I just listened to a conference on Feline Nutrition, which emphasised cats need mostly raw meat, bones, and feathers for good health, then I read a review of a study in the USA of hundreds of cats, concluding cats on a vegan diet for a few months were healthier than cats on an ordinary cat diet including meat of some kind.
Well, the media is notoriously confusing, but given that the vegan/fake meat industries are growing hugely in the USA, I would like to know who the sponsors of that study were I would personally rather trust the independent vets and therapists I have just listened to. After listening to the conference, I’ve added bones and more raw to my cat’s diet. She loves it, I expected her to be a fussy eater, but she’s coming back for seconds. Maybe animals know what’s good for them.
On the Subject of Indoor Cats…
I let my cat outdoors throughout the day, but I can keep an eye on her. However, a neighbour who is a wildlife carer, objects to cats being outside any time… I need to keep her from wandering. We have to admit, that cats are hunters, and they may roam (and thereby get exercise, and hunt, are occupied and doing what they’re meant to do Unfortunately, they also kill wildlife and get hit by cars) so we are building a cat patio, (catio) which should keep her happy.
It will give her things to look at like birds, other animals, people, shadows, and lots of toys in the enclosure, she is up high and has many different heights and climbing contraptions.
If Your Cat is Totally Inside All-Day
It’s important to avoid boredom and poor health, lack of exercise, and obesity… lots of things you can do. Looking out at the world from a ledge, through a window, door. Preferably up high.
Toys you make, buy or improvise: e.g. fake mice, string, old socks with dangling ribbons, bells, and cardboard toilet rolls are a favourite, especially if a bit of food is smeared inside. Another cat. 2 cats are often great company and amazing to watch. Interspecies friendships are common. Dogs and cats are often great mates and good company for each other.
A cat needs interaction with her human family too. If anyone is at the computer for hours, when you take a break, have a few minutes to play with the cat. Good for both of you.
Rehabilitation
After surgery, illness, or accident, cats often don’t need as much rehab as dogs or people, but often they do. Cats can be tricked into doing their rehab e.g.
- Going slowly upstairs (food as a lure) is a good hip stretch and strengthening for the hamstrings and back.
- Standing on the back legs to reach food or a toy, is strengthening and stretching.
- Getting Puss to walk over items (sticks, poles, obstacles) makes her lift her legs, balance, and work on coordination. It is often good if there has been a neurological injury.
- Amputees. Many of our friends are minus a limb, usually an interaction with a car, or cancer. Apart from specific hands-on physio, and perhaps harnesses, carts and other aids, there are special exercises to strengthen the remaining 3 legs, back and shoulders, and improve balance and coordination.
With cats a home visit is necessary (dogs can come to a clinic or meet in a park). Often just looking around the home will give lots of ideas for rehab… lots of ways to improvise with what is at your fingertips. (pawtips!)