Is Your Cat a Happy Cat?

Can we really know whether our cats are happy? Are there any signs we can look for to reassure ourselves that we are doing our best for our pets? I’ve been doing some research and I’ve come up with what I think are the Top Ten Ways to Make Your Cat  Happy. 

1. Feed your cat at a distance from other cats in your household. By having feeding bowls too close to other cats causes stress whilst eating and you may often see one cat take a swipe at another. Cats can certainly be fed at the same time, in the same place but just far enough away to be able to observe each other comfortably.
2. Position your cat’s scratching post in a permanent place so that he can return to the same spot to manicure his claws and simultaneously mark it with scent from the glands in his paws. This will help him feel secure and happy.
3. Keep your cat’s routine regular. He will be much happier if he knows what is expected of him and just when things will happen. Feeding, grooming, toileting and indoor or outdoor access will all be managed much more easily if they form a regular and reliable part of your cat’s day.
4. Provide some mental stimulation for your cat. You may think that lazing around all day, sleeping whenever you wish is highly desirable but even cats can get bored. Try hiding a few tasty treats around the house or a toy or two. If your cat enjoys catnip, try rubbing some into their playthings - it’ll turbo charge their playtime!
5. Always keep an eye on your cat’s behavior. No, not to make sure that he’s not up to mischief but to make sure that you spot any unusual changes. Cats are very bad at communicating distress - emotional or physical - and it is up to us to spot the clues that all is not well in our cat’s world. If you have any concerns, always seek help before small problems turn into big ones. A healthy cat is a happy cat.
6. Learn to interact with your cat on his level. Take some time to understand what motivates him and you will avoid causing him unhappiness by your lack of thought. For instance, don’t scold him when he catches a mouse and presents it to you - he’s showing his love and respect for you and won’t understand why you yell at him. Would you be happy if you brought your best friend a gift and they shouted angrily at you?
7. Spend enough time with your cat to boost his happiness levels sky high! He is a living being who feels all the basic emotions that you do and needs the warmth of your love and companionship - particularly if he is an only cat.
8. If your cat needs to be away from home, in a boarding cattery or a stay at the vet’s for example, make sure that he has a familiar blanket and toy with him. We all feel distressed when we are out of our normal environment, how much more then, will your cat? Having his ‘comfort’ smells around him will help calm him a little.
9. Be aware that your cat needs to have his territory and work with him in maintaining it. Moving furniture around, introducing new things (or people!) into your cat’s world, decorating, having tradesmen in to do jobs, bringing home a new kitten - all these things will unsettle your cat. Try to make the changes as easy on him as possible, with disruption kept to a minimum.
10. And finally, what’s the single most important thing you can do to make your cat happy? Just love him!