Cats have a reputation for being aloof and not needing human affection. But as cat owners, we know better! Our cats love us even if they may not be quite as outwardly expressive as their canine counterparts, and though they can do a good job entertaining themselves, there’s a lot we can do to improve their lives. So, for Happy Cat Month, we salute our overloads with these tips on how to keep your cat happy.
We all want our cats to be happy, sometimes because it seems like our lives (or at least our homes) depend on it! Keeping them feeling good involves mostly meeting their needs for nutrition, exercise, affection, and love. Let’s go!
Food and Nutrition
To keep our cats happy, we must first meet their baseline health needs. That means giving them nutritious food that they enjoy in the right amounts.
Unfortunately, sometimes you and your cats may disagree on those amounts!
While giving in to your cat’s eating demands might make them temporarily happy, it won’t lead to a happy, healthy life as they age. But that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge them with healthy treats in moderation.
In addition to giving them the right food for their nutritional needs, talk to your friendly Troutville Vet about what treats would suit your cat!
Mental and Physical Stimulation
Cats can sleep for up to 19 hours a day, so how do they find time to get into trouble?
If your cat spends its energy scratching your furniture or knocking things over, it needs you to provide it with more mental and physical exercise.
While it can be frustrating when your cat damages your belongings, they are following their natural impulses. Needing with their claws releases endorphins and gives them comfort. And playing with items and knocking them over is how they explore their environment.
To make your cats happy without driving yourself crazy, get them toys and play with them!
– Scratching posts can give them a healthy way to knead. Try both vertical and horizontal ones to find what your cat prefers.
– Small, noisy toys they can bat around help them use up excess energy and channel their hunting instincts
– Interactive toys like a feather or other object on a string are a great way to bond with your cats
Maybe Not a Happy Cat Today – Boundaries
Cats can be a lot like kids. Sometimes, they want things that aren’t good for them. Besides overeating, that might mean going outside. While indoor cats live an average of 12 to 20 years, many outdoor cats die much earlier.
Being outside exposes cats (and their prey!) to many dangers from which being indoors can protect them. These include predators, disease, and even human harm.
But if your cat is fascinated with the outdoors, you don’t need to deprive them totally! Many cats love to sit in a window and watch nature go by. So, to make your cats happy, set them up a nice perch on the window sill or place a chair (or cat tree) beside it.
If you have the budget, you may even consider creating a catio—an enclosed outdoor space where cats can enjoy the outdoors while remaining within safe boundaries.
Love
Let’s not forget about love! Your cats love you and want to be loved, but you need to pay attention to how they want to be loved. For example, not all cats like to be picked up. While some like to be petted firmly, others prefer a gentle touch.
Find out how your cats enjoy affection to show them you love them.
Make Your Cats Happy by Understanding Them
Just like people, dogs, and every other animal, cats are individuals with their own personalities, desires, and preferences. So what makes one happy won’t necessarily work for another. So, getting to know them is one of the most critical ways to make your cats happy.
When you know what your pet loves, you’ll be better able to provide it. And taking the time to get to know your cats helps you bond, brings them joy, and probably improves your mood, too!