International Cat Day is Here, So Celebrate or Observe it with These 3 Helpful Tips!
Rebecca West
The day we acknowledge our putty tat friends is here, and it's known the world over as International Cat Day. So, what exactly does that mean? Well, it's not a holiday federal workers have the day off from, which may seem like a bit of a bummer, but it's a day for all of us feline lovers to take note of our furry toe-beaned friends.
It was officially created in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare as a day to raise awareness for cats and learn about ways to help and protect them. So, what would that entail? Well, there are several ways to go about it.
Controlling Cat Populations
Exact numbers are impossible, and estimates vary, but various sources report that there are between 50 and 70 million feral cats in the United States. Some reports point to figures well beyond that. While feral cats and strays or homeless cats aren't necessarily the same thing, they are all lumped into the same category.
Many, if not most, are intact and end up populating the world with more cats that will likely never get fixed and continue to perpetuate the problem. The vast majority of them live miserable lives. That's why it's crucial that they are fixed. If you'd like to see an end to this cycle, consider getting involved in a TNR program and end kitten monsoon season.
TNR stands for Trap, Neuter, and Return, or in some places, Release. This simply means that these animals are collected and brought in to be spayed or neutered and then returned to whence they came. It's all done humanely, and the felines are given physicals to determine their state of health and vaccinated before being released.
Better Health & Longevity in Cats
A good way to help your own cats is by ensuring they get enough water in their diets. This can help increase longevity. Cats are considered obligate carnivores. Animals like these get a lot of their daily hydration intake through the foods they eat rather than just drinking H2o. You can ensure your cat's meeting its daily requirements by adding wet food to their meal plan.
Another option to help them get more water is by purchasing a fountain with moving water. Felines are more enticed by circulating water, probably because it remains at a cooler temperature. If you've ever caught your fur baby trying to drink from a tap or even a toilet, they're trying to make their preferences known.
Dr. Martin Goldstein, referred to as one of America's most renowned veterinarians and the author of "The Nature of Animal Healing: The Definitive Holistic Medicine Guide to Caring for Your Dog and Cat," has a video on the subject explaining how you can extend your cats' lives by meeting their needs.
Adopt & Foster
Consider adopting your next pet rather than buying it. Both adoption and fostering save lives. Rescue and shelter animals are often faced with euthanasia if the facilities they're housed in run out of room. Even if you don't want another kitty for whatever reason, you can always temporarily foster one while it awaits its forever home.
Doing so can dramatically reduce the stress these animals are under and help improve their quality of life immensely. Dogs and cats that merely survive in these places rather than thrive end up losing their hair from high-stress levels due to increased cortisol.
You can call your local animal services or smaller rescues and ask about volunteering as a foster caregiver. Mention that you'd like to give their feline(s) "least able to cope" with temporary shelter while a more permanent solution is developed. You may not know it, but those poor animals will be eternally grateful for your loving support.
