❇︎Affiliate Statement: The services and products that I may link in this article are ones that I use myself and am proud to recommend. If you follow one of my links please be aware that I will receive a small commission from Amazon or other vendors. I’d also like to say a big Thank You for your trust if you do.
Safety is the number one priority as a pet owner. Though you might not realize just how important “to make a cat feel safe” is, just thinking about what could happen if your cat wasn’t protected can be quite eye opening. You might assume that your cat is well because they are independent, but the truth is that you have to really work at ensuring their well-being every step of the way.
Keep Them Away From Hidden Dangers
Most cat owners assume that their cat is free from harm, but have you looked within the walls of your home to see everything from the cat’s point of view? Sure, it’s often dogs that get into trouble with substances and items around the house, but the same can be true for cats.
Household cleaners including “detergents and chemicals can be potentially dangerous”. Be sure that they are secured, closed tightly, and that your cat can’t get into them. Plugs and cords, outlets, and other items that may hang within your cat’s reach can also present some potential harm.
Even Christmas lights which can be enticing to a cat can put them in the way of harm. Kids toys, particularly those with tiny pieces, can be ingested too. So, just look at your home from top to bottom for the things that a cat could get into and be sure that you get rid of them or somehow secure them so that your cat can’t get into any trouble.
Prevent Them From Interacting With Other Animals
If you live in a home where your cat is exposed to other cats, dogs, or any other type of household pet, then your cat is probably used to them. If however your cat stays at home and doesn’t have exposure to any other animals, then try to avoid any situation that may come up with this potential risk.
Cats can be very shy animals, but if they are surrounded by other animals or feel threatened then they may act out. Not only that but you never know how another animal is going to act towards your cat, so it’s best to keep them at home and away from other animals. If you must be in an environment such as the vet where other animals are present, then “consider bringing a carrier to keep them safe“.
Keep Your Cat Indoors
Most people will not say that they have an “outdoor cat” because this is not the norm. Letting a cat outside can present a whole new world of possible risks. They can get into trouble with other animals, run off into the street, or even be exposed to potentially harmful substances.
If they eat grass or other elements out in nature they could be exposed to heartworms or other diseases. You never know what your cat could be introduced to, and so it’s always wise to keep them indoors. Most cats prefer being inside and this is best when it comes to their safety. That way you can monitor everything and know that they aren’t open to the outdoors and all of the hazards.
Feed Your Cat The Very Best
What you may not realize is that your cat has a very sensitive digestive system. So it is in your best interest to be aware of that when it comes to selecting their food. Think through the general interest of your cat when it comes to their food needs. While rabbits for example prefer vegetables and dogs prefer some sort of meat, cats are somewhere sort of in between. A good blend of vegetables and meat or protein is the best variety for your cat.
Prepared cat food is always a wise choice because it takes into consideration the nutritional needs of your cat. You can find a variety of blends, some of which are age or breed specific, and that can be quite helpful. Many cat owners find that a blend of dry cat food and canned cat food as a special treat is a great combination for keeping your fat fueled and taken care of.
Cats can enjoy a special treat, even something as simple as cheese or grass. You want to keep it simple and always remember that they have special dietary needs and sensitive stomachs. So try to keep the table scraps to a minimum and focus on the cat food that you select as the bulk of their diet. Some milk can be a great and nutritious treat along the way too!
Grooming Really Helps
You should always groom your pet as a general practice, but it’s particularly important in extreme weather. Keeping their nails clipped is great, but you also want their fur to be at an optimum level for the weather conditions. If it’s colder out then be sure that their fur will protect them.
If the weather is going to be extraordinarily hot then a good haircut may be in order. Think through the time of year and then cater their grooming needs to that so that they are inherently protected in their own body.
Keep Them Safe From Extreme Temperatures
Know what the temperatures are going to be and then be sure to cater your cat care to these needs specifically. If the weather is going to be hot, then, be sure that the temperature of the environment will keep them safe. Always provide them with plenty of water to keep them hydrated too as another measure.
If the temperatures are going to be rather cold then by all means keep the house warm. Always be sure that you provide a blanket or cat house that they can go to for warmth, particularly if you are not going to be home. Anything that can provide them with warmth and comfort, or even a way of staying cool will help.
Never Leave Them In Car
Though it should certainly go without saying, use common sense when it comes to the environment that you leave your cat within – this may be one of the most important lessons in keeping your cat safe. Never leave them outside for extended periods of time if you must let them out, but particularly during a hot or cold day.
Never leave your cat alone in a car during hot or cold days. Being in the confines of a hot or cold car, even for a few moments can be quite detrimental to their well being. Even if you are running errands, take the time to bring your cat home before leaving them in a car that could put them at risk.
Also be sure that if you are leaving your home for a few days or even a few hours that you keep the temperature of the house at a comfortable level. You’d be amazed that though they are quite independent, cats can feel the extreme highs or lows in temperatures just like we do.
Properly Bathe Your Cat
It’s important to recognize that most cats will take care of their bathing needs on their own. Cats inherently know how to clean themselves by licking their body and so they do this often throughout the course of a day. Though your cat may know how to bathe herself, it’s always wise to give her a little help from time to time.
Giving your cat a bath may not always seem so easy or even necessary but once in awhile it’s a good idea. You can set up a bath in a bathtub or even a sink as it may be less intimidating to your cat. You just want to be sure that it’s not forced and that your cat always feels comfortable if you go about helping them with the bathing process.
Set up your bathing area with some lukewarm water as you will find that your cat will not like extreme temperatures in their bath. Never make the water too hot or you will turn your cat off from baths from here to the future. Some lukewarm water and perhaps a small amount of soap that is safe for cats is enough to get your cat clean and ensure that you keep it simple enough for them.
You can introduce some cat toys or bath accessories to make the cat more enticing initially. Just keep the bath quick and work through their body quickly and with intent. Be sure to work around any allergies, skin irritations, or problem areas. Always use an anti flea medication along with their bath to keep them clean and free of any unwelcome pests. This is how you get your cat clean and make the most of their bath time!
Conclusion
Since your cat is such an important part of your family, you have to really work at keeping her safe. This means providing a safe environment which is a basic necessity, but it goes further than that. Exposure to certain elements as well as the hidden dangers within a house can present certain risks that you may not realize.
So, as you think about what safety means you have to look at everything from the level of a cat. The home that you live in, the environment and elements that you expose her to, and the way that you treat your cat can all lead to overall safety or potential risk if you aren’t careful. For More Similar Posts about Cat Care Instructions Please Visit Catsel.Com.
Becca The Crazy Cats Lady is an experienced and knoweldgeable cat owner with years of experience caring for a multi-cat household. She curates, writes and shares cat content at https://CrazyCatsLady.com.