Hug Your Cat Day

There’s a special kitty holiday coming up: June 4^th is Hug Your Cat Day. This may be a bit of a misnomer, though: while many of our feline pals are super-affectionate little cuddlebugs, others are more aloof, and prefer to be admired from a distance. A Springville, UT vet goes over the do’s and don’ts of hugging cats in this article.

Purrsonality

Kitties may be bossy, but at the end of the day, they are also quite small, and can be wary and nervous. Cats are both predators and prey in the wild, so they have both the fierce instincts of lions and the more cautious traits of more timid pets. That curious combination of traits are part of what gives Fluffy her purrsonality! 

Fluffy’s Rules

Many kitties love to snuggle with their humans, and want to be petted 24/7. Others? Not so much. Some cats also have very specific rules for this. Your furry little friend may be happy to be held … for about a minute. After that, she may decide she’s done, and want to get down. That’s purrfectly fine! Never force attention on a furball. This goes double for a new pet, as you’ll need to win your feline buddy’s trust. (If you have children, this is also something to teach them early on.)

Purr Activation

If your feline buddy isn’t much for snuggling, there are other ways to spoil her on her special day. Toys, treats, catnip, and empty boxes are all small things that most cats really love. Even offering Fluffy an empty box or paper grocery bag without handles can brighten up her day and bring her inner kitten out a bit. Another option is to buy or grow some catnip or cat grass. Of course, paying attention to your furball will also help her feel loved and safe. Talk to her, pet her, and just spend time with her.

Cats That Need Hugs

Hug Your Cat Day is also a good time to send out a signal boost for all of the homeless kitties out there, who really want nothing more than someone to hug them (or not hug them) and give them love, care, and attention. Share the word about an adoptable cat on social media. Every little bit helps!

As your local Springville, UT pet hospital, we’re dedicated to offering top-notch care. Contact us anytime!