Cats are America’s second-favorite pet! It’s not hard to see why. Kitties are small, but they’re full of personality and character, making us smile with their adorable quirks and lively antics. But what does it take to keep Fluffy’s little motor going? Read on! In this article, a Crested Butte veterinarian provides answers to common questions about how to keep your cat happy and satisfied.
What Makes Kitties Happy?
Let’s start with the basics. Providing good food, a clean litterbox, and proper veterinary care will take care of the essentials. To keep that little motor running, though, a little more is needed. You will need to provide amusement, excitement, and other feline comforts.
Here are a few recommendations:
Talk To Fluffy
Talking to your feline friend is a great way to connect with her. Although Fluffy might have trouble understanding your words, she will appreciate your attempts to communicate.
Your furry companion may also respond in her own unique way. Talkative felines might just respond with a meow of their own. Fluffy might also flick her tail, give you a gentle blink, or affectionately nudge you with her head. (Then again, she may also bite, scratch, or pounce playfully on your toes. You never know!)
Kitty Playtime
Playtime and toys are crucial for your furry friend’s happiness and well-being. Your adorable, affectionate little pet has the heart—and hunting instincts—of a lion. Cats are natural hunters, instinctively driven to pounce, jump, and scratch. These skills greatly improve their chances of survival in the wild. It’s crucial for Fluffy to have the opportunity to embrace her inner predator from time to time.
Playing is not just a great way to satisfy your cat’s natural hunting instincts. It’s also fantastic for building strong connections. Taking a few moments every day to play with your adorable pet can greatly strengthen your connection and make her feel loved.
There are other benefits as well.
- This will help Fluffy stay fit and healthy.
- The mental stimulation is also very beneficial.
- If you have multiple cats, engaging them in joint play sessions can foster a stronger bond between them.
- Playing can boost the confidence of a shy feline.
- If your pet has a feisty personality, it’s a great outlet for their spirited nature. This will give Fluffy the chance to burn off those zoomies in a healthy way, rather than by knocking everything off your dressers.
It’s important to remember that every pet has their own preferences when it comes to toys. A cat may enjoy chasing a red dot from a laser pointer, while another may prefer playing with catnip mice. Experiment with various options to find out what your furry companion enjoys the most.
Provide Purrniture
Our feline overlords have no qualms about claiming our beds, sofas, tables, chairs, and laps as their own personal napping spots. However, it’s important for Fluffy to have some belongings that are exclusively hers.
The cat tower is undoubtedly the best choice in this case. This piece serves multiple purrposes. It provides your feline companion with a great kitty vantage point. That is actually pretty significant. Cats don’t have much of a view from ground level! No wonder they enjoy climbing to high places. Fluffy also likes being able to gaze down on her kingdoms and subjects (which would be you) with an arrogant and adorable look of kitty superiority.
Not only do cat towers offer a place for your adorable pet to play and relax, they also serve as a convenient nail care station. Your feline companion can satisfy her natural urge to keep her claws sharp … without destroying your furniture. Fluffy will also appreciate having some cozy places to rest and a fun play area. If you have a dog, she may also benefit from having that vertical space, where she can get away from Fido. (We’ll discuss Fluffy and Fido’s relationship in a future post. However, if your pets aren’t getting along, reach out to your Crested Butte vet or a pet behaviorist for advice.)
You can find an affordable tower without spending a fortune. An old stepladder or shelf system can be easily repurrposed. Simply incorporate wooden planks to create cozy spots for your feline friend to relax. Then, wrap it with sisal rope or carpet and tell Fluffy to stay off it.
Kitty Lounging Spots
Our feline companions can sleep for up to 20 hours a day. Having a variety of spots to choose from will undoubtedly make Fluffy happy. Store-bought beds are fantastic, and we highly recommend getting at least one or two. Another option is to place folded blankets on footstools, storage trunks, or ottomans. If there’s one thing cats aren’t fussy about, it’s napping spots.
Room With A View
We always recommend that people keep their kitties indoors at all times. It’s a much safer option for them! Once Fluffy steps outside, she becomes vulnerable to a range of dangers, including traffic, harsh weather conditions, wildlife, stray cats, harmful substances, and unfortunately, certain people. Allowing kitties to roam outdoors significantly increases their chances of encountering parasites, getting lost, injured, or worse.
That being said, our feline buddies do have a genuine fascination with watching birds and squirrels, and simply enjoy observing the outdoor activities. Ensure that Fluffy has a comfortable window seat with a pleasant view. By placing a bird feeder within her line of sight, you’ll not only be offering her live entertainment but also supporting local wildlife.
Pet-Safe Plants
Plants not only purify the air, but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of any living space. Fluffy thoroughly enjoys peeking out from behind green leaves, playfully pretending to be a fierce predator. It’s important to choose safe options. Visit the ASPCA website for a comprehensive list of plants, including both toxic and non-toxic varieties.
Purr Activation
Lastly, ensure that your cat feels loved. Engage with Fluffy by speaking to her, giving her affectionate pets, and enjoying playful interactions. You can also provide a cozy spot and gentle affection to keep that purring sound going.
Ultimately, cats desire the same things as humans: affection, comfort, and security. We can’t overstate how important it is to make Fluffy feel loved. Give your furry companion the attention she deserves! This can be as effortless as gently patting her forehead as you pass by, or allowing her to peacefully nap on your lap. This may very well be just as good for you as it is for her. Our feline pals have a special way of melting our hearts and turning our houses into homes!
Take Your Kitty To Your Pet Clinic Regularly
If given the choice, our feline companions would undoubtedly prefer to relax at home and enjoy a peaceful nap instead of making a trip to our pet hospital. Proper veterinary care is absolutely essential for maintaining Fluffy’s overall well-being.
We strongly recommend that all cats are microchipped, spayed or neutered, and regularly brought in for exams, vaccines, and parasite control. At home, stay vigilant for any indications of illness. Look out for symptoms like vomiting, untidy fur, hiding, respiratory problems, changes in appetite, weight fluctuations, fever, diarrhea, and issues with the litterbox. Please reach out to us if you observe anything unusual.
Make An Appointment At Your Crested Butte Pet Clinic
Do you need any assistance regarding your cat’s health or care? Get in touch with us, your Crested Butte pet hospital, today!
