How to make your Cat happy

Your home is your cat’s home too. Sometimes we easily forget this, but it’s important that we respect our cat’s environment . We can ensure this by making sure they feel comfortable, safe and entertained.

Table of Contents

scratching posts

Scratching posts and trees are important ways for your cat to mark their territory. In order to feel safe and secure, they need to feel like their home is truly theirs.

Cats have scent glands in their paws, which is why they scratch trees and fences outside to signal to other cats that it is their territory. This is why your kitty may also scratch furniture in the house.

To prevent this, provide your kitty with scratching posts. They will be able to mark their territory and climb to a high place to survey it, an instinct left over from their wild family members. This will help your cat adapt to a new environment.

cat toys

To keep an indoor cat happy , cat toys are essential. Cats are intelligent creatures and require mental stimulation to be happy. Many indoor cats may experience boredom in their environment if there isn’t enough for them to interact, play with and explore.

Make sure you have a variety of cat toys in your home. Use the following checklist:

Puzzle feeders: In the wild, cats have to hunt and work for their food. Cats in particular have a strong prey drive and enjoy hunting. Puzzle feeders can mimic this by challenging cats to figure out how to get their treats. They can keep them entertained for hours without them having to interact, perfect for those times when you want to get some work done!

Chasing Toys: Another way to satisfy this hunting instinct is to use toys that mimic this process. For example, a wind-up mouse, laser pointer, or feather toy make for great toys that can encourage your cat to run, jump, and chase, helping them get the physical stimulation they need as well as the mental one.

Tunnels: Cat tunnels add some interest to your cat’s environment and help them create their own games. As cat owners, we’ve all watched our cats dart around. Cat tunnels can transform a boring living room into an exciting new land to explore.

Climbing blocks: As we mentioned before, cats enjoy getting up high (and we’re not talking about catnip). Cats like to climb tall buildings, trees, and fences to keep an eye out for potential predators and to keep their owners or kitties safe in their territory.

litter box

Not all cats use a litter box. Many prefer to do their business outside as it is often more hygienic. Even if this is the case, it is important that you provide them with a litter box indoors in case emergencies arise.

Make sure you keep the litter box clean at all times. A dirty litter box can cause unnecessary stress and make it uncomfortable for cats to be around.

If you’re not home during the day or tend to forget, an automatic cleaner might be a good option for you. This means the litter box can clean itself, making life more convenient for both you and your cat!

peace and quiet

We know how sensitive our cats can be to unusual noises, new people and new animals. It is important that we respect this sensitivity. If we do not, we risk our cats:

Running away: When cats feel unsafe, their fight-or-flight instinct may be triggered. This means they will instinctively run away from home to find a safer environment.

Becoming anxious or depressed: A constant feeling of worry can affect your cat’s overall well-being. They may experience anxiety and depression, which can affect their eating and drinking habits.

Hiding: A fearful cat will instinctively hide . We’ve probably seen this before when our cats felt overwhelmed by visitors. However, if this behavior occurs constantly, it’s a clear sign that they don’t feel safe in their home.

Developing health problems due to stress: Stress can have a direct impact on your cat’s physical health. Problems such as urinary tract infections can develop and become recurrent if your cat experiences prolonged stress.

How to keep your cat healthy

Once you have established a safe and happy home for your cat, you will need to establish a good routine to keep them healthy. If their physical health is not taken care of, then they will have a hard time feeling happy.

Healthy eating

Although many cat food brands promise to provide all the nutrients your cat needs, many fall short of those promises. After all, cats, like people, require a specific set of nutrients depending on the individual. The following factors should be considered when planning your cat’s diet:

Age: As a cat gets older, their needs change. Older cats need plenty of high-quality protein to maintain their muscle mass. Kittens, on the other hand, need plenty of calcium to support the growth of their bones.

Breed: Certain breeds require certain nutrients. Pedigree cats differ in their needs from ordinary domestic cats. This may be due to their different coat types, body mass and size.

Health problems: If your cat has existing health problems or is taking medications, you should talk to your veterinarian about the best nutrients to combat these problems.

A good place to start is by talking to your vet. They can advise you on what your specific cat needs and how to get those nutrients. Most cats get their needs from regular cat food, but it’s important to read the ingredients and check their quality.

Danger

Cats are independent creatures who value their own adventures and quality time. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy building relationships and spending time with other animals and people. In fact, even the most reserved kitty enjoys some attention, even if it’s not physical affection.

Without this, they may feel neglected and have a hard time bonding with you. Without trust, their fight or flight instinct may be activated, which may cause them to hide or run away.

Below are some important ways to give your cat attention :

Playtime: It is essential to make time to play with your cat. Although your cat can have their own fun and entertain themselves, it is much easier when someone is playing with them. Try using new toys, inventing new games and generally being silly with them. This attention will be very stimulating for them and they will not only have their hunting instinct satisfied but also their need for love.

Cuddling: Physical affection is a form of affection that your cat will understand. You’ll find that most cats head-butt each other, curl up for naps, and generally enjoy the proximity of another cat. Remember to respect your furry friend’s boundaries and give them the attention they enjoy. This may mean petting them a few times a day, or it may mean cuddling and sleeping together for hours.

Daily contact: Our cats also benefit from us simply being there. Interacting with them on a daily basis is just as important as dedicated play or cuddle time. If they are left alone for too long, they can experience anxiety and depression, as well as their fight or flight instincts being activated. Don’t leave them alone for hours every day if they don’t have another cat or animal to interact with or don’t have access to the outdoors.

Cats are independent creatures who value their own adventures and quality time. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy building relationships and spending time with other animals and people.

Movement

If you let your cat outside , you probably won’t need to monitor their activity levels. Exploring their territory, hunting, and playing mean they naturally run, jump, and walk. Even just an hour of daily outdoor activity is enough for your cat to keep their muscles, bones, and heart healthy.

However, indoor cats can struggle to get the amount of exercise they need, especially if they don’t have a safe outdoor space or live in a small home. This means owners need to be mindful of this need, which is often overlooked. Try the following:

Install cat shelves: Vertical space is just as important as floor space. Sometimes even more important. This is because cats enjoy climbing and surveying their territory from a high point. This helps them feel safe in their home while also satisfying their adventurous instincts. Playing on these shelves, running and climbing will help your cat live a happy and healthy life.

Clean up: Our cats may become frustrated if they don’t have a clear path or space to run and play. Furniture can be places to climb and explore, but general clutter may discourage your cat from moving around. Make sure to open bedroom doors to expand their environment as much as possible.

Toys to chase: Playtime is especially important for indoor cats. Without it, they may not get any exercise at all. Invest in toys your cat can chase, like wind-up mice and laser toys.

Secured cat run: If you have a strictly indoor cat, it might be worth considering whether you can create a secure outdoor area for them. Cat runs can allow your cat to easily move from inside to outside without being exposed to the risks of being outside.

Care

We may think that cats are low-maintenance compared to other pets. However, they still require regular grooming to stay happy and healthy. The amount of grooming needed depends on the breed. For example, long-haired cats require more grooming than short-haired ones.

For a good skincare routine, make sure you do the following:

Brushing: Brushing your cat is important to keep their coat in good condition. If you have a long-haired cat, weekly, if not daily, brushing will help keep them hygienic and prevent painful matting. This is especially important if you have an older cat who may not be as agile or have enough energy to properly clean themselves. For short-haired cats, you don’t need to brush them as often.

Brushing teeth: This may come as a surprise to many cat owners. The professional advice often given by veterinarians is that we should brush our cat’s teeth daily. However, if you were not able to start this routine from a young age, you may have difficulty keeping your cat still long enough to brush their teeth. Once a week is better than not at all. This will help prevent plaque buildup and painful infections.

Nail trimming: If your cat’s nails get too long, they risk injury. Whether it’s scratching themselves, getting infections from ingrown nails, or getting caught and pulling one out. If you notice your cat’s nails getting too long, it’s important to trim them back to keep them comfortable. This won’t hurt your cat in any way, but they might still protest. If you find it too difficult, a vet can do it for you.

Flea Control: Indoor cats don’t have to worry too much about fleas, but if you have a cat that loves to explore the outside world, you might notice how often they pick up fleas. If left untreated, this can lead to more serious health problems. So, at the first signs of fleas, such as scratching, eggs, or flea droppings, make sure you treat them as soon as possible.

We may think that cats are low-maintenance compared to other pets, but they still require regular grooming to stay happy and healthy.

Signs that your cat is not happy

It’s not always easy to tell if your cat is happy or sad. They’re masters at hiding illness, injury or stress, meaning it’s especially important for owners to watch for signs early so they can get the help they need.

Hide

If your cat is hiding, they’re probably not happy. While many cats will retreat to a safe and secret place to sleep or get some peace and quiet, if they’re constantly hiding from you, then something is probably wrong.

Common causes for hiding behavior are:

Fear

stress
Illness
Injury
anxiety

Try to observe your cat when he is hiding and look for signs of injury, such as:

Excessive licking

Limping or not using a paw

Minimal movement

It’s important to act quickly if you think your cat may be sick or injured. Take them to the vet as soon as possible to have them checked out.

withdrawn behavior

Sometimes cats, just like people, can be obviously in a bad mood. Cats may become withdrawn, avoid contact, avoid interaction with people, and generally appear lethargic.

This is usually a sign that they are unhappy with their environment or routine, or it indicates a health problem. This behavior can be easily overlooked. Sometimes, because your cat is not showing clear signs of illness or distress, we may be hesitant to give them the help they need.

However, it is important that any change in their mood is addressed quickly to make your cat happy again!

change in eating behavior

Cats are creatures of habit with fixed routines. They enjoy their dinner at the same time every day and often prefer a certain brand of food while rejecting others.

If this changes and your cat suddenly stops eating or eats excessively, it may be an indication that they are unhappy. It could be a simple case of worms, or it could be that their fight-or-flight instinct is being activated due to ongoing stress and anxiety.