Spay/Neuter Awareness Month & National Cat Health Month

February is Nationally known as Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, and National Cat Health Month. In today’s article, we will discuss the importance of spay/neuter awareness as well as the signs for cat health that I believe every cat parent should know.  Believe it or not, some cat owners do not pay a lot of attention to their cats. There is this belief around cats that they are “entirely independent on their own.” This month is to help bring awareness to how to properly care for your feline friends and to share the word to other cat owners. 

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, it is recommended to get cats spayed or neutered by five months of age. It is highly recommended doing this before your cat experiences heat for the first time. Despite the benefits, many pet owners choose not to spay or neuter their pets.

The Benefits of Spaying & Neutering Cats

• No surprise kittens

• Longer, healthier life (less risk of cancer1)

• Less likely to mark territory around house

• Helps with overpopulation

Garland County, Arkansas Spay/Neuter Voucher Program

Did you know that as a Garland County resident, you can pick up a voucher to help get your pet spayed or neutered? From the Garland County website:

“The program allows Garland County residents to get their pets “fixed” with a $50.00 voucher to offset the cost of surgery. The program includes a spay or neuter surgery and rabies vaccination. To use this program, you must live in Garland County and show proof of residency.

Vouchers will be given out at the Sheriff’s office, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00 pm. Please check the Garland County website for information on the program and the application.”

I included the link to the website above, which has more information. I have taken advantage of this program - it’s what helped me get my Lucy fixed back in 2017. There is a list of participating veterinarians, not all clinics in town can accept this voucher but many do. This voucher does not fully pay for the surgery, but it helps offset the costs of it.

Knowing Your Cat’s Normal vs Abnormal Behaviors

First, to know your cat’s health, it’s important to know what’s normal and what isn’t for your cat. Knowing the baseline for normal behavior will help you detect any issues or changes faster. During February, it’s a good idea to schedule a veterinary checkup with your vet. It’s recommended that your cat goes twice a year. Your cat should receive a physical exam, vaccinations if needed, and any dental care if needed. This is a great time to bring up any behavioral changes or anything you’ve noticed. There are also several things you can do at home to take part in National Cat Health Month.

Litter Boxes

Checking the litter box isn’t just a matter of scooping it to keep it clean, it’s also a window to your cat’s health. Stools should be small, firm and a healthy color. The color can range, but is usually dark brown. If your cat stops using the litter box or is using it more frequently, these could be signs of health issues. One to three times daily is normal frequency.

The amount of litter boxes per cat is also important. It is recommended that you have one litter box + one extra litter box per cat. I currently have four litter boxes for my four cats, and would love to add a fifth litter box. Two of the boxes are for senior cats, and are large and open with low entry points. You can find the one I use, “KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box.” The other is a hooded litter box and a round one I got from Pretty Litter. 

The type of litter used can also play a role in cat’s health and use of the litter box. The best recommendation for litter I can provide is to try what works for you and your cats. We currently use Dr. Elsey’s Cat Litter - Ultra Unscented Clumping, but we have tried several other brands in the past. It really just depends on your cat(s). 

I personally steer clear of any “lightweight” or “scented” style litters as those tend to be very hard on sensitive lungs and noses for kitties. Senior cats or those that have been declawed may need a special type of litter, one made for sensitive paws. 

I also highly recommend stainless steel litter boxes. I plan to fully phase out our current litter set up to have stainless steel ones instead.

Diet and Weight Review

When was the last time you researched pet food and reviewed your cat’s diet? Have you tried introducing any new treats? Ask your veterinarian based on your cat’s needs if they need any dietary supplements or restrictions. You can help your cat maintain a healthy lifestyle by monitoring their food, diet, and weight. 

Regular Playtime

Another healthy activity for cats is regular playtime. This helps your cat stay active and mentally stimulated, and is bonding time for you and them. You can introduce new toys, or even use old ones in new ways. My favorite thing to do is just simply wadding up some used post-it notes or paper, and making little balls for them to bat around. I also get on the floor to play with them, which they happily shower me in affection for. Sushi, my oldest, will instantly recognize play time as soon as my knees hit the floor. She loves to come running up first, and loves to bonk my head when I lower it for her to. Then, we play with wand toys. Another neat thing is if I leave for the day, I will bring back a stick or a leaf for them to sniff. Some cats really love having things to sniff and check out, it’s a safe bet that most will!

There are also some really cool DIY toys you can find by searching on the internet. One project that I’ve had my eyes on doing is a treat activity board made of cardboard or tupperware and materials around the house. You can see some examples here: “DIY Cat Puzzle Tutorial”.

Playtime is really important for cats to remain healthy, and gives you a chance to see if any abnormalities have popped up. Did you know that cats need at least fifteen minutes of playtime or physical activity per day to stay stimulated and happy? If your cat suddenly stopped showing interest in playing, that could be a worrying sign. You’ll only know this and what to look for if you’re playing with them regularly.

Eyes, Ears, Skin & Coat

Your cat’s eyes should be bright and clear. Ears should be light pink and free of any debris, some wax is normal. A healthy coat has no dander, flakes, or mats. All cats with fur should receive regular brushing, which is another great way to bond with your feline friend. The type of fur your cat has will also determine what type of brush they need or how often they need brushed.

Take Charge Of Your Cat’s Health

Now that you’re familiar with some of the basics, it’s important to take responsibility for your feline friend’s health. Daily wellness checks can be crucial to figuring out any health issues as they happen. 

Just to recap the things to check for on the daily:

• Litter box changes

• Behavioral Changes

• Physical changes like weight, eyes, ears

• Playtime Changes (such as not enjoying it anymore)

• Diet changes (stops eating or drinks more water than usual)

Taking care of your cat also starts with the environment they live in. You can maintain a healthy cat household by keeping small items out of reach to prevent choking hazards, or gastrointestinal obstructions. 

The good news is, as a cat parent myself these are things I look for when cat sitting. I will always take note of what I see at the consultation, so that when the reservation comes I know what your cat’s “normal” will look like. When I cat-sit for you, I’m genuinely looking for these things and if I notice anything out of the ordinary, I won’t hesitate to include that in the daily update. If it’s something I believe to be an emergency, I will call you right away. Thanks to my training from Pet Sitter’s International and from years of experience with feline friends, I am confident that I will be able to provide you and your felines with the best care possible. 

Don’t wait to take charge of your feline’s health - what can you do today to change up your cat’s routine in a fun and stimulating way? What are things you have noticed lately about your cat? Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian and listen to their advice. Write down the things you notice about your cat(s). But don’t forget to have fun, and enjoy all the time with your cat you can.

For more information, visit the links below.

References:

“Spaying and neutering” https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/spaying-and-neutering

“Garland County Prevent ‘Littering’ Spay & Neuter Program”

https://www.garlandcounty.org/422/Garland-County-Spay-Neuter-Program

“Should you Spay/Neuter Your Pet?” 1

https://hsgconline.org/education/spay/

“National Cat Health Month 2025: How & When Is It Celebrated?”

https://www.catster.com/cat-health-care/national-cat-health-month/

“DIY Enrichment Toys For Your Cat”

https://www.aaha.org/resources/diy-enrichment-toys-for-your-cat/

“DIY Cat Puzzle Tutorial”

http://theglamcat.blogspot.com/2014/01/diy-cat-puzzle-tutorial.html

“Signs of Healthy Cat”

https://www.purina.com/articles/cat/health/symptoms/signs-of-a-healthy-cat

Products: I am not affiliated with these product links, nor am I currently paid for them. 

“KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litter Box, Lavender, Large”: https://www.chewy.com/kittygohere-senior-cat-litter-box/dp/229304

Dr. Elsey's Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter, 40-lb bag: https://www.chewy.com/dr-elseys-ultra-unscented-clumping/dp/28977

Meowdy, thank you for reading this far! If you’d like to submit an idea for a blog or collaboration, please reach out to the Meownager in charge of that here marie@catisittingbymarie.com. Likes, shares, comments, views, any interactions are highly appreciated for small businesses like me! 

Biography Blurb

Krista Marie has always been fascinated by cats. That’s why in 2024 they took their side business and turned it into their career. Since then they have had more time to foster cats, volunteer with cats, and get to write about cats while petting cats. It’s really quite the life. You can learn more about Krista here or book meow for cat sitting services in Hot Springs, AR.

tags

#pets

#cats

#catsitter

#smallbusiness

#adoptdontshop

#fostercat

#volunteer

#blog

#LGBTfriendly

#accessibilityfriendly

#queerownedbusiness

#spayneuterawareness

#spayneuter

#garlandcountyarkansas

#arkansas

#hotspringsarkansas

Happy Mew Year!

Happy Mew Year!

Here at Cat Sitting by Marie, we wanted to say THANK MEW for supporting our business!

I will be announcing some changes coming this year via email to existing clients. There will be some price increases, a minor policy change, as well as a new loyalty program coming this summer.

We appreciate your support and look forward to serving you in Hot Springs, Arkansas. 

Best purrs and kitty kisses,

Krista Marie, Sushi, Lucy, Sassy, and Lucifer. <3

08/01/2025

Celebrating One Year <3

Hello all! 

I am so beyond thankful for my clients and their support. It is my biggest joy and pride to take care of your homes and cats when you need me. 

I’m happy to announce for the rest of the year until December 31st, new and existing clients can enjoy a one-time 10% off THANK MEW discount for keeping the business running. Your support feeds my cats (see them here), and so much more. I am truly, truly thankful to you all. Thank you for believing in me and trusting me to take care of your feline friends. 

Take care, stay safe,

Krista Marie

Owner

Servicing Hot Springs, AR and surrounding areas