What kind of New Year’s resolutions do pet parents make for their cats? An online review of suggestions is surprisingly basic. Cats need good food, a good life, and lots of love. See New Year’s Resolutions for dogs here.
I will take better care of your physical needs.
Tend to your cat physically with checkups, vaccinations, tooth care, a microchip in case you two become separated, a nutritious diet, and help to lose weight. Learn how to read food labels and which supplements to give.
Change the water bowl often, preferably with filtered water to help their kidneys. Clean the litter box every day. Annual blood tests after age 9 often reveal problems starting to crop up which, if managed early, can result in much longer, more comfortable life.
I will make your home safe.
There are so many things to watch out for, to keep cats safe. It’s like having a baby in the house , except this ‘baby’ can climb curtains, wedge itself into unbelievably tiny spaces, get hidden in cabinets and behind drawers, stroll out of dormer windows onto the roof, and zip between your legs when you open a door.
Look for all kinds of hazards, from marbles, sewing pins, paperclips or staples they can swallow, to chocolate and toothpaste, grapes, or anything with xylitol in it, which are all deadly to cats, plus anything left on tables or countertops, hot burners, antifreeze in the garage, and weed poisons or insecticides, dryer sheets, rubber bands, sequins, plastic wrap, ribbons, yarn…the list goes on and on. Always keep your eyes open to things that could possibly hurt your pet baby.
Cats are prone to swallowing just about anything inedible, including carpeting and blankets, any small thing that suddenly falls on the floor, like an earring, and strings of all kinds, including tinsel. With their barbed tongues, once something goes in, they can’t spit it out. The more they try to remove it, the further down it goes. Swallowing anything that is not their normal food can mean a trip to the emergency vet and possible surgery.
I will do more to enrich your life.
Encourage kitty’s need for adventure with window perches and a breeze, sights and sounds, a climbing tree, scratching posts, and feeding toys than require him to hunt for his treat. Enjoy playing together. Teach your cat to chase a ball or to bat paper wads. Fill a bowl or glass of water with a cat toy inside it, and place it where he can dip into it, splashing around as he tries to catch the toy.
I will always be your friend.
Cuddle time is all-important for some cats, while others would prefer to be admired from afar. Both need acknowledgement, to know that they are loved and safe. Brushing their fur or petting them (even just a little) is bonding time, good for both of you. It helps to build their trust.
I will treat you with respect.
Learn to recognize your cat’s special needs and individual preferences. Learn how he communicates, and encourage him to speak more often. When you are wrong, apologize. This is important. Kitty will understand. He is part of the family. Love him unconditionally. Be there for him in his old age when he needs more attention and more assistance.
I will help another.
Some online New Year’s lists had very special resolutions. Consider getting your cat a permanent companion from the local shelter. If that is not possible, consider making a resolution to help at least one more animal this year by donating or volunteering at a shelter or rescue group.
And every day I will tell you that I love you.
Heron’s Crossing provides end-of-life care for pets in the Metro Atlanta area. In-home appointments with compassionate vets are available. If you’d prefer a home-like setting away from your home, our Decatur office is also available by appointment.