Are you wondering if you have a happy cat? Happy cats are easygoing and rarely do they scratch sofas, draperies, or bed linings. They rarely “misbehave” and are usually eager to find companionship with the pet owner. If they are happy, they seem to have more energy and are more active during the day. Assuming you have an indoor cat and want to keep them healthy, here are 8 tips for you. These tips will help you keep your cat from getting bored and help you keep them healthy.
Cat Care Tips #1 – Choose the Right Cat
Although adopting a kitten might seem easier than bringing in a stray cat, it can be difficult. Cats are just like people. It is important to choose the right type of cat to be your pet. Are you looking for an energetic kitten to adopt? Would you prefer a senior cat who isn’t as active? Would you be willing to adopt an older cat who has grown accustomed to being on the streets? A senior cat might be better than a kitten depending on the circumstances. Older cats are less likely to damage or climb on things in the house. They are calmer and do not need the constant attention kittens usually need. If you choose a cat with FIV (feline immunodeficiency viruses) and FeLV (feline lymphoma virus) you must remember to keep them indoors. However, this doesn’t mean that they are all suited to living in your home. Spend some time with your cat before you bring it home.
Cat CareTip #2: Neuter or Spay Your Cat to Improve their Behavior
Spaying or neutering your cat is a great way to help prevent hormone-related behavior. This will prevent your cat’s search for a mate and from destroying your furniture. Also, spaying or neutering your pet will reduce their risk of developing reproductive diseases. But most importantly, it will prevent unwanted litters of kittens and help reduce the cat population.
Cat Care Tip #3: Fresh Water and Diet
Following your vet’s recommended diet for your cat should be enough to have a healthy cat. Indoor cats do not get enough exercise and tend to be bigger than outdoor cats. That’s why it is important to follow the veterinarian’s recommended diet for your pet. If you play with your cat and keep them active, it will help them keep trim and healthy. Keep the water in their bowls fresh and avoid giving them human food.
Cat Care Tip #4: Personal Space and Sleeping Area
Cats are territorial, especially when there are multiple cats living in the same house. On the other hand, there are some cats that are very friendly and social, and they need companions to play and chase around. But keep in mind that cats are independent animals and they need to have a safe place to sleep or retreat if they feel threatened. Allowing your cats to have a safe place for themselves can save you a lot of behavioral problems like spraying and destructive scratching around the home. If you can provide a window shelf for your cats, you will realize how much they love them, and how much time they spent sitting on them.
Cat CareTip #5: Cat Exercise
To encourage your cat to exercise, place horizontal and vertical cat scratching boards throughout your home. Cats love to chase long strings of material they can grab with their paws, cut a couple of strings of material, and wave them around for them to chase.
Cat Care Tips #6 – Cat Toys for Entertainment and Fun
Interactive toys and games for cats are very popular. To prevent your cat from becoming bored, rotate toys at least once a week. You can give your cat a ball, a shoelace, or laser light pointers to entertain it. This will make your cat happy and keep it in great shape.
Cat CareTip #7: Brush up
Regularly brush your cat’s hair and trim its claws. If your cat is long-haired, you should brush it more often to prevent hairballs. Do not bathe your cat as it is allergic to water. This is quite different from a normal dog who will likely enjoy a bath.
Cat CareTip #8 – Cat litter boxes
Place litter boxes in accessible and safe places. Keep them clean and free from scents. You should provide at least one litter-box per cat. Clean them daily. You should experiment with different types of litter boxes and cat litter from the beginning. Once your cat decides its preferred cat litter brand do not change it. They will pee everywhere if their preferred brand is changed arbitrarily.
Cats are easy and enjoyable pets to have. They can be moody and aloof but they can also be funny and loving. Enjoy your healthy and happy pet.