can develop problems such as liver, kidney, heart, thyroid, dental and joint disease, and so they should all have a checkup at least once a year. Outdoor cats face even more risk for diseases like rabies and Feline Leukemia Virus infection. In the first 7 months of this year, there were 33 cats diagnosed with Feline Leukemia Virus infection in Brevard County that we know of, so keeping cats current on appropriate vaccines is very important.
Happy Healthy Cat Month is also a great opportunity to take some time evaluating what you’re feeding your cat and how much, and then spending some quality time with your furry friend. Remember, cats love to play and love human attention as much as any pet, so spend Happy Healthy Cat Month building a new relationship and new habits with our feline overlords!