[Cat Chat] Issue #3: Scruffy and Lily - A Purrfect Match

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Scruffy and Lily: A Purrfect Match

Rain lashed against the windows, mirroring the lonely tears welling in 7-year-old Lily's eyes. "Mommy," she sniffled, "will I ever have a friend to play with?"

Single mom, Sarah, felt a pang in her heart. Work kept her busy, leaving Lily yearning for companionship. A sudden memory sparked. "What about a furry friend?"

The next day, they visited the no-kill shelter. Rows of playful kittens bounced around, but Lily gravitated towards a corner. There, nestled in a bed, sat a scruffy senior cat with gentle, amber eyes.

"He's called Scruffy," the volunteer explained, "but his purr is pure magic."

Scruffy, hesitant at first, warmed up to Lily's tiny hand. A hesitant meow turned into a rumbling purr, and Lily giggled. Sarah knew it was meant to be.

Scruffy may be older, but his love for naps and cuddles perfectly matched Lily's quiet afternoons. He became her confidante, her shadow, her best friend. Rainy days weren't lonely anymore, filled with whispered secrets and playful swats at a dangling feather toy.

Scruffy may not have been the kitten Lily envisioned, but their purrfect friendship blossomed brighter than any sunshine.

Talk about a win-win! Have you ever adopted a senior pet? Share your story in the comments!

CAT CARE TIP OF THE WEEK - can you recommend a feeding schedule for a mature cat who is home alone during the day?

Most mature (adult) cats do well on either one or two meals a day.

Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of each:

• Twice a day: This mimics a cat's natural feeding patterns in the wild, where they would hunt and eat small prey throughout the day. It can also be helpful for monitoring your cat's appetite and weight.

• Once a day: This can be a good option for busy schedules and some cats may adjust well. However, be sure the portion size is appropriate for a single meal.

• Feeding Time: Ideally, choose feeding times that work well with your own schedule. Try to keep the timings consistent each day as cats are creatures of habit and thrive on routine.

• Food Type: Consider if you are feeding dry food, wet food, or a combination of both. Dry food can be left out for longer periods if you choose the twice-a-day feeding, but wet food is generally more appealing to cats and may be a better choice for a single meal a day.

Automatic Feeder: If you'll be gone for extended periods, you might consider an automatic feeder. These can be a good option to ensure your cat gets fed even when you're not home, but be sure to choose a reputable brand and monitor it closely to ensure it's functioning properly. Want to see some options? https://amzn.to/3zpwuyd

Consulting your veterinarian is always recommended. They can advise on the best feeding schedule and amount of food for your specific cat, taking into account their age, weight, activity level, and overall health.

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