Ways to Improve Your Cat’s Life

March 28th (this Wednesday) is Respect Your Cat Day! This is actually one of the oldest “holidays,” dating back to 1384. That year, according to popular legends, King Henry II outlawed the eating of cats (gross). While it’s nice to know we’ve come a long way in the last six centuries, cats are not always treated with the respect and love that other pets receive. We view cats as outlaws, not needing of love and affection. They are the most likely pet to spend more time outdoors than inside. However, ignoring your cat does a disservice to its overall health. So in honor of Respect Your Cat Day let’s look at a few things to keep your improve your cat’s health:

Let your cat hunt again, in the home. Even indoor cats are natural hunters. Yet humans feed cats like they do dogs. Instead, make dinner time fun for your cat by nurturing the predator inside. Create “food puzzles” for your cat to allow it to hunt naturally for its food, like it would outside. Make it easy at the start and gradually increase the difficulty. This also works great for treats!

Invest in a Cat Tree. The first cat I had destroyed my furniture because I was too cheap to invest in a good cat tree. A cat tree placed by the window gives it a place to relax and check out the outside world. A cat tree also gives something for the cat to climb on. But most importantly a cat tree gives your cat something to scratch. A good cat tree will last years so don’t skimp. You can buy a few smaller trees to place throughout the home to keep things interesting.

Give Your Cat Alternatives. As mentioned above, a few cat trees keep things interesting. So does a few food bowls, water dishes and litter boxes. Probably not an option if you have a small space, like an apartment. But if you live in a house, giving your cat options is especially important for homes with more than one cat. Cats are territorial and the options allow each kitty to claim its own territory.

Let Your Cat Outdoors Safely. Some cats do great outside. But for the most part the outdoors create a very dangerous environment for cats. Kids can be rough with cats, other animals can attack, cars can hit a cat. Instead, create a safe outdoor space for your cat, like an outdoor patio. A backyard that is properly enclosed can also provide an opportunity. Just make sure your cat can’t dig a hole under a fence and escape. Leashes do work on cats, if you are patient and train it.

Spend Time With Your Cat. Cats don’t get enough credit for being social creatures. Cats need love and attention, on their terms of course. I talk to my cat all the time and she loves it! Just let the cat come to you. Forcing a cat to socialize stresses it out and it will act out even more.

These simple steps with help to improve your cat’s life! Don’t forget if your cat is showing signs of illness or behavior changes make an appointment with us for a check up. For more pet tips and tricks follow us on Instagram!