It's September!

September is Happy Cat Month! Well, they certainly make us happy! They’re fluffy, funny, mysterious, and mischievous. They come into our lives and take charge, often treating us like their servants – and we don’t mind at all! Happy Cat Month is a great time to pay homage to these wonderful additions to our lives, and it also serves as a reminder that we need to take care of our cats to keep them happy and healthy. In fact, Happy Cat Month was created by the CATalyst Council to educate cat owners about the importance of health and welfare of cats. Their objective is to bring awareness to cat owners to provide their pets with quality veterinary care, preventative medicines, and caring interactions.

When was the last time you took your cat to the vet? Wellness visits are important, as are vaccinations and preventative medications like flea treatments and heartworm meds. Cats tend to hide their pain and discomfort, so an annual wellness check can be critical to identifying troubling issues your cat may be experiencing, albeit not showing.

To keep your cat happy, check your cat’s diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a meat-based diet to survive. By contrast, a carnivore is an animal that flourishes on a meat-based diet, but may eat other sources of nutrients, such as plants and fungi. Obligate carnivores are unable to get the nutrients they need from plants and fungi so a meat-based diet is essential. What this means is that cats must eat food rich in protein. Make sure that your cat food lists wholesome ingredients and not just fillers. Talk with your veterinarian about your cat’s diet and whether any changes are warranted.

Cats are inaccurately described as self-reliant and independent. They are, in fact, incredibly social animals and require the same level of care and attention given to other household pets. Cats love to play and enjoy human attention and interaction, so spend time with your cat and show the love! Play time is good for your cat’s physical and mental health. Toys are a great way to keep your cat entertained and happy. Playing with your kitty also strengthens the bond between cat and human. Experimenting with different kinds of toys can be fun for both of you. And when your cat is looking for ways to play solo, even a simple box or packing paper are great options for play and amusement.

Cats have unique and fascinating personalities. They can do the weirdest things for no apparent reason. Take the time to observe and get to know your cat. Knowing your cat’s likes, dislikes, and personality can help you cater to their needs – which is their ultimate desire anyway. Spend some quiet time with your cat every day; talking to and petting your cat can reinforce your bond. It also gives your pet a sense of security and allows them time to give, and receive, love. Identifying your cat’s boundaries are essential to enhancing your cat’s mental health. Some cats like belly rubs, others do not. Some enjoy being cradled in your arms, and others prefer just to chill next to you or at arm’s length. If you know your cat isn’t a fan of something, don’t force it. Cats are not people pleasers. Allow your cat to have space to relax without worry. Some cats like to lounge under the bed or in the closet for some peace and quiet. Let your cat be a cat.

Consider adopting a new friend for your furbaby. Cats love to play and having a playmate can improve their quality of life. There are so many adorable cats waiting for their forever home, you can surely find one that fits the bill for your household.

We can all agree on one thing — a healthy cat is a happy cat. And studies show that having a cat can have mental and physical benefits for your health too, including boosting your happiness. 

So, celebrate Happy Cat Month with your furry feline in September and every month of the year. You’ll both feel better for it!

Come Bowl Your Heart Out!

We had so much fun last year,we decided to do it again! Limited number of tickets available. Tickets include three hours of bowling and rental shoes. Come to bowl, meet people, and make friends. We will raffle some great basket donations and have light refreshments as well. Pike Lanes, Southampton, PA. Hope to see you there!