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Cats may be known for their independence, but they still rely on people for care, protection, and a little extra love. That’s why every August 8, International Cat Day shines a spotlight on feline well-being and encourages people to make thoughtful pet care part of everyday life.
But first, let’s clear out some common cat myths and get a clearer picture of what our feline companions really need and how they behave.
Myth 1: Cats groom themselves to stay clean.
Although they’re naturally good at keeping themselves tidy, cats still need proper grooming. Some, especially those with longer fur, may need extra help when their coats become tangled or difficult to manage.
If you’re unsure about how to properly groom your furbaby, bringing them to a professional pet salon is the best choice. Home services are also available online, like Pettr’s Mobile Grooming Trucks, which bring trained groomers with professional equipment closer to you across Metro Manila.
Myth 2: Cats are happy when they’re always purring.
A purring cat curled up beside you while you read a book or watch a Netflix series can look perfectly content. Often, that’s exactly what’s happening, since a slow, rhythmic purr usually signals that your cat is relaxed and comfortable. But purrs can also mean different things. A cat asking for food or attention may use a more urgent solicitation purr, while a faster purr can sometimes occur when they’re uncomfortable or in pain.
If your cat starts purring while hiding, acting differently, or showing other unusual behavior, act fast. Call a veterinarian who can provide timely preventive care. You can also consider Pettr’s home veterinary consultations when your feline friend needs urgent attention.
Myth 3: Cats can be left at home for a long time.
Cats may love their personal space and plenty of downtime, but they still need care and supervision to stay safe, especially when you’re away for an extended period. Whether you’re heading off for a holiday getaway or an overseas business trip, ask someone you trust to look after your cat. You can even book a supervised stay where your feline friend can get regular meals, fresh water, and daily attention.
Plenty of pet hotel services are available in the metro, including The Hungry Paws, one of the trusted pet care providers under Pettr. They have branches in Quezon City, specifically in Congressional, Crossroad, Quirino-Zabarte, and North Olympus, and in Villa Magdalena 3 in North Caloocan. Cat stays start as low as ₱400 per day.
Myth 4: Cats love milk.
You’ve probably seen cartoon scenes of cats happily drinking a bowl of milk. In reality, many adult cats have a harder time digesting lactose (a natural sugar found in animals’ milk) once they’ve grown out of kittenhood. So, fresh water and cat-safe treats make better everyday choices.
And since every cat has different nutritional needs, make sure to do your research before introducing new snacks to your furbaby. You can also buy food and everyday essentials from trusted online pet stores that conveniently offer quality products suited to your cat’s needs in one place.
Myth 5: Indoor cats don’t need vaccines.
It’s easy to think indoor cats are protected simply because they stay at home. But viruses and bacteria can still get indoors through people, other pets, or everyday items. Keeping your cat’s preventive shots up to date is one of the simplest ways to help protect them from common diseases.
There’s a faster way to stay on track with your feline’s healthcare, too. Through apps on your phone, laptop, or personal computer (PC), you can keep track of regular vaccines, annual physical exams, and routine consultations to support their health and well-being.
Ways to Deepen Your Bond With Every Cat
Once you look past these cat myths and better understand what your pet really needs, the next step is turning that knowledge into everyday care.
Whether it’s spending more meaningful time with your own feline companion or showing kindness to community cats, small gestures can go a long way in strengthening your connection with them.
- Make playtime more enriching. Turn everyday play into a chance for your cat to exercise their natural instincts. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and other pet gadgets can keep them mentally stimulated while giving you more opportunities to engage with them.
- Explore pet-friendly places together. If your cat is comfortable outdoors, visit a pet-friendly café, park, or mall for a change of scenery and some quality time together. Just make sure your cat is secure and at ease throughout the outing.
- Help cats find loving homes. Your bond with felines can extend beyond the cats you care for at home. Volunteering, fostering, donating, or supporting local adoption organizations, such as Ampon Alaga and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), can help community cats receive the care they need while waiting for permanent homes.
Make Cat Day, Every Day
International Cat Day gives us a reason to pause and celebrate our feline friends while putting what we’ve learned into practice. With these common myths cleared up, let’s keep that spirit going and make every day feel like Cat Day.
The next time you head out with your cat for some bonding time, your postpaid plan keeps you connected for finding pet-friendly places and sharing their cute moments on social media. For occasional outings, prepaid promos give you data for a weekend park visit or the next time you visit CATCON (Conference for Community Cat Advocates).
Cats may be famous for having nine lives, but they only have one. Let International Cat Day remind you to give them the love, care, and the right connection they deserve every single day.
