In honor of #InternationalCatDay, we’ve pulled together a list of five purr-fect (had to) self-care ideas inspired by a therapist, Alyssa Petersel, and the ways our cats live, breathe, and purr self-care.
PS - Be sure to read through for instructions on how to enter our International Cat Day Giveaway! You have the chance to win a prize packed with $300 worth of paw-some cat goodness for both YOU and your feline companion, some of which are featured below!
1. Cat Naps for Rejuvenation
Sleep is absolutely essential for both mental and physical health — and let’s be real, cats are total masters of the nap game, clocking an average of 15 hours per day. Humans have a harder time getting the prescribed eight hours of sleep every night thanks to the hustle and bustle of life. If you’ve ever eyed your feline friend with a tinge of envy as they sprawl out to catch some Zs, now’s your turn to hop on the bandwagon.
The key to a great cat nap? Creating a comfy environment. You don’t have to go the whole nine yards with aromatherapy and ambient lighting — just deck your bed with a Cat Pillowcase to inspire some slumber anytime you walk past. Your kitty will curl right on up and show you how it’s done.
Have a cat who thinks your face is a cushion, smothering you with snuggles whenever you try to get some shut-eye? No worries, pick up a matching Mini Cat Pillow so you can maintain some personal space. Or, turn your bed into a cozy chariot that carries you off to dreamland by snagging a separate Cat Ball Bed for your own little sleep king or queen. This six-sided pod adds another dimension to the bedroom feng shui, and it creates a perfect cat cave hideaway for all those hour-long naps.
2. Meow-ditation for Relaxation
Meditation is another self-care tactic we could all benefit from doing more often. Our minds are constantly racing with thoughts, anxieties, to-do lists, annoying song lyrics, so on and so forth. Sometimes it feels nearly impossible to silence all this chatter and the stress feels debilitating. But here’s where we cue the kitties (drum roll, please)…
If life starts moving too fast and you need to put things on paws, your cat can help you achieve some zen by reminding you to meditate.
In the words of Alyssa Petersel, therapist, CEO and Founder at MyWellbeing, “Watching a pet breathe, and paying attention to the in and out of their breath rising and falling, can assist you in a visceral mindfulness or meditation practice, which can help you slow down racing thoughts and connect to your breath and body.”
Take those times when they’re purring with content as an opportunity to practice your breathwork, too!
3. Keep Calm and CBD On
Remember that although they may be wellness experts, cats can feel intense levels of stress, too. Some might maintain a cool, collected composure, while others get very (very!) vocal about their agitation. Either way, stress has negative implications on cats’ physiological and psychological health, just like their human parents.
So, to help your pet stay paw-sitive and brighten their mood, consider natural CBD Oil for Cats. If you’ve ever used CBD in your personal life — for sleep, sports, stress, or whatever the case may be — you’ll be stoked to know that the benefits of this plant-based compound extend to our four-legged family members, as well!
Petly’s proprietary formula is all-natural and veterinarian-approved. It’s made up with a blend of human-grade MCT oil and hemp extract. Always talk to your vet before introducing new supplements.
CBD also packs some epic anti-inflammatory properties that can improve joint health to keep your bright-eyed kitten as active and playful as ever. To achieve the full effect, pending your vet’s approval, you can bake this self-care practice into your daily routine by sprinkling some CBD Cat Food Toppers onto every morning meal.
4. Good Nutrition is Good Self-Care
Speaking of food, cats treat their body like a temple (as we all should!) with an immaculate skin and hair regimen. It’s only fitting, then, that you help them look sharp and feel even better by providing them with the best diet complete with all the nutrients they need to thrive.
Too many pet food brands add cheap fillers that get in the way of an animal’s optimal wellbeing.
However, the veterinarians and nutritionists at Freely make a pet food where you’ll find nothing but purposeful, high-quality ingredients, carefully formulated in custom recipes based on your pet’s unique needs. They believe that a simple bowl leads to a happy soul — that too many choices, hard-to-understand claims, and no easy way to find answers to questions about your pet's nutrition or food, prevent pet parents from knowing if they’re doing the right thing.
5. Peace of Mind with Pet Insurance
Self-care is all about mental health, and there are few greater anxieties than discovering your cat has a medical condition, followed by the hundred- or thousand-dollar price tag for essential veterinary treatment.
No matter how much you love and care for your best fur-end, unexpected accidents and illnesses can occur. Pet insurance helps guarantee your cat can always receive the gold-standard care they deserve while protecting your financial security.
Many insurance providers also offer complementary pet wellness plans that can reimburse you for money spent on vaccinations, teeth cleaning, annual exams, and more. By following a routine care plan, you’ll be able to maximize your cat’s health and happiness — and you might feel inspired to show yourself the same degree of love and care, too!
Enter the International Cat Day Giveaway
We’ve teamed up with four amazing brands to give one lucky winner $300 worth of paw-some cat goodness for both YOU and your feline companion!
To enter the giveaway contest, follow the five participating accounts on Instagram:
US residents only. Giveaway ends August 12th 11:59pm EST. Giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, or associated with Instagram in any way.
