What better time to make sure that you, as a cat owner, are dedicated to ensuring you have a happy feline friend. Some ideas to consider when evaluating how happy your cat may be, or extra things you can do to add to your cat’s happiness are:
Provide the necessities which includes a clean litter box, food, and water. These may seem to go without saying, but if you are not providing the basics, it could cause your cat to be miserable, as well as sick. No one wants to use a dirty litter box, eat unappetizing food, or drink stale and dirty water. Making sure that you properly provide the essentials for your cat is the basis of a happy life.
Feed a high-quality diet appropriate to your cat’s life stage. Review your cat’s diet with your veterinarian to make sure she is getting all the proper nutrients she needs and the right amount and type of food for her age and lifestyle. Variety is the spice of life, so don’t forget to switch up the flavors of your cat’s wet food or indulge in some different treats.
Satisfy your cat’s natural instincts. Cats have a natural urge to scratch which cares for their claws and helps them to stretch. Make sure you provide a scratching post, both to keep your cat’s predisposition satisfied as well as to save your furniture. A bonus for any cat is to have a perch, a cat tower, and a hiding place to climb around on and hide in.
Keep your cat in good shape. Exercise, play time and interactive toys all help to provide mental and physical stimulation for your kitty. Make time for regular playtime with your cat but also provide toys that she can play with independently, like treat puzzles.
Provide entertainment along with playtime and toys. Make sure your cat has a comfortable spot where she can sit and look out at the world outside. (It’s even better if there is a bird feeder in view, or trees where birds and squirrels come to hang out). Without entertainment and enrichment activities, boredom and havoc can ensue.
Explore the outdoors. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, there are ways she can explore the big world outside in a safe way. Some cats can be walked on a leash, which provides safe outdoor exploration. If your cat is not as accepting of the leash, you can try a catio- an enclosed outdoor structure or area where your cat can enjoy fresh air, exercise, and take in the great outdoors safe from predators and the dangers of getting lost.
Regular vet visits are very important to keep your cat healthy along with preventive care. Make sure your veterinarian practice is “cat friendly” so your cat has a positive experience when visiting the vet. Once there, your vet will be able to advise you on your cat’s overall health and wellness, common signs of illnesses to look for (since cats are experts at hiding illness) as well as provide recommendations on what preventive medications, like flea and heartworm preventives, are appropriate for your cat.
Brush your cat’s hair to remove loose hair or mats. Frequent brushing helps keep your cat’s coat clean, reduces the amount of shedding, and cuts down on the incidence of hairballs.
For an extra monthly dose of happiness and surprise, subscription boxes are also available which usually offer treats and toys delivered monthly. It’s a great way to add some variety to the everyday and learn about some new treats and products your cat may love! And the box too, can go a long way. Your cat probably loves to hide in boxes. It’s a cat thing. A box can give them a good place to feel safe and at ease.
Remember, cats love to play and love human attention, just as much as any other pet, so spend Happy Cat Month building a new relationship and new habits with your beloved feline friend.