Back To School Month starts in August, and the time for students to hit the books and get back to class even goes into September. You may not have thought about it, but the season can be a time of adjustment for your cat, especially if the household becomes quieter during the day once the kids are no longer running around.
But beyond keeping your eye on how your cat is adjusting to the changes, back to school time is also a great prompt to get up to speed with some important cat welfare issues that you might have let slide during the summer months.
Here are four feline-focused things to do when the kids head back to school and you have a little more time on your hands.
1. Schedule That Wellness Visit
When your cat seems fine and healthy, it’s easy to forgot to schedule those important yearly wellness checkups with the vet.
So don’t just get organized about going back to school; get organized about booking that appointment at the vet.
It might also be a good time to consider home vet visits.
2. Refresh Those Cat Toys
We all know cats can be finicky when it comes to playing with toys. But variety really helps keep their playtime instinct piqued.
So round up your cat’s current toys and refresh them with either older favorites in storage or some new play items. Maybe even get crafty and make some cat toys yourself!
3. Get Back To Grooming
Cats are wonderfully clean creatures who wash themselves daily. But even if you have a domestic shorthair, it’s important to get in a couple of solid grooming sessions each week with the brush.
This will help maintain your cat’s coat and also alert you to any icky mats they might be developing.
4. Make Sure You’re Feeding Your Cat The Correct Amount Of Food
It’s easy for feline obesity to creep up on a cat, especially an indoor cat who might not be as active as a feline with outdoor privileges.
So pick up your cat and weigh them. A simple way to do this at home is to weigh yourself on a scale with and without holding your cat, then pick your cat up and step on the scale again and do the math.
If your kitty seems a little overweight, check the feeding guidelines on their daily food to make sure you haven’t accidentally slipped into overfeeding. Make an adjustment.
Even just taking away a couple tablespoons of food each day can help your cat get slim and trim over time. You should definitely ask your vet for guidance on this, as they can help you formulate a diet plan and give advice on exercise for your cat.
How are you helping your cat during Back To School Month? Does your cat seem down when the kids go back to school? Let us know in the comments below!
