Five ways to know your feline friends better!

Know more about your feline companion and build a better bond! Here’s more about their body language, nutrition, grooming essentials, why it is essential for them to scratch, and health hazards.

• Cats are independent, but they also enjoy social interaction and affection from their owners.
• Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they require a diet high in protein from animal sources to thrive.
• Regular grooming is important for a cat’s health and hygiene, especially for long-haired breeds.
• Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, so providing a sturdy scratching post is important to prevent furniture damage.
• Some common health problems in cats include dental problems, urinary tract issues, and obesity. Regular vet check-ups can help catch these issues early on.

Queens and their body language

Cats are fascinating creatures known for their independence, playfulness, and affectionate nature. Understanding their behaviour is key to having a happy and harmonious relationship with your feline companion. Here are some common cat behaviours and what they mean –

• Purring: Cats often purr when they are feeling content and relaxed. It can also be a signal to pet parents that they need comfort or affection.
• Scratching: Scratching is a natural behaviour for cats and helps them keep their claws sharp and maintain good muscle tone. Providing a scratching post can help redirect their scratching away from furniture.
• Kneading: Kneading is when a cat pushes their paws in and out against a soft surface. It’s a sign of affection and comfort, and may be related to the pleasure they associate with nursing as kittens.
• Hiding: Cats may hide when they are feeling stressed, afraid, or unwell. It’s important to provide a cozy and secure hiding place for your feline friend.
• Bringing gifts: Some cats like to bring “gifts” such as toys, prey, or even garbage. This is a sign of affection and can also be a way for them to show their hunting prowess.
• Meowing: Cats use meowing as a way to communicate with their owners. It can indicate a variety of things, such as hunger, thirst, boredom, or a desire for attention.

Nutrition and needs

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they have a biological requirement for a diet high in animal protein. Their digestive system is adapted to breaking down and utilizing the nutrients from meat, fish, and poultry. A diet that is deficient in animal protein can lead to serious health problems for cats, such as muscle wasting, heart and liver damage, and decreased immune function.

It’s important for cat parents to choose high-quality commercial cat food that contains sufficient animal protein to meet their pet’s dietary needs.

Good grooming goes a long way!

Grooming is an important behavior for cats as it helps keep their fur clean and healthy and can also be a way for them to bond with their humans. Here are some tips for grooming your pet –

• Brush regularly: Regular brushing can help remove loose hair, distribute natural oils, and prevent hairballs. Choose a brush that is suitable for your cat’s coat type.
• Bathe occasionally: Some cats may need a bath if they get into something messy or if they have particular skin conditions. It’s important to use a feline-specific shampoo and to make sure the water is not too hot.
• Trim nails: Regularly trimming your pet’s nails can help prevent painful tears and keep their paws healthy. Provide a scratching post to help keep their nails filed down naturally.
• Clean ears: Clean your pet’s ears regularly to remove dirt and wax. A gentle wipe with a soft cloth or cotton ball should do the trick.
• Brush teeth: Regular dental care is important for cats and can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Consider brushing your pet’s teeth or providing dental chews or toys
• Groom belly and rear end: Some long-haired cats may need help keeping their belly and rear end clean. Regular brushing can help prevent matting and tangling. Remember that grooming can be a bonding experience for you and your cat, so make it a positive one by being gentle and calm.

Have paws, will scratch!

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats and is important for their physical and emotional well-being. Scratching helps cats keep their claws sharp, maintain good muscle tone, and mark their territory. Additionally, scratching can also be a way for cats to relieve stress and stretch their bodies.

To prevent furniture damage, it’s important to provide your cat with appropriate scratching surfaces such as scratching posts or boards. These surfaces should be sturdy and placed in areas where your cat likes to scratch. Some cats prefer rough surfaces, while others prefer softer materials, so it may be helpful to provide a variety of options.

It’s also important to discourage inappropriate scratching. If your cat is scratching furniture or other items, try redirecting their behaviour by providing a more appropriate scratching surface and rewarding them when they use it.

Remember that scratching is a normal and necessary behaviour for cats, so providing appropriate scratching surfaces is an important aspect of cat care and can help maintain a harmonious relationship with your feline companion.

Hale and hearty minus all the health hazards

Cats can develop a variety of health problems, some of which are more common than others. Here are some of the most common diseases in cats –

• Upper respiratory infections: Cats are prone to upper respiratory infections, also known as “cat colds,” which are caused by viruses such as the feline herpes virus.
• Dental problems: Dental issues are common problem in cats and can cause pain, tooth loss, and infections in the mouth and gums.
• Diabetes: Diabetes is a common endocrine disorder in cats that results in an inability to regulate blood sugar levels.
• Kidney disease: Kidney related health issues are a common problem in older cats and in extreme cases can even cause kidney failure.
• Urinary tract infection: Cats usually have acidic pH, so the chances of getting tract infections are very common in these animals.

It’s important to take your pet to the veterinarian for regular check-ups and to address any health concerns early on. A healthy lifestyle, including proper diet and exercise, can help prevent many of these diseases and keep your cat happy and healthy.

(Dr. Adarsh J – Asst. Techno-Commercial & Product Manager, Drools Pet Food Pvt Ltd)