Cats are known for being easy keepers. Fluffy spends a rather ridiculous amount of time sleeping, which is not only adorable to see but also makes things pretty easy for you. She’ll also clean herself, and doesn’t need walks or training. However, you’ll need to do a bit more for your furry pal to keep her happy than simply filling her food bowl and changing her litter. Pets also have emotional and mental needs, just as people do. Read on as a local Cherry Hill, NJ vet offers some tips on keeping your feline friend happy, healthy, and purring.

How Do I Keep My Indoor Cat Happy?

If you’re keeping your feline buddy indoors, then you’re already on the right track. Of course, Fluffy may not quite see it that way. Cats are quite adventurous, and they often love to go outside and partake in popular kitty activities, such as digging up flowerbeds, leaving pawprints on your windshield, dropping dead mice on the porch, and, of course, refusing to come when called. That may all be quite fun for your feline pal, but it unfortunately exposes her to many different threats. Cars, weather, wild animals, parasites, chemicals, weather … the list goes on. Suffice it to say, your cute pet will be much safer inside.

That all said, it is true that indoor cats don’t get as much stimulation or exercise. You’ll need to do a few things to keep Fluffy entertained. Toys and playtime are of course the gold standards here, but there are other things you can do as well.

High Spaces: Give your cat some vertical space. Kitties don’t have much of a view from ground level! Fluffy loves to get to a higher vantage point, so she can look around at her kingdom and servants (That’s you.). Cat towers are great for this, but you can also give your feline overlord kitty shelves or kitty steps, or even go all-out and put in a catwalk.

Window Seat: Our feline pals love to look out windows and spy on local wildlife, while, of course, soaking up some sun and daydreaming about being fierce hunters. In fact, if you don’t give your furry voyeur a comfy spot, she’ll probably just make her own … even if that means climbing through your blinds. That can be quite dangerous. It’s also going to ruin your blinds! 

Purrniture: We mentioned vertical space, but kitties also like having things to curl up on, hide in, play on, and, of course, just relax on. Fluffy isn’t very picky when it comes to sleeping spots. She’ll thoroughly enjoy and benefit from a good bed, but she’s also purrfectly happy to curl up on your lap or sprawl out on the coffee table.

Plants: Plants actually can help make your home seem cozy and welcoming: both for people and pets. Fluffy may also enjoy nibbling on certain plants, such as Spider plants. Just stick with safe options. You can find a full list on the ASPCA website here.

What Can I Do To Make My Cat Happier?

It’s very easy to poke fun at our feline overlords for being cold, aloof, and, well, a bit overly fond of killing small animals. However, at the end of the day, Fluffy actually is quite emotional, and needs to feel loved to be truly happy.

We’ll start with the basics: good food, clean water, and a clean litterbox. Aside from that, the next things on the list would be entertainment and stimulation.

We also have to mention that proper veterinary care comes into play. Fluffy won’t feel very happy if she is sick or uncomfortable. Keeping up with wellness care will protect your feline pal from dangerous parasites and diseases, while exams will help you monitor your cute pet’s overall health. Healthy pets are happy pets! 

Little things can go a long way. Bringing your feline pal toys, offering her treats, setting out comfy blankets for her to nap on … all of these are small things you can do to get that little motor going. Taking time to play with your pet is crucial for bonding, and will definitely score you some points.

Another big one? Just talk to your cat. Your pet may not know what you’re saying, but she will know that you’re communicating with her and paying attention to her. Fluffy may even talk back! Some kitties are quite the little chatterboxes, and love to tell their owners about the moth in the living room, the toy under the couch, or the squirrel in the yard. Others don’t have very much to say. Either way, the sound of your voice will help soothe and comfort your pet.

How Can You Tell If Your Cat Is Happy?

We’ll be the first to admit that cats can be confusing. However, Fluffy is pretty good about making her feelings known. If your feline friend feels affectionate towards you, she will show her love … and in some pretty adorable ways. She may follow you around, climb into your lap, meow at you, snuggle up to you at night, or rub against your legs.

Your cat’s body condition and language can also tell you quite a bit. Every kitty is unique. If your feline pal is a bit of a curmudgeon naturally, she may not want to sit on your lap or cuddle, but she should still be fairly alert and active. Curiosity is always a good sign. And while your vet should be the ultimate authority as far as your pet’s body condition goes, you can get an idea by how Fluffy looks and acts overall. 

Kitties can be a bit more secretive when it comes to letting on that they don’t feel well, so you may need to look more closely. Here are some of the signs that a cat is unhappy or stressed:

• Overgrooming
• Hiding
• Litterbox Woes
• Meowing more/less/differently
• Overeating
• Withdrawal
• Refusing To Eat
• Grumpiness/Aggression
• Clinginess
• Pacing

Keep in mind that these can all be indications of medical issues, some of which could prove to be very serious. 

How Do You Make An Unhappy Cat Happy?

There’s no one universal answer for this. Every cat is different. A shy kitty that has been thrust into a busy household that includes several other pets may be overstimulated, and may be happiest in a quiet home with one or two humans and no other pets. An outgoing cat, on the other paw, may be lonely if she is an only pet that is left alone for long hours while her humans are at work. 

FLuffy’s personality should also affect your kitty decorating plans. For example, if you have a timid cat, your pet may like having a cat tower with enclosed spots. A bolder, more active furball may be happy with a cat wheel. 

A cat that has been through hard times will also need to heal and perhaps adapt a bit before they can really be content. If you have a rescue, offer lots of comfy, cozy spots, such as pet tents. 

Make An Appointment At Your Cherry Hill, NJ Pet Hospital. 

Do you have questions about your kitty’s health or care? Contact us, your local Cherry Hill, NJ pet hospital, today. We are always here to help!