September is Happy Cat Month! Cats are wonderful companions and pets. Take some time to make sure as a cat owner, you are dedicated to ensuring you have a happy feline friend. Some things you can consider when evaluating how happy your cat may be, or extra things you can do to add to your cat’s happiness are:
Provide the necessities: a clean litter box, food, and water. These may seem to go without saying, but think about it; if you are not providing the basic necessities for your cat, it could be making her miserable as well as sick. No one wants to have to use a dirty litter box that’s a few days past its prime, or only have unappetizing food or stale and dirty water to drink. Making sure that you properly provide the essentials for your cat is the basis of a happy life.
Feed a high-quality diet appropriate to her life stage. Review your cat’s diet with your veterinarian to make sure she is getting all the proper nutrients she needs and the right amount and type of food for her age and lifestyle. Variety is the spice of life, so don’t forget to switch up the flavors of your cat’s wet food, or indulge in some different treats.
Satisfy her natural instincts: cats have a natural urge to scratch which cares for their claws and helps them to stretch, so make sure you provide a scratching post, both to keep your cat’s predisposition satisfied as well as to save your furniture. A bonus if it also provides perches and hiding places for your cat to climb around and hide in.
Keep your cat in good shape: exercise, play time and interactive toys all help to provide mental and physical stimulation for your kitty. Make time for regular playtime with your cat, like laser tag, but also provide toys that she can play with independently, like treat puzzles.
Provide entertainment along with playtime and toys: make sure your cat has a good spot to look out on the world from. Even better if it had a bird feeder in view, or trees where birds and squirrels come to hang out. Without entertainment and enrichment activity, boredom and havoc can ensue.
Explore the outdoors: even if you cat is an indoor cat, there are ways she can explore the big world out there is a safe way. Some cats can be walked on a leash, which provides safe outdoor exploration. If your cat is not as accepting of the leash, you can try a catio- an enclosed outdoor structure or area where your cat can enjoy fresh air, get exercise, and take in the great outdoors safe from predators and the dangers of getting lost.
Regular vet visits are very important to keep your cat healthy along with preventive care and medications. Make sure your veterinarian practice is “cat-friendly” so your cat has the best experience possible visiting the vet. Once there, your vet will be able to advise you on your cat’s overall health and wellness, common signs of illnesses to look for (since cats are experts as hiding illness) as well as provide recommendations on what preventive medications, like flea and heartworm preventives, are appropriate for your cat.
For an extra monthly dose of happiness and surprise, subscription boxes are also available for your feline friends that usually offer treats and toys delivered monthly. It’s a great way to add some variety to the everyday and learn about some new treats and products your cat may love!