A Happy Cat Is a Healthy Cat!
Here Are 10 Tips To Make Sure Your Feline Stays As Happy As Can Be.
There really is nothing better than knowing your cat is living its best life!
Knowing your cat well and knowing what they need to thrive and be the best cat they can be is incredibly rewarding, and you will definitely feel the love and attention that comes with having a happy cat.
So, what things do cats need to be happy and live their lives to the fullest potential?
Let’s have a look at ten really great tips for having a happy cat.
1- Cat MedicationÂ
A happy cat is a healthy cat!
You can prevent almost all Feline diseases and medical irritations by making sure that they are:
- Fully vaccinated
- Regularly treated for worms
- Having routine flea treatment
- Are checked for tics regularly
- Seeing a veterinarian
It’s best to understand Feline medical care in the same bracket as children, whereby they cannot obtain care for themselves, so it is down to you as their owner to ensure they are getting everything they need.
2- Keep Fit!
Reserving exercise exclusively for dogs is something that needs to be reassessed!
Cats love to exercise, and it has similar benefits to our furry friends as it does in humans.
Exercise for cats is super important for their:
- Mental Health
- Weight
- Respiratory health
- Sleeping habits
- Cognitive Function
So while you are out in the garden, make sure your cat accompanies you out there and set up some games for them to play to keep their mind and body in excellent condition, such as playing catch and chasing games with laser lights or feathers on a stick or allow them to explore the wild where possible to instill their instinctive predator habits.
3- Get great toys and treats!
Anyone who knows cats knows they absolutely love to play with toys and love a good treat.
It’s important to keep a curious kitty’s mind occupied by giving them toys that engage them. Further, a good snack is something they will never turn down (and healthy too!)
Here at Skip & Scamper we know all about delivering the best toys and treats for your cat! Check out our amazing Skip and Scamper boxes that are guaranteed for your cat to love.
4- Safety
Many people do not believe in collars for cats. While there are legitimate reasons for not wanting a collar on your cat, such as getting stuck in trees or they happen to be an indoor cat, cat safety is paramount if there is any chance of them getting lost.
To identify a missing cat successfully is simple of they have a microchip, which is placed under the skin and holds all of the cat and owner details, so people can return the cat swiftly once they have been scanned.
Microchipping is relatively affordable and is one of the best ways to ensure people can return your cat to you if the worst happens and they were to stray.
5- Cat Company
Cats are incredibly sociable animals, and there is nothing they love more than company and fuss.
It is worth considering socializing your cat with another cat, making sure they have a companion and someone to play with when there are no humans around to take control of their routine.
Obviously, there are going to be some instances where one cat’s personality does not work well with others; just like humans having clashing personalities, cats will too!
But, it is always worth a play-date trial with another cat first to make sure they get along for the longer term!
What humans see as rough behavior between cats is sometimes them behaving in a natural way together, so conducting some research on cat interactions and instinctive behavior can always be helpful!
6- Cats In Training!
Some cats can be incredibly naughty in their personalities and behavior!
While this may be a cute addition to the way they are, some behaviors can be destructive and nasty, and these are the things we can try and train them to do things differently.
By using small treats and even some tips from animal trainers, you may be successful in teaching your can to do or not to do certain things, such as sit on the floor instead of the table, for instance.
You can make your cat much happier as they will start to learn the boundaries of the things they can and cannot do so they know where they stand…or sit!
7– Get Them Used To Their Transport
Anyone who has ever had a cat will probably tell you that their least favorite place is in a cat carrier. If this is the case, they will kick up such a fuss to the point where some owners will cancel their beloved pet appointments simply because of the cat carrier issue.
You can overcome this by incorporating the cat carrier into the daily routine, so the cat can familiarise themselves with it being “Normal” instead of only being brought out when they are going somewhere they possibly don’t want to go!
Make the cat carrier a normal part of daily life for the cat, pop their favorite prey toys in there for them to investigate, and maybe a blanket too so they can scent the fabric, which will then signal that it belongs to them.
This is likely to make your cat much happier around the cat carrier when they do have to go in it for transport.
8- Cat Scratchers!
Your cat will be in their element when they have something to stretch up and scratch at!
Not only does scratching keep the cat’s claws in check, but the stretching element is also incredibly good for their joint health and mobility.
If you have an indoor cat, make sure you have a scratching post or something similar so the cat can emulate the motion of scratching and stretching. If they are permitted outdoors, you will likely find them performing the cat scratch routing at the base of a tree or something similar!
Scratching and stretching make cats incredibly happy!
9- Vet Visits Are Crucial
To have the happiest cat you can possibly have, you must regularly take them for routine checkups at their veterinary surgery.
Vets are animal doctors and are experts in animal and cat health. And while we rely on human doctors for treatments and providing preventative measures, cats will need to be given the same grace from an expert in their field.
Making sure your can is given a clean bill of health is crucial for a cat’s happiness, so make sure they attend regular appointments and stay happy.
There are so many advantages to having a happy cat, from having them be able to live their best life, to being the perfect feline companion for you.
Healthy cats are always going to be the happiest cats and making sure you do everything to prevent them from getting anything that can put their health in danger is always the best way forward.
Playing with them and enforcing their instinctive behavior patterns will also ensure you have the happiest cat on the block! Interaction is key for our sociable feline friends so make sure they get plenty of it throughout their healthy and happy lives.
Toni Efird
says:I have trouble with the comment why people won’t use collars because they are afraid the cats will get it caught and choke. Well, I have a worse problem with allowing a cat to run and play outside when they have a tendency to roam the neighborhood. They could encounter a dog or any other animal that would chase it and God forbid the results. That in itself is more dangerous than a collar!
Nadia Greenidge
says:I agree, I NEVER let my cats roam around outside. I had one that I could walk with a harness, but the others loved being inside and watching the world from the window. When one of the Siamese did sneak out and then he was terrified and screamed to get back in. Inside is best.
Marcia McMullen
says:I do agree with all your suggestions except for allowing domestic cats to roam outdoors. A catio or window perch will do for entertainment while keeping both cats and the environment safe.
Laurie
says:Cat TV during fretful behavior.
Carolyn Dinger
says:All I have heard from our cat visits to the vet is to keep them inside. We have two cats and one found a way to open screen door. She was out for a short time and a few days later she was crying and you could not touch her. Not eating or drinking. 800 dollars later they felt she picked up something outside.
Judy Reed
says:Like all of them except my cat does not like a cat carrier.
Molnar Judith
says:I started my kitten liking the carrier by.leaving it on the floor in the living room with the.door open. Then tossing in toys and treats at.different times. He has had no trouble and sometimes just plays in it. He is also leash trained
Vivian Roberts
says:I would never allow my cats outside as you suggest !
Only on a leash.
Nancy
says:I take my cats outdoors with them wearing a harness. Best of both worlds for me and them!
JoAnn Pochinski
says:My cats are indoor cats. Have their Cat Trees, Boxes to play in. They get their treats, and play well together. Best way to control Fleas, Ticks. And keep them healthy. The dangers in the outside world for cats, are far too risky. Like feline diseases, being hit by cars, becoming lost, being in fights with other animals. People that harm cats. Kids that throw folks at them. Finding a poisoned piece of food. Eating or chewing on a plant that is deadly to them. Getting into a trash can that has pesticide In them. Etc, etc, etc. The list goes on & on. 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱. My babies are safe in my house. 💞💞💞
Lillian Oberjohn
says:Besides all the dangers of allowing cats to roam outside, as described in other comments, I have another reason cats should stay indoors. Cats are natural predators of birds. Birds need to be protected from cats, especially since their numbers are rapidly declining.
Katrina Miller
says:My babies have 2 cat trees, lots of toys, good food and a water fountain….and yet….I still worry about them getting bored….I’m obsessed with the darlings! For their health and protection they will always be indoor cats!
Leigh Ann Foster
says:Well ,I know people tell you not to let your cat outside. We live in the country ,,but there still is a road in front of our house. The cats we have love to be outside on nice days They have been fixed and don’t leave our yard . They come in before dark. So I’m sorry but my babies need real life experiences to be really happy . I have a advantage living in the country. It would be different if I lived near roads.
EILEEN Smith
says:I’m happy that people are saying that they keep their cats indoors because I have a neighbor that’s haunting me to let the cat out and I don’t want to let the cat out because I’m afraid something will happen to her so I’m glad you guys are saying about you know having an indoor cat cuz I’m very happy with that thank you
Claudia Hughes
says:Domestic cats kill 1 billion birds a year. Indoor is the safest for the cat and the birds.
Laurie
says:Cat TV during fretful behavior.
Janet M. Letson
says:How do I stop a cat from biting he is 5months old.. he is into himself. Only comes to you when he gets a treat.. he’s not a cuddler….. what can I do to tame him?????
Susan Farnsworth
says:There aren’t 10 tips here. Only nine. Don’t leave me hanging.
Mary Anne Webb
says:Some years ago I read in Reader’s Digest the average lifespan of an outside cat is 3 years. The average lifespan of an inside cat is 13 years.
Cheryl Carroll
says:How do you get a kitten to not use there nails on the furniture?
Bartow Cheryl
says:Never would I let my cat outdoors. I see a neighbors cat out and I would be afraid of mine bringing in fleas or worse. We have raccoons, possums and coyotes in our area. I hate to think what could happen to her.