Q: Regular physical activity improves colon function and can lessen symptoms of IBS. If you have an outdoor cat, he might get a lot of exercise playing and running outside. Make sure he's going outdoors a few times a week. If weather, such as rain or snow, prohibits him from getting outside make sure you replace his outdoor exercise with indoor exercise that day. Cats, unlike dogs, are generally not walked. The bulk of physical activity therefore comes in the form of indoor play. You should provide your cat with a variety of toys and throw, pull, or dangle them for him each day to engage his interest. Aim for 15 to 20 minutes of play a day. If your cat is higher energy, and doesn't seem tired out at the end of 20 minutes, play with him until he loses interest. If your cat is good with other animals, you might consider getting another cat. Cats tend to be more physically active when they live in groups as they run and play with one another. However, if your cat has past behavioral issues related to other animals, another pet could cause stress. Stress is linked to IBS flare-ups. Cats with IBS may experience flare-ups related to stress. Managing stress in your cat's life is important to reduce IBS symptoms. Make sure your cat has access to a safe, private spot in your home. Cats might want to retreat from noise, especially if you have guests over, and they'll crave hiding spots like closets, cabinets, and kitty condos. Minimize changes to routine, such as feeding and sleeping times. If changes are necessary, ease your cat into transitions. If you move, for example, get your cat used to his carrying crate before you have to transport him in a new location. Always keep your litter box clean. Dirty living conditions bother cats, so excessive urine and fecal matter in a litter box can cause stress. Scoop out clumps of litter on a daily basis and once a week dump the existing litter and replace it with a clean, fresh batch. IBS is not a curable disease. Cats who suffer from IBS will have flare-ups their entire lives and you need to understand the long-term prognosis for your cat. The disease will come and go with time. Your cat may go months or even years without a flare up and then experience symptoms again. As IBS is caused by a multitude of factors, predicting and preventing flare-ups is not always possible. However, if you consult your vet right away in the event of symptoms appearing, the disease can be effectively managed over time. Regular veterinary check-ups are important for any cat, but especially one with IBS. Your vet can monitor symptoms over time and adjust treatment as needed. Always take your cat in at the first sign of a flare up.
A: Make sure your cat exercises. Manage your cat's stress. Familiarize yourself with the long-term prognosis.

Q: You're probably super worried about keeping your kitchen and home stocked with necessities, but there's no need to fear. You're still allowed to leave your home to get the items you need to take care of yourself and your family. When you need something, go directly to the store and back home. Limit yourself to as few trips as possible. Ideally, you might go once a week. Try to send 1 person from your household at a time. This way, fewer people will be out so it's easier for everyone to social distance. Whether you have an existing condition or get sick, you're allowed to go get medical attention, buy over-the-counter medication, or pick up prescriptions. If you're going to the doctor, call first to make sure you need to go into the office, as some appointments may be conducted over the phone. When getting medication, go directly to the pharmacy or drug store and back home. You can also get over-the-counter medications delivered to your home if you prefer. Some pharmacies may deliver, as well. The thought of being inside all day might sound awful to you, so you'll be happy to know it's okay to go outside. As long as you aren't having a social gathering, it's okay to sit out on your porch, play in your yard, or do yard work. Incorporate these activities into your day to get a break from inside. Use the space you have! If you don't have a yard, open the door to your home and sit in the doorway. You might also sit by an open window. Fortunately, you're still allowed to enjoy nature while you're under the coronavirus shelter-in-place. You can exercise outside or just enjoy the scenery. While you're out, make sure you maintain a distance of at least 6ft (1.8m) between yourself and anyone you encounter. It's important to distance yourself from others because COVID-19 spreads through droplets spread by coughing, sneezing, and breathing. You're less likely to breathe in these droplets if you don't get too close to people. If you help out family members or friends, you might be worried that the shelter-in-place will keep you from visiting them. Luckily, you're still allowed to go to someone else's home if you're providing care to someone who's considered vulnerable, like the elderly. Just make sure you're going directly there and then back home. During the coronavirus shelter-in-place, you can provide daily care and assistance to anyone who is elderly, has a disability, or has a health issue. Additionally, you can go to someone else's home to care for minor children. For instance, it would be okay for you to go to your elderly grandmother's home to give her medication or to babysit for your sister's children in her home. You may not be able to work from home if you're in certain industries, like healthcare. If you have one of these jobs, you're allowed to leave your home to go to and from work. Check with your boss to make sure you're supposed to go to work, then continue with your commute. You can likely leave your home to work if you're in the following fields: Healthcare, such as doctors, hospitals, pharmacists, and staff First responders Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, and convenience stores Government services and public transportation Construction, refineries, and plants Utilities and trash pick-up Gas stations Hardware stores, repair shops, plumbing, electrical work (for essential needs) Education (for distance learning only) Childcare facilities (for children of essential employees only) Delivery services Laundry services Security Media organizations
A:
Shop for groceries, pet supplies, and household items weekly. Get medical care and pickup medications when necessary. Spend as much time as you like in your yard or on your porch. Go for a walk, run, or hike outdoors, but stay away from others. Provide care to a family member or vulnerable person in another home. Go to work if you're in an essential job and can't work from home.