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Kitties are crazy for Catnip. They crave this plant from the mint family. The buds contain an oil called Nepetalatone that evokes feline antics. Chin and cheek rubbing, rolling and kicking, and leaping into the air are a few. This encourages play which is good for their health and well being. You can grow your own or purchase a bag. If you choose organic it is more potent. Your kitty will love you for this treat.
Scientists report that people who pet their cats experience an increase in Theta waves, a brain wave pattern that decreases your feelings of anxiety. Petting your cat, even for a few minutes, releases a healthy dose of positive "feel good" hormones such as Dopamine, Oxytocin, Prolactin, and Seratonin. The good feelings work both ways and benefits your cat as well. Their soft fur, gentle vibrations, and happy purr will melt your stress away. When there is a lot of static electricity in your home, you could cause mini shocks to your cat. If this happens try massaging them instead.
Cats like occasional solitude. They don't need to stick to you like glue 24/7. Spending time alone is underrated, yet it is vital to recharge. Treat yourself to five minutes of solitude every day. If your cat joins you, that's good, but no phones or other human distractions.
A cats' tail is a mood barometer. Loosely upright while walking signals confidence. A tail that flicks toward you means "Hello, my friend." Whipping the tail from side to side or thumping it on the floor signifies agitation. A lightly twitching tail conveys relaxed alertness while a puffed up tail indicates total freight.
Schedule regular play sessions with your cat. Kittens, and young at heart cats, are most active at dawn and dusk. They are wired genetically to do their best hunting and play stalking during those times of the day. Buy some Peacock feathers and tie them to a flexible pole, then get your cats' attention. Feathers are usually too much temptation to resist. Your kitty will soon be running, jumping, and performing acrobatics to catch those feathers.
Give your kitty a weekly hands on petting session. Scrutinize their entire body looking for lumps, bumps, sore spots, or changes in fur or skin. The more often you do this you will learn a lot about your cats' health. Make sure you check their eyes, ears, and mouth. In this way you will get to know your cat and will be able to catch a problem early.
Your cat has been your side kick since kittenhood so how about a daily dose of pampering? An easy way to do this is warm up a small blanket in the clothes dryer for 5 to 10 minutes, then drape it over your cat during chilly nights. You can do the same for an arthritic cat to help improve their blood flow and ease muscle aches. There are also heated bed products on the market that you can purchase.
For success in the litter box, fill the box to a depth of three inches. Don't use perfumed litter (most cats hate flowery scents). Clean out the box every day and wash the box once a month with warm, soapy water, letting it dry completely. Never place the box near their food or water bowls, kitties do not like to eat by their bathroom spot.
Sprinkle a teaspoon of Kelp Powder on your cats' food. Or try a standardized capsule of Lecithin mixed with their food. Both help speed up your cats' metabolism and break down fats. Your cat is a carnivore and therefore fares best when real meat tops the ingredients in their food bowl. Select brands of cat food that list real protein such as turkey, chicken, or lamb as the first ingredient. Avoid brands that list cornmeal or other grains first. By adding a splash of tuna juice or salt-free chicken broth to their dry food will give your feline a saucy feast. Your cat may spend extra time savoring these special extras and delightful aromas during their post meal grooming. If you happen to be a yogurt lover, give some to your cat. A tablespoon of plain low-fat yogurt once a day provides calcium, a dose of "good" bacteria and some extra liquid (yogurt is mostly water).
Lastly, put your cats' bed near a source of warmth. Near a sunny window or by the fireplace or next to a heat vent. Spend some time with your snoozing friend and pamper yourself with quiet time as well. It's good for the soul!
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