Mancat Monday: Heat Wave

Hello and happy Mancat Monday, friends! We're in a bit of a February heat wave, which is bringing with it lots of sunshine. Evan is not one bit upset by that.

My plans for this weekend to prep and schedule some posts so that they don't go up so late got a bit derailed. It was for a good reason, though, as my grandmother came to visit. I hope to get a lot done while cuddling with my orange boy on the couch after work throughout this week. The only problem is when I end up cuddling him so much that I fall asleep and take a nap with him instead of getting stuff done, but such is life when you have a cute kitty curled up next to you.

Wishing you all a wonderful day!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today's flashback doodle is another sort of Valentine one from a couple years ago. It's far less bright and pink than the ones we shared last week. It still involves some tasty treats, though, and of course kitties.

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Tip of the Day

We're continuing on with our tips for National Cat Health Month, today's tip being all about diet and exercise. As you all certainly know, not all foods are created equal. Always be sure to do your research and read labels, ensuring that you are feeding your kitty food that is as high-quality as possible, and address any concerns with your veterinarian. Also remember that cats are obligate carnivores, so make sure that their diet largely reflects this. In addition, when it comes to feeding your cat, it is of course important to take a number of other factors into consideration, such as their age and health status. For example, kittens do best on foods formulated for kittens, as these diets will include higher protein and fat content, which helps aid in their growth and development. As your cat ages, consider how their health will affect their dietary needs. For example, does your cat have kidney disease or diabetes? Cats with kidney disease should be on a diet lower in protein, in order to help their kidneys function as well as possible. On the other hand, cats with diabetes are often better regulated when on a diet higher in protein. Other factors that could affect diet include of course food allergies, dermatitis, arthritis, dental disease, and weight.

Speaking of weight, if your cat is overweight, then portion control is of course important, as is the type of food, frequency of feedings, and other such factors. There are weight loss cat foods on the market, these often focusing on high protein intake, but do be sure to discuss with a veterinarian your kitty's weight and the best diet to help them live a healthy, fit life. Similarly, if a cat is underweight, such as due to an illness, diet can play a large role in increasing their weight and overall health. Again, discuss with a veterinarian what type and quantity of food to feed your cat in order to achieve an optimal weight.

Moving on from diet, though, we'll now briefly discuss activity level. We'll primarily discuss this in terms of overweight cats, as activity level indeed affects this greatly. So, especially if your cat is overweight, engage them in various activities and games each day. You can grab a toy and play chase or catch with them. Wand toys, as you all certainly know, are often great at getting cats up and moving. You can also enlist the help of more advanced interactive toys, which can keep your cat busy without you having to do all the work. Anything that is safe yet that also keeps your kitty's interest and prompts them to move around and participate in daily activity can be a great benefit to their body condition and overall health.

The above being said, if your cat is in any way ill or injured, such as with asthma or an injury, do be sure to discuss with a veterinarian what types of activity are safe for them. Diet and activity level will both of course play a large roll in keeping your cat's weight in a healthy range, but not all diets and activity levels are suited for all cats. So, if your cat is overweight, or even underweight, perhaps do some research, discuss your individual kitty's condition with a veterinarian, and then remain motivated and optimistic about getting your kitty healthy and fit.