You always want your loved ones to be happy but if your precious one is a cat, it makes keeping it happy difficult because you don't know how! A happy companion will keep you happy too and who wouldn't want that. While cats have physical needs, you need to fulfill their psychological needs as well to make them happy. That is why we are here! Following are a few very successful tips guiding you how to keep your bundles of joy happy!
Playtime - It is very important that you spend some time with your cat playing every day! It will not only keep them happy but also kill their extra energy that can be vented through other undesirable ways. They like to play with interactive toys, especially ones that look like mice and ones they can chase. Always let your cat catch the prey at the end! You can also use a ribbon or a laser pointer.
Provisions during your absence - If you work make sure you have provided your cat with ample toys so that it does not get bored. These include at least 2 balls, a noisy toy, a fuzzy one, a crinkle bag, a stuffed toy and even catnip toys that are favourites with most cats. You can replace these toys with each other every now and then. If you hide a toy and introduce it after a month or so, your cat will take it as a brand new one!
Scooping the Litter box - Make sure that you keep the litter box clean by scooping out the defecation. This will keep your cat healthy and protected from diseases such as the urinary tract condition. Healthy cats are happy cats! In case there is a change in the routine of your cat concerning the use of litter box, get counsel from the veterinarian.
Odor Control - Cats can be very sensitive to smells and can tick off very easily by them. So make sure that there aren't any strong smells around the cat especially that of the litter, air freshener or room deodorizer. They have specific aversion to citrus scents. To keep the litter odor-free, scoop it regularly and spread a thin layer of baking soda at the bottom of the litter box.
Multi-cat Households - If there are more than one cat in a house, make sure there are individual litter boxes for each cat and an extra one. With different cats having their own routine and personal hygiene specifics, they would be happy having their own litter-boxes.
A Window for your Cat - Your cat will be very happy if there is a window through which it can watch birds and squirrels. This will not only keep your cat occupied but pleasantly entertained as well. If possible, hang a feeder just outside the window so that there are birds that can be seen.
Scratch Posts - The cats have an inherent need to scratch. In order to keep your wooden furniture preserved and your cat happy, you need to provide it with different vertical and horizontal scratch posts and pads. The vertical ones must be 3 feet high or more, strong and preferably made up of natural fiber (sisal, burlap, etc.). You can put them near the furniture your cat is most likely to scratch, near its most favorable sleeping place or in a room where you and your family are most likely to be most throughout the day.
The Shy One - There are some cats, especially kittens that take time to adjust to new environments. To keep it happy, provide a quiet room to the kittens until it has overcome its shyness and ready to socialize.
Nocturnal Activity - Cats like to roam around at nighttime. To avoid it, tire your cat in the daytime so that it doesn't wake up at night. Play with the kitten quite a few times in the day, especially just before bedtime. This way, it will eventually adjust to your routine.
Cat Safety - An indoors only cat can live up to as long as 15-18 years while a cat that is allowed to go out and explore without restrictions lives for hardly 3 years. So, keep your cat indoors to avoid any untoward incident or health problem.
Fun-time - Cats love to play with card-board boxes. You can either give your cat such boxes in different sizes to play with or a treat rolled in toilet paper rolls. Either way your cat will have a ball of a time and remain happy!
Show Affection - Your cat not only needs your attention and affection but will also be found demanding it at times. So, make sure you give it to your cat. Spend some quality time with it, pet it, greet it when you come back home and talk to it. Let the love not be one-sided but respond likewise.
Stimulation of senses - Cats senses differ from our and need to be stimulated. They have a strong sense of smell and you can stimulate it by dusting some catnip over the cats blanket every other day. You can also buy cat grass and cat herbs. Cats, like humans, enjoy fresh air. So, you can also leave the window open with the screen obviously closed. Their sense of touch can be stimulated by providing them with blankets of varying feels e.g. fleece, knitted, towel, etc. their sight can be stimulated by keeping them occupied with looking outside the window which according to a study is also their favourite pastime after sleeping.
Make territorial changes - Although it sounds very difficult, in reality, it is pretty simple. All you have to do is make a fort with a bed sheet and a chair. The rest can be left on the curiosity of the cat that will keep itself amused for hours. You can also cut a hole in a big box or buy a canvass bag. This is another way of stimulating your cat which essential to keep your cat healthy and happy.
Understand your cat - Try to understand what your cat is trying to say. It will not only make your life easier, but that of your cat as well. It wont have to meow for a long time before you actually understand what it wants. Hence, it is better if you pick up the styles as to when your cat wants attention, go outside or play.
Provide companionship - Cats by nature do not like to live alone. They enjoy it more if they have company but make sure they have a room where they can go to be alone whenever they want to. Also, consult your vet before allowing another pet to live with the existing one.
Nutrition - Your cat needs to be optimally nourished. The food that you give your cat must have all the essential components for proper growth and development. Along with that, there must also be a variety in the type of food. This will keep your cat very happy and satisfied. Moreover, you can also make your cat do a bit of an activity to get food (for instance Smart Cat Peak a Prize or the food ball). This is in following with the inherent instinct of the cat that has to work in the wild in order to get food. Domestic cats also don't have much to do anyway and this can be a good way of releasing its energies.
Be happy - Your cat can instantly judge your mood. When you are sad, your cat also becomes sad. So, try to be happy and your cat will automatically be happy in return.
Keep your cat occupied - It is better if your cat has toys to interact with so that it does not invest its energies in destroying your favourite furniture, shoes or other such objects. Make a small place for your cat with carpet. Soon, the cat will associate it with scratching, sharpening its nails or just to hang out.
The Ideal Sleeping Place - Cats like to sleep in closed places. They usually sleep under or on top of something.
Stick to a routine - Cats do not adjust to changes in routine very easily. It makes them uncomfortable. Hence, stick to the routine that you have set for your cat to keep it satisfied.
