Happy Cat Lovers’ Month

By Alyssa Mages, BS, CBT/Development and Education Coordinator

“It’s the most wonderful time, of the year!” What a true sentiment this is, as I am proudly and out-loudly a cat lover myself. Please don’t get me wrong, I love my Cane Corso pup too, but I will always be 1^st and foremost a feline fan.

For those of you like me, you know that as the days get colder, the kitties get snugglier, and there isn’t much nicer (IMHO) than a cozy couch, a mug of tea, a good book, and a warm blanket complete with a cuddly cat, or dog…but really, a cat 😉

As most of us are already aware, there are far too many cats that are living out-of-doors, and our shelters are overflowing with feline friends ranging from wee kits, to senior citizens, and all ages in between. If a new furry family member is on the horizon for you, consider visiting your local shelter or contacting a rescue agency specifically geared toward rehoming cats. If your home is fully furry just as it is, donating supplies and/or your time is another great way to get a kitty fix and help those fabulous felines get the love & support that they need.

If you’re looking to amp up your family cat game as well, keep in mind what is good for one cat is not good for all. Some kitties need a particular diet, others require more water/fluid intake. Some cats are all about the lap time cuddles, others prefer their space. Multiple litter boxes vs. one-and-done. And of course, 3 catnip mice, 2 laser pointers, and a Persian in a cat tree!

Any dietary and water intake changes should always be discussed and/or addressed by your veterinarian, and it’s always important to monitor litter box habits as well. It’s also worth noting what’s ‘normal’ for your cat in terms of behavior, such as they’re typically a social kitty and are suddenly more reclusive. Or on the opposite end, they’re typically a very independent personality and now they’re clinging to your every move. These may simply be due to a change in their environment but can be an early symptom of a more serious underlying condition and are worth further investigation – with your veterinarian; please avoid consulting Dr. Google too much, this tends to create more headaches for you than solutions!

The bottom line this month is gearing up to be a Spe-CAT-ular one, and we hope that you and your feline (and canine) family members have a safe, happy & healthy Holidays!