Interconnected: The deep bond between cats and cat owners

Part of the family

Cats have been an integral part of Liza Sandanam’s life since childhood. Growing up in Sydney, Australia as an only child, Liza turned to cats for companionship. “Cats were my closest connection. They were like siblings to me,” Liza explains. Today, Liza and her husband are proud owners of four Cornish Rexes, Rosie, Chester, Benny and Sam. Liza, who is now semi-retired after a career in the corporate world, derives joy from her self-appointed ‘cat mum’ identity. “We don’t have children, so our cats are our children,” Liza explains.

Character-building, but beautiful

However, Liza acknowledges that owning cats can be complicated. “I’ve owned both cats and dogs and cats get a bad rap sometimes,” Liza observes. "Cat ownership is character building. You work harder to win your cat's affection, but you get back what you put in," explains Liza. Liza has forged deep connections with her cats over the years. “The bond between humans and animals can be invisible. Unless people come into your home, they might never see you interact with them. But that’s what makes it beautiful – it’s a special, secret relationship between you and your pets.”

This bond can positively impact the mental health and wellbeing of both cat and cat owner, according to Liza. “I’ve had cats by my side during difficult times. They give you purpose – something to get out of bed and look after,” Liza says. Liza prioritises her cats’ wellbeing too. “We give each cat dedicated attention so they know they’re important to us.”

Hidden dangers, inside and outside

Natural behaviours and instincts place cats at high risk of parasites, including fleas, ticks, mites and worms. Cats with outdoor access are at higher risk of infectious diseases and parasites. Liza recalls, “When I was younger, I experienced the stress of outdoor cats – the disappearing, the not knowing if they’re okay – plus the trouble, bringing home dead birds.” Now, Liza keeps her cats indoors, a decision she says protects her cats and other animals. Inside her home, Liza’s cats enjoy climbing structures, toys and exercise wheels, and even a netted patio enclosure (a “catio”) for fresh air and outdoor views. Liza explains, “We’ve made a big effort to make indoors as stimulating as outdoors for our cats.”

However, Liza is aware that even indoor cats are at risk of parasite-related health issues. While outdoor cats are at greater risk of acquiring parasites, indoor cats can’t avoid them entirely, with exposure possible via contact with worm eggs brought in on shoes, preying on parasite-infested pests such as rodents, slugs or snails that enter the home, or being bitten by a heartworm-infected mosquito. Liza explains, “There wouldn't be an indoor cat in Sydney that hasn't come into contact with an insect or rodent - and you’d never know whether they might be carrying parasites. So, whether you’ve an indoor or outdoor cat, you need to be diligent about their health.”

Health benefits that flow both ways

Despite many pet owners being aware of the importance of parasite protection, Liza believes many find it difficult to implement. “Probably the biggest challenge as a cat owner is giving medication to cats. It can be stressful for cat and cat owner,” remarks Liza. NexGard SPECTRA® Spot-On for Cats, Australia’s first and only all-in-one parasiticide for cats, provides protection against fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm, lungworm and intestinal worms (including tapeworm) in a monthly application, and is designed to make it easier for cat owners like Liza to protect their cats. “We can just set a reminder in our calendar then have complete peace of mind that our cats are protected,” explains Liza.

Liza ensures her cats are protected, loved and stimulated, and believes that in their own special way, her cats look after her. “We definitely see the interconnectedness of our health and their health,” Liza explains. Liza is grateful for her cats and believes they have made her a better person. “Humans learn empathy through pets. I honestly can't imagine life without cats and I hope I never have to.”