National Holistic Pet Day is an awareness day to focus not only on the care of your cat’s body but also on your cat’s mind and soul as well as the ways he interacts with the environment.
When is National Holistic Pet Day?
National Holistic Pet Day is observed every year on August 30.
Founded by Colleen Paige of the Animal Miracle Foundation and Network, this pet holiday is a great time to take a moment and think about how you can improve your life for your cat to make him healthier and happier at the same time.
Ways Cat Lovers Live Holistically
We try to keep our home as eco-friendly as we can, using natural cleaning products in the house and outside. We also like to purchase natural products for ourselves and our pets. But we know we can do more.
Living holistically with your cat means embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes natural, balanced, and integrated care for your feline friend, considering your cat’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Here are some ways to live holistically with your cat:
1. Natural Diet:
- Whole Foods: Provide your cat with a diet that’s close to what its ancestors would eat in the wild. This often means a high-protein diet with quality meats and minimal fillers.
2. Regular Exercise:
- Interactive Play: Use toys that mimic prey animals to encourage your cat to hunt, pounce, and leap.
- Climbing Structures: Cat trees and wall-mounted structures can help cats exercise and provide entertainment.
3. Natural Remedies:
- Herbs and Supplements: Some natural supplements can boost cat health. For example, fish oil can promote a healthy coat. Always consult with a vet before administering any new supplement or herb.
- Essential Oils: While some essential oils can be beneficial, many can be toxic to cats. Ensure any essential oil use is cat-safe and always provide an escape route so the cat can leave a scented area.
4. Minimize Toxins:
- Natural Cleaning Products: Use non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products in your home to ensure your cat isn’t exposed to harmful chemicals.
- Safe Plants: Many houseplants are toxic to cats. Ensure any plants in your home are non-toxic to felines.
5. Mental and Emotional Well-being:
- Environmental Enrichment: Cats need mental stimulation. Offer puzzle toys, rotate toys to keep them fresh, and consider bird feeders outside windows for “cat TV”.
- Safe Outdoor Access: If possible, provide safe outdoor access via a catio, a cat-proofed backyard or leash walks.
6. Preventive Care:
- Regular Check-ups: Ensure your cat gets a regular check-up with a vet. Early detection of issues is key to holistic health.
- Alternative Therapies: Consider alternative therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic care, or massage therapy for cats, especially for older cats or those with health issues.
7. Social and Emotional Bonding:
- Quality Time: Spend time petting, playing with, and talking to your cat daily. This builds a strong bond and provides emotional enrichment.
- Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques to reward good behavior rather than punishing undesirable actions.
8. Educate Yourself:
- Stay informed about cat health, behavior, and well-being. This might involve reading books, attending workshops, or joining cat-centric groups.
9. Sustainable Living:
- Eco-friendly Products: Choose litter, toys, and accessories made with sustainable, eco-friendly materials.
- Reduce Waste: Buy in bulk when possible and recycle packaging.
10. Respect Natural Behaviors:
- Understand and respect that cats have certain inherent behaviors like scratching. Instead of punishing them, provide outlets for these behaviors, like scratching posts.
How are Pet Parents Living Holistically with their Cats?
So which of these behaviors are being practiced by many cat lovers?
We read the results of a survey conducted recently by HALO, Purely for Pets natural pet food.
Surveying 700 pet parents (57.7 percent with cats), the survey tallied what efforts the pet parents were undertaking to live holistically with their pet.
Some of the more interesting results included:
- 78.7% of pet owners surveyed exercise their pets regularly
- 26.2% learn about holistic living at their local pet food or natural food store
- 59.5% use non-toxic household products
- 48.9% use natural supplements for skin, coat or digestive care
- 43.7% take their pets for regular dental check ups
- 54.8% play mind stimulating activities and games with their pets
- 5.7% take their pets for acupuncture
- 44.8% help a local rescue or shelter
- 47.6% use all natural shampoo and grooming products
More Ways to Live Holistically with Pets
When asked what efforts they plan to take in the future to live more holistically, the survey found:
- 38.1% plan to switch to all natural pet food
- 57.9% committed to getting their pet regular exercise
- 33.8% will visit their local pet food or natural food store to learn more
- 50.7% plan to start avoiding ingredients prohibited for humans (such as chicken meal)
- 38.5% plan to switch to non-toxic household products
- 42.5 would like to try mind-stimulating games with their dog and/or cat
- 8% would like to try acupuncture
- 31.2% will switch to an all-natural shampoo or grooming product
In summary, living holistically with your cat involves a multifaceted approach that prioritizes natural and integrated care methods. It’s all about creating a balanced environment where your cat can thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.
More Cat Holidays You Might Like
National Holistic Pet Day is just one of many August cat holidays here on CatTipper. You also might enjoy:
International Homeless Animals’ Day®
Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day
National Black Cat Appreciation Day
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