Happy International Cat Day!

Did you know that August 8th is International Cat Day? (Cats: “Every day is Cat Day!”) Here are three things you may not know about our feline friends.
 

International Cat Day

The British charity International Cat Care celebrates International Cat Day every August with cute videos, helpful articles, and fun contests. It’s also the purr-fect day to donate to your local shelter, give your own kitties a few extra treats or an extra-long play session, and learn more about adopting a new cat.
 

Top Cat Breeds for Families

Finding the right cat that can adapt to your household’s way of life is important. If you have energetic young children, playful breeds such as Himalayans, Maine Coons, and European Burmese are likely to join the fun. If your family prioritizes snuggles and a calmer routine, Ragdoll cats have plenty of fluffy fur and love to be held by humans. Birmans and American shorthairs also tend to be easygoing and friendly.
 

Declawing Alternatives

When your cat settles in, he might like to sharpen his claws on your furniture, much to your frustration. You might think removing his claws is the answer, but it’s not. The unfortunate reality is that declawing is very rough on Mittens or Fluffy, and the effects last for a lifetime. Luckily, you have alternatives to protect your furniture. Most cats can become accustomed to regular claw-trimming or wearing soft nail caps, and various products and strategies can help redirect their scratching to appropriate targets. Check out our videos for more information.
 

Quality Cat Care, Especially for Cat Day

There are more fascinating facts about cats and helpful suggestions for their people than we could fit into a century’s worth of International Cat Day articles, but we hope you’ve found this post enjoyable and valuable! At Pet Hospitals of Hawaii, our veterinarians and staff love your animals almost as much as you do. We’re always ready to answer questions and check on potential health issues. Contact us whenever your pets need care, or you need expert advice.