How to Make My Cat Happy
Owning a cat can enrich our lives in so many ways. Cats offer companionship, make us laugh, and have even been shown to improve our health! It’s only fair that we return the favor by providing our cats with everything they need to be happy and fulfilled.
Like people, cats are a product of their environment and can be prone to moodiness, boredom and even depression under the wrong circumstances. But you can help keep your cat happy by providing conditions that will allow your feline friend to thrive. Read on for some helpful tips and insights on making your cat happy.
Give your cat plenty of attention
Cats may be low-maintenance compared to dogs, but that doesn’t mean they don’t sometimes crave your undivided attention. Be sure to spend some dedicated time with your cat each day. We all get busy, but spending some time playing, snuggling or even just talking to your cat each day, can go a long way toward helping them thrive.
Make sure your cat has a view
Anyone who’s ever owned a cat, knows how much they love to look out the window. Watching squirrels and birds can provide hours of built-in entertainment. It’s nature’s TV! Make sure they have a comfortable and accessible spot to soak up the sun and watch the world go by. If they don’t, consider investing in a window perch. I promise it will be their new favorite spot.
Keep your cat’s space clean
Cats are naturally obsessed with cleanliness. Consider how much time they spend cleaning and grooming themselves. This aversion to filth applies to their environment as well. Make sure you keep their spaces nice and tidy, especially the litter box. Scooping at least once a day will keep your cat clean and happy while also preventing every cat owner’s worst nightmare- litter box rejection.
Give your cat access to privacy
We all need a little alone time sometimes and cats are no different. Just like people, cats can get overstimulated and stressed. Make sure your cat has somewhere they can go to get away from it all. That goes double for families with kids. While cats can be very family-friendly pets, kids have a habit of going overboard with their affection. It’s important that your cat has somewhere they can go when it gets to be too much - a secluded room, a tall cat tree or even a box to hide in.
Get another cat
While cats have a reputation for being loners, wild cats actually tend to live in colonies. Likewise, many domesticated cats are actually very social and thrive when able to form close bonds with other animals. If you think your cat might be craving that type of relationship, consider adopting a second cat and becoming a multi-cat household. Just make sure to introduce their new companion gradually and take your cat’s temperament into account when looking for a good match.
