Happy Cat Month September

Did you know that September is Happy Cat Month? If you have a feline friend, this blog has tips to help you ensure they have a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. If you do not yet have a cat but would like one or would like to volunteer to help animals, below are a few local shelters and organizations that focus on animals.  

Ways to make sure our feline friends are happy

  • The key to a happy cat is a healthy cat, which means regular veterinary checks. You should always bring your cat to the vet when you suspect they are sick, but to ensure their optimal health, they should have two regular checkups per year.
  • Litter boxes are more important than you may think. A dirty litter box can cause stress. You should scoop your cat’s litter box daily and ensure it is in a quiet and easily accessible spot for your cat.
  • Keep fresh, clean water available at all times. Consider a pet fountain to encourage them to drink more.
  • Cats have been known to claw furniture and even their humans, so it’s important to provide alternatives. Provide various scratching surfaces (vertical, horizontal, different materials) to satisfy their need to scratch and groom their nails.
  • Cats like to climb and be up high. A cat tree is perfect for curious cats, but if you do not have a cat tree, don’t worry! You can clear off a shelf or a windowsill to allow them to perch up high and explore their surroundings.
  • It is important to spend quality time with your feline friend. Spend dedicated time playing, petting, or simply being present with your cat. They enjoy bonding and attention.
  • Cats are very curious and love to play and explore, so it is very important to provide an environment with toys and hiding places. Rotate toys regularly to keep their interest. You can engage your cat’s natural hunting instincts with toys like feather wands and laser pointers.

List of places nearby to find a feline friend

Book Picks:

Let's Take Care of Our New Cat by Núria Roca

Introduces pet care for cats, including such topics as feeding, grooming, and a visit to the veterinarian.

My Book of Cats and Kittens by Kathleen Teece

Discover fascinating information about cats and kittens–from their hair type, fur pattern, colors, and distinct personalities to the differences and similarities that celebrate the unique identity of every feline! Children aged 5-7 can learn about the profiles of 45 different cat breeds, such as the British Shorthair, Bombay, Siamese, Munchkin, Snowshoe, and more.

Cats: How to Choose and Care for a Cat by Laura S. Jeffrey

Provides information on cats as pets, including how to choose among different breeds, find a cat to buy or adopt, and how to feed and keep a cat healthy.

Learning to Care for a Cat by Felicia Lowenstein Niven

Learning to Care for a Cat by Felicia Lowenstein Niven

Readers will learn how to choose, train, and care for a cat.

Kitten Lady's Big Book of Little Kittens by Hannah Shaw

Did you know kittens are born with their eyes closed and their ears folded or that baby kittens eat six to twelve meals a day? Learn these facts and more in this adorable book about saving the tiniest kittens!

Pets by Text and Educational Content by Tiffany Renando

Whether it’s a cat, a dog, a lizard, or a bird, people love their pets and take good care of them! Stairway Decodables is a supplemental phonics resource that’s perfect for supporting small group instruction, independent reading, or reading practice at home. This title provides practice in decoding words with a short e vowel sound.

Cat Pals by Pat Jacobs

Cat Pals by Pat Jacobs

Learn the inside information on how cats communicate, what games they like to play, and how to understand their behavior so you can build a bond with your pet that will last a lifetime.

Kitten Care: A Guide to Loving and Nurturing Your Pet by Kim Dennis-Bryan

Discover how to keep your new kitten healthy and happy with this comprehensive, fully illustrated guide. It’s packed with practical advice to help young owners care for their new pets. 

Kitty Care by David and Patricia Armentrou

Kitty Care by David and Patricia Armentrou

Discusses how to choose the right cat and then provides guidance on how to care for it.

Discover Ragdoll cats by Trudy Micco

Discover Ragdoll cats by Trudy Micco

Early readers will learn how to care for a ragdoll cat, including breed-specific traits and needs.

Get to Know Cat Breeds: Over 40 Best-Known Breeds by Gabriele Metz

Discusses the appearance, origin, and temperament of more than forty cat breeds grouped into categories established by the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe): Persians and exotic shorthairs, semi-longhair cats, short-haired cats, and Somali, the Oriental family, and breeds recognized by the World Cat Federation (WCF). Includes a chapter on cat care.

Calico Cats by Elizabeth Andrews

Calico Cats by Elizabeth Andrews

This book introduces readers to the calico cat. The easy-to-read text explains the calico’s physical characteristics, personality, and care needs. With bright, clear images and QR codes throughout, the calico cat stands out on the page! 

Why Do Cats Meow?: Curious Questions About Your Favorite Pet by Lily Snowden-Fine

In this new addition to the Curious Questions About Your Favourite Pets series, children will learn everything they’ve always wanted to know about their cats. Combining mythological stories–such as how the superstitions surrounding black cats originated and the prominent role cats played in ancient Egyptian worship with zoological information. Children will learn how to best care for their pets and come to understand why humans and cats have such a special bond.

Maine Coon Cats by Elizabeth Andrews

Maine Coon Cats by Elizabeth Andrews

This book introduces readers to the Maine coon cat. The easy-to-read text explains the Maine coon’s physical characteristics, personality, and care needs. With bright, clear images and QR codes throughout, the Maine coon cat pops off the page!

Pet that Cat!: A Handbook for Making Feline Friends by Nigel Kidd & Rachel Braunigan

Pet that Cat!: A Handbook for Making Feline Friends by Nigel Kidd & Rachel Braunigan

A handbook that teaches kids how to meet, care for, and celebrate cats.