This Thursday, August 8, International Cat Day is celebrated all over the world, a date created in 2000 on the initiative of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (FAW).
The choice of the day for the international celebration was not a coincidence, as it is the period in which cats are most likely to go into heat in the northern hemisphere.
What other dates are there in honor of cats?
In addition to this day, there are two other days in the year that also pay tribute to felines: February 20 and October 29.
Cat Day is celebrated on February 20th in honor of Socks, the pet of former US President Bill Clinton. This very popular cat in American society was diagnosed with a serious illness and, after his death in 2009, thousands of users on social media declared that date as International Cat Day to commemorate him.
Finally, October 29 is also a day dedicated to them. This choice is due to an American woman, Colleen Paige, who wanted to raise awareness among people about the problems faced by homeless and abandoned cats. Thanks to her struggle, she managed to establish that date as International Cat Day, to promote the adoption of stray cats.
Tips for caring for your feline
“The best advice for caring for our cats is to divide the home into three large areas,” said veterinarian Juan Enrique Romero, who listed the need to provide pets with a resting area, an elimination area, and a feeding area.
Regarding the resting area, he specified that it is the one the animal will use for its leisure, for everything that has to do with its games and where it will have its scratching posts, for example.
Regarding the elimination area, she indicated that “cats should have at least two litter boxes, so they can choose which one they prefer.” Finally, regarding the feeding area, she advised separating water from food and also pointed out that it is common to see cats drinking water from the tap because they prefer it fresh and crystal-clear.
2. Provide the necessary protection at home
Because of their characteristics, cats like freedom, climbing, jumping over trees, walking along the cornices of a house and even resting on the railing of a balcony, said Dr. Roberto Gerosa of Veterinary Sciences. Although they have a particular agility, sometimes these behaviors can lead them to risky situations.
In this regard, the specialist indicated that if you live in a house or apartment with a balcony, it is advisable to install protective structures, such as a fence, to prevent the cat from getting hurt.
3. Love the cat and maintain a respectful relationship
Gerosa stressed that animals have a part of the brain where they generate all their emotions, which are similar to those of human beings. To develop feelings of love and trust in cats, it is important to show them affection with different actions, such as sharing part of your own, giving them a place to sleep, giving them their food and caring for them when they are sick.
Romero added that if there is a word to define the relationship between a cat and its owner, that word is respect. In this sense, he suggested making the animal feel part of the home and being affectionate, but always respecting its spaces and limits.
4. A healthy diet
Specialists recommend always giving cats balanced food. However, Gerosa assured that it is permissible to give them some other food, always in small quantities and from time to time, to give the animal a treat.
5. Cut the animal’s nails if necessary
Cats that live in houses with gardens or outdoors tend to wear down their nails as they play, climb trees or come into contact with stones. However, if a cat lives in an apartment, its nails may grow longer than normal. In this case, so that it does not bother them or cause them any kind of damage, the owner may decide to lower them a little, Gerosa added.
6. Keep them free of parasites
If cats are exposed to the outdoors, they can contract parasites such as fleas or lice. In order to care for them and prevent an itch from turning into burning or pain, it is recommended to pay attention to their behavior. For example, it is time to check them if a cat is walking and suddenly stops to scratch itself. In addition, it is suggested that they be dewormed at least once a year.
7. Take them to the vet
Cats should be taken to the vet whenever they have any kind of illness. When cats are young, they should also be taken to the vet so that the appropriate professional can determine their vaccination schedule.
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