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It might seem like a good idea to go on a holiday during Lunar New Year and leave your cats at home. Pet products like automatic feeders, self-watering bowls, and self-cleaning litter boxes might make you think you don’t need someone to care for your cat.
When used correctly, these products can improve our pets’ lives. They can also help us monitor their health. For example, some automatic litter boxes can track how often and how much a cat urinates. This can help us quickly notice any health problems.
However, these devices are supposed to make caring for our pets easier. They should not be used to leave them alone for long periods.
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Preventing stress
Cats are solitary hunters. In the wild, they need to catch small animals frequently to survive. It also means cats are more prone to starvation if they do not get enough food. This can lead to fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis). It could even result in irreversible liver failure, particularly in overweight cats.
Although cats are known for their carefree attitude, they do not handle stress well. They might feel uneasy when left alone. They also have sensitive hearing. This means loud noises from lion dances and fireworks celebrations could overwhelm them.
Being overwhelmed could trigger a “flight or fight” response. It could make them panic and run around, potentially bumping into furniture. They could even jump out windows if screens are not installed.
Cats may also engage in behaviours they do not typically exhibit when left alone for a long time. This could include chewing on objects they are usually uninterested in.
Tips for a healthy, happy cat
Even when going on a short holiday, arrange for someone familiar with your pets to check on them daily. You can also install cameras to help detect any issues in real-time. Then, you can ensure your pet is quickly brought to the vet in an emergency. It is also important to keep all strings, toxic plants and medications out of their reach.
For those who do not have an automatic litter box, the litter tray must be cleaned regularly. This means clearing out the waste and soiled litter every day. You must also clean the litter tray and replace the cat litter weekly. If not, the bad smell from the cat’s poop and urine can make them distressed.
Always make sure water machines are properly cleaned, especially before you go on holiday. The filter needs to be checked, cleaned and replaced regularly to prevent the growth of algae.
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It is also a good idea to get machines from reputable brands. These usually come with better safety features and sensors to prevent accidents.
To reduce the risk of problems with automatic feeders, offer your cat multiple places to get food and water. Always check for and remove mouldy food, as it can contain harmful toxins.
Keep your pet’s diet the same as much as possible. Sudden changes in their food can upset their stomach. They should also have plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
These things might seem obvious. Still, they are often overlooked, especially when you are busy packing for your holiday.
Answers provided by Dr Angel Ngo, a general practice and emergency veterinarian at VetiVa Center For Animal Wellness.
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