Amigos volunteers began a series of conversations on Channel 8 about the needs of cats on August 3. Their interview can be watched here.
According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census conducted by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), nearly 71 % of Mexico’s 34 million households have at least one pet. And of their estimated 80 million pets, about 16.2 million (20%) are cats. Although cats are known to be more capable than dogs of surviving on their own, the average lifespan of a feral cat is only about 2 years, compared with 15 years for an indoor cat.
On August 3, Amigos volunteers Tony Lopéz and Julia Salido began a series of conversations with Luis Camacho, host of Canal 8’s morning program “Despierta Guanajuato,” about cats’ needs. The interviews take place twice a month at 10 a.m.
As cat lovers know, cats make great pets because they are affectionate, tidy, self-reliant, elegant, and fascinating. They are especially suitable for households without outdoor spaces and for people who are housebound. Cats bond with their homes and human families, especially if they have been neutered. They can live full and contented lives indoors, provided their needs for comfort, safety, companionship, and play are met.
During their first interview on this topic, Julia and Tony spoke about the importance of feeding cats a proper diet, including wet (canned) food formulated for cats, the need for annual vaccinations against fatal diseases, and the importance of annual check-ups by a veterinarian.
They also talked about the advantages of feline sterilization, which is recommended between the ages of 2 and 5 months. Sterilized cats are less likely to mark their territory, to roam and get into fights, to kill wildlife such as birds, to contract contagious and fatal diseases from feral cats, and to be injured or killed by vehicles and dogs.
In subsequent interviews about cats’ needs, on August 31 and September 14 and 28, Julia and Tony will discuss foods and beverages that are harmful to cats, how to provide a rich environment for your cat, and how to keep your cat healthy and safe.