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September marks Happy Cat Month, an international campaign dedicated to celebrating our beloved feline companions while raising awareness about their health and welfare. Pet Insurance Australia is proud to support this initiative and encourage cat owners across the country to take a moment to ensure their furry family members are living their happiest, healthiest lives.
“Cats bring so much joy, companionship, and comfort into our homes,” says Nadia Crighton, Pet Insurance Australia spokesperson. “Happy Cat Month is the perfect reminder to give back to them by ensuring they receive regular vet check-ups, a healthy diet, and plenty of enrichment and play.”
Happy Cat Month, created by the CATalyst Council, aims to dispel the myth that cats are entirely self-sufficient. In reality, cats thrive when their physical, emotional, and medical needs are met.
Top Tips for a Happy, Healthy Cat
- Vet Visits: Preventive health checks can catch issues early, from dental disease to arthritis.
- Nutrition: A balanced, high-quality diet tailored to your cat’s age and lifestyle.
- Play & Enrichment: Toys, climbing spaces, scratching posts, and interactive play keep cats stimulated.
- Safe Spaces: Cats love comfort zones. Provide cosy beds or window perches.
- Love & Bonding: Dedicate time daily for gentle affection and interaction.
- Beat the Bulge – check your cat’s weight to prevent future problems.
“Simple changes like rotating toys, providing scratching posts, or even spending a few extra minutes in playtime can make a huge difference to your cat’s wellbeing,” adds Crighton. “It’s also a great opportunity to start important conversations around preventive care and financial planning for unexpected vet bills.”
Don't Overlook Your Cat's Weight
Happy Cat Month also reminds us of the importance of monitoring our cats’ weight—an often-overlooked aspect of pet care. According to the 2025 PetSure Pet Health Monitor*, more than half of cats aged seven to eight in Australia are classified as overweight or obese.
“What’s more concerning is that only about 24% of owners recognise their cat’s weight as a problem—despite the health risks of obesity, including diabetes, arthritis, liver disease, and urinary issues,” Crighton says.
Don't Overlook Your Cat's Weight
Happy Cat Month also reminds us of the importance of monitoring our cats’ weight—an often-overlooked aspect of pet care. According to the 2025 PetSure Pet Health Monitor*, more than half of cats aged seven to eight in Australia are classified as overweight or obese.
“What’s more concerning is that only about 24% of owners recognise their cat’s weight as a problem—despite the health risks of obesity, including diabetes, arthritis, liver disease, and urinary issues,” Crighton says.
“Regular weight checks and body condition assessments, whether at home or during vet visits, are simple but powerful steps toward keeping cats healthy long-term.”
While social media is filled with images of overweight cats being portrayed as cute or funny, the reality is far from harmless.
While social media is filled with images of overweight cats being portrayed as cute or funny, the reality is far from harmless.
“Normalising obesity in cats can mask the serious health risks it poses from diabetes and joint pain to shortened lifespans,” Crighton warns.
“What may look entertaining online can actually encourage unhealthy perceptions of pet care, making it even more important for owners to take their cat’s weight seriously.”
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