Did you know that the 8th of August is International Cat Day? This month, to celebrate the purr-fect feline friend in your life, our team has come up with a list of feline-friendly gifts to consider.
A heated cat bed
Provided that you ensure you’re purchasing a high-quality product that will be safe for your cat and your home, a heated cat bed can be a lovely gift for keeping your pet warm over the cold winter months, particularly for older cats who may have joint stiffness or discomfort.
A new food bowl
Cats generally love wide, shallow bowls (so their whiskers aren’t squashed during feeding), made from an easily cleaned material such as stainless steel. Plastic bowls are best avoided, as these can easily harbour leftover food particles and bacteria, which may predispose some cats to developing feline acne on their chin.
A drinking fountain
Many cats love using a feline drinking fountain, which gently circulates water for a fresher taste. This can encourage cats to drink more, which helps to keep their urine dilute and avoid the formation of irritating urinary crystals in their bladder. Just ensure that your fountain is well-designed for easy cleaning of all internal surfaces (to avoid the build-up of a bacterial biofilm).
Healthy treats
If your cat has no dietary restrictions, natural treats made with high-quality protein (e.g. freeze-dried chicken, turkey, or fish pieces) will usually be well-received. It’s best to only buy Australian-made treats, as other treats may include unhealthy preservatives. Combine a treat type your cat loves with a feline food puzzle toy, and you’ll have a wonderful environmental enrichment activity to help keep them happily occupied!
If you end up spoiling your cat with a gift this month, please snap some adorable photos of them enjoying their surprise and post them on our Facebook page!
To add to the feline love, August 22nd each year is Take Your Cat to the Vet Day! Probably not your cat’s favourite date on the calendar, but we assure you we try to make every visit a happy one.