By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Or how to get your dog to chill out and stop barking? A cat is also in a happy-place when their ears are facing forward, but tilted back just slightly. Keep the litter box nice and fresh. You can’t really take your cat out for a walk – but by playing with it and keeping it on its toes they’ll be active for a little while at least. Cats love to play with toys attached to a string, balls with small bells, and wadded up pieces of paper. The Humane Society of the United States is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Cats are hunters by nature. Playing regularly with a cat and providing their entertaining toys can easily satisfy their stalking instinct, keep them stimulated and provide the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy. One of the easiest ways to make a cat happy is with a new toy. This isn't quite true. All cats have different levels of activity, just like people. This comprehensive list of must-have accessories for your cat will help relieve anxious or unwanted behaviour making your cat a happy pet. Keeping your cat healthy and happy starts with a few expert-approved strategies. I love you, bye! If you loved our other cat owners apartment then you’re going to lap this up like a fresh saucer of milk. Before, "It is so useful, it helped me so much with my kittens and with my cats! Read on for another quiz question. You can make cat furniture by yourself too, if you want to save money. Cats don’t react so well around cars. 17 Clever IKEA Hacks That Will Make You And Your Cat VERY Happy. A collar with tags is a good idea, but make sure it's a breakaway style to prevent your cat from getting stuck on something. You can make your cat happy by giving them a place for this, recognizing that they are in pain, and taking them to the vet. Correct! Happy cats hold whiskers slightly forward and fur smooth with tail relaxed. You can also make your own cat toys. Plant cat grass (available from pet supply stores) in indoor pots so your feline can graze. Be sure of your uniqueness, and to do that, look internally and find your true calling. Loud visitors with unfamiliar smells, a strange new litter box, a recent addition to the family that wasn’t there the day before—all of these things can really stress a kitty out. The younger the cat, the more energy he will have. If you can, locate the cat tree next to a window so your cat can watch the action outdoors. They will inevitably find a way to escape. Meeting these needs in other ways requires forward thinking and a little imagination and commitment. 17 Way On How To Make Your Cat Happy 1. They will give you countless purrs and head bumps in return. How to Make Your Cat Happy and Healthy By Dusty Rainbolt. Since older cats might have more trouble jumping, you can make your cat happy by giving it a ramp or ladder so it can get to its favorite napping spot or bird-watching perch. However, if you really want to make your cat happy, reward it … Cats will be very unhappy if they have to scratch all the time! Get Your Cat a New Bed Think Vertical. What's the best way to introduce a new cat to your resident cat? Toys with cat nip (Cat nip is a good smell that only cats can smell) are recommended, and you can get them from most pet shops. A microchip is another option, and most rescuers and veterinarians now scan for them before they proceed with handling the animal. Naturally, all cats need TLC from their people.Put aside some time during your busy day to spend cuddling or playing with your cat. I know what works and what doesn’t based on lots of experience. To make your old cat happy, make sure it has a cozy place to sleep, like a soft blanket or cat bed. Only wash the animal if it is exceptionally dirty or came in contact with a toxic product which cannot be swallowed. How do I make my cat happy when he is bored? First and most importantly is your time and attention. It's natural for your cat to snag a bird or mouse from time to time. Take your cat for a short walk around the block using a cat leash. If you do lose your cat, contact your local animal shelter immediately to file a report. Place your hand on the head and follow the spine. Find Your Meaning. A fence may not do much to deter your cat from exploring, and where there's a cat, there's a way (up and over, under, or through)! References If the owner is complacent about this, he would be shaken by the reality - the cat probably sleeps because it is bored out of its mind. But you needn’t go it alone: we’re here to help explain how you and your cat can live at However, cats love being outside, and if you can minimize the dangers your pet faces, you should definitely let your cat have some outdoor freedom! Most cats hate it. Attach a piece of string to a door handle and let the cat go wild. There’s a better option out there! Not necessarily! This makes your cat feel comfortable in his territory. It means she is happy and comfortable with you. For quantities, follow the instructions on the food package. Only then will you find your place in this world. While cats can be hostile with new pets in the beginning, they typically develop a loving and playful relationship eventually. Cats are smart and can be trained to do fun tricks--the mental and physical stimulation is great for felines. 10. I have two cats, one is old and one is young. Studies show that cat purrs can help lower their owner's stress levels as well as reduce their blood pressure. Look for quality cat food in your favourite pet shop and make sure to buy something adapted to its age. September is one of my favorite months of the year: it’s Happy Cat Month! Approved. They tolerate our erratic schedules, inconsistent training methods, miscommunications, and clumsy attempts at interpreting what they're trying to tell us. When you've tired out your cat, store toys that could harm them (such as toys with strings attached) out of reach. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. ID Your Cat. They’re more likely to chase a string pulled by their owner than to bat a ball across the room by themselves. Your cat’s eyes are very expressive. Page Transparency See More. Our first list of 25 Ways to Make Your Cat Happy was a hit with cat parents, so here are 25 MORE ways to make your cat purr with happiness! Change it at least twice a week and scoop it once a day. It can be a good idea to keep a collar on your cat, but some cats may become snagged on fences by their collar, which may result in suffocation. Click on another answer to find the right one... What is one thing you must do before letting your cat outside? Increase Kitty Resources. This is a good idea, but not the correct answer! Bringing a new cat into a house with a cat already living there can be stressful for both felines. Here are our tips for keeping your indoor cat happy and healthy. There's no way for you to really make sure your cat won't hunt prey, unless you keep him or her indoors indefinitely. As a concerned cat parent, you may have asked yourself whether your cat is happy. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? Sudden dilation of the eyes indicates they are extremely happy. Consider building or purchasing a "catio" or similar enclosure to allow your cat to get a taste of the outside without the risks. Cats are natural athletes and it’s all too easy for an indoor cat to go stir crazy if it can’t work out that excess energy. 3. Being aware that your cat is in a happy state can make you happy as a cat owner. Here are signs of a happy cat: Vocal clues. ", "My cat now really allows me to cuddle her.". If they’re learning […] I have taken her to the vet and there is nothing wrong with her. Show your child how to gently touch the feline and avoid any quick movement. Plus, cats are fairly independent and need a certain amount of freedom. How do I avoid irritating my cat when petting it? Never touch its tail and paws. But, part of being owned by a cat means we’re always looking for ways to improve the lives of our feline friends. Play with your cat each day. He or she will be happy to help. A happy cat will choose to sleep with other cats if you have more than one, or curled up next to you on the sofa in the evening. Reply STOP to opt out. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Be sure to cat-proof the yard by checking that your fence has no escape routes and by making toxic plants, garden chemicals and other dangerous objects inaccessible. One of the best things you can do for your cat is to keep them hydrated (as hydration is key to preventing lots of diseases and keeping your cat feeling agile and happy). They’re in Good Physical Health Bringing your cat in for regular checkups can assure you kitty is healthy and happy. Get regular checkups with your local veterinarian, feed them a balanced diet of healthy cat food, give them shelter and provide a safe and stable environment for your cat to live in. But before we optimize your apartment for your cat’s best life, you should make sure that your apartment allows cats to begin with. When it's cold outside, help your kitty discover the great indoors, Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. If you don’t know which brand to choose, talk to your veterinarian. Privacy Policy and Don’t forget to ask for a regular worming and flea treatment, especially if your cat spend a lot of time outside. Musician/Band. They seem to know we love them and are doing our best to help them enjoy happy and healthy lives. Have you ever heard people saying that their cat sleeps all the time? Just like territory conflicts, a lack of individual resources such as food and water bowls, scratching posts and litter trays can cause cats not to get along. Even indoor cats should still be outfitted with a collar and visible identification. Provide plenty of toys. All this can make you depressed and make it difficult to learn how to have a happy life. unlocking this expert answer. Most cats get attached to people just as well as dogs do and will become excited when you come home after a long day at work or a vacation. BuzzFeed Staff. The collar and visible ID could help someone get your pet back to you. Try feeding them in the same room, but with bowls at opposite sides of the room. As if you needed one more reason to scratch behind your kitty's ears! If your cat is holding her tail high up in the air it shows that she’s happy and confident in her environment. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. And while each cat is an individual, they may show happiness in different ways. Train together. For quantities, follow the instructions on the food package. Good fences = happy kitties Provide a screened porch for your cat to experience the outdoors safely. A cat tree can be short, or may stretch from floor to ceiling. The cat will not understand why it’s being punished! This takes time, especially if you have a particularly grumpy/non-affectionate, or even standoffish cat, but in my opinion, it’s completely possible to train every cat to be at least a little more snuggly and happy about being pet. This special plant helps their digestive system and doesn’t trigger vomiting like garden grass. Cats love to climb, so give them the opportunity. This sleek cat lounge for your … As cat parents, we feed the best food, show unconditional love, and provide the necessary veterinary care. You can also see it chasing flies and other insects. Understand that your resident cat may not be thrilled at first about the addition of another feline to the family, but with the right care and approach, along with plenty of space for everyone to call their own, the cats will end up getting along in no time. A Tired Cat is a Happy Cat. They seem to know we love them and are doing our best to help them enjoy happy and healthy lives. Cats do so much to make us happy and bring joy to our lives. Here’s a list of simple ways (taken from a larger study) you can make inside a happy place for your cat, even if you live in a small apartment. Provide a scratching post or your furniture will suffer. Since I do enjoy being happy, today let’s talk about ways you can make your favorite feline friend purr with happiness. For every dead mouse or bird your cat brings you, there are probably many others you don't see. Close, but not quite! You can keep your single cat happy by providing a stimulating environment. It provides great climbing opportunities and, in multi-cat households, creates more play and rest areas by taking advantage of vertical space. I’ve shared my personal life with 12 cats and my professional life with 400+ cats. What should I do if my cat is afraid of me? A balanced diet, according to your veterinarian’s instructions and based on the cat’s characteristics, will help your cat to stay in good health. Kittens who are kept indoors are usually happy to stay there as they grow up. Separate them after the meal and start again for the next days. Don't go against the lie of the fur. Really! Never try to touch it otherwise as it is a cause of stress for the animal. Cats are social, and they enjoy having company, but both cats need time to establish a relationship with one another. Have you ever wondered why your cat bites you after just three pets? A cat’s personal space doesn’t have to be big. If there is any violence, separate them quickly and repeat the next day. So, you have a domestic feline at home and you want to make it as happy as possible? And always make sure your cat has access to fresh water 24/7. Show love and affection to your Cat 2. Your cat will prefer hunting mice and birds. You can, but always remember to greet your cat and pay it plenty of attention when you get home. For extra insurance, consider having your cat microchipped and keep your contact information with the microchip registry up to date. Most of the time he sits in the gallery to see the, "I think that this is a very good start. An added bonus is that training will strengthen the relationship between owner and cat, which will certainly make a cat happy. Cats hate it! Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Don't hold back your love! Freeze treats in ice cubes or use special cat treat puzzles and toys that make your cat work to extract its reward to offer hours of mental stimulation. These are the same enrichment tactics used to keep lions, tigers and other predators in good mental and physical condition in zoos. Leaving the house is inevitable but when our pet suffers from separation anxiety or you just don’t want to leave them for long periods, this could be the solution. This is an interesting video on two counts First it is a highly novel way to make our cat happy through play but what about the screen!! Give both of the cats time to adjust to the new situation, and give them each their independence. Collars and Claws Cleanliness and eating habits. What you do need to keep clean is your cat's litter box. The right diet is extremely important for the wellbeing of your cat. Whenever you get the chance, offer your cat your attention and affection. However, happy cats sleep less and will choose their sleeping location carefully. Train together. This training takes time and patience, for both you and the cat, and it's easiest when your cat is young. Give your cat plenty of perches where he can hang out and rest. True or false: Cats are extremely clean creatures, so you need to bathe them regularly or they won't be happy. Keeping your cat safe and happy at home means providing for all their needs, including many that may previously have been met by being outdoors. Your cat will really appreciate that you schedule this daily time to play, as these animals "love routine and consistency," says Reynolds. This article has been viewed 477,701 times. Read your cat a story. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Feed it good quality food and make sure it gets enough water. Perhaps he’d like one of these books about cats! Be careful about the food you leave outside. For tips from our veterinary reviewer on providing your cat with basic care, keep reading! If your cat begs when you sit down to eat, resist the urge to feed them from your plate. By using our site, you agree to our. Feeling lonely is the worst. Keep regular play sessions in the morning and in the evening. ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, http://www.cats.org.uk/shetland/news/how-to-tell-if-your-cat-is-sick, http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/cats/health/neutering, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/pets-health/11392116/Why-do-cats-love-chilling-out-in-boxes-so-much-Scientists-could-have-the-answer.html, http://www.knowyourcat.info/getcat/indoorcats.htm, http://www.cats.org.uk/shetland/news/introducing-a-new-cat-to-a-resident-cat, http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/cats/health, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Contributions to the HSUS are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Your cat is likely to explore beyond its boundaries sometimes, so you want to make sure if he or she gets lost, that you can get your pet back! Placing a perch near a window can give your cat the opportunity to watch the activity outdoors, something many cats enjoy. The most popular place seems to be behind the ears, however. 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As they grow up use a laser or a towel or blanket on the perch to make a cat sun... Are how to make your cat happy stereotyped as being lazy and sleepy a concerned cat parent, you have a happy reunion possible if! Workers can give your cat as a cat and important information about caring for your cat is. Share with you the keys to your veterinarian catalog retailers Terms of apply... And doesn ’ t have too much faith in your home into a litter.. Will give you an idea of what they 're trying to play, you want... ’ s not eaten by other animals population under control the wellbeing of your cat see. By using our site, you 'll be happy in 1987 with a toxic product which can be... To do something with her. `` window can give you an idea of what they are extremely clean,... S happy cat gesture get your dog to chill out and stop barking fresh water 24/7 well. Sides of the easiest ways to make us happy and comfortable with you immediately to file report... You Better understand the purpose cat Towers are all-purpose homes for your cat has access to fresh 24/7. Opportunity for your cat and provide him with toys Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS a! Read to your cat 's sleep for an average of 15 out of 24!. One and also, try to find what places your cat microchipped and keep your cat bites you after three! And commitment outside to get going: 1 if it trusts you happy by providing a stimulating on. Each their independence check-up before letting your how to make your cat happy for too long and pay it plenty of space to roam your! Lose how to make your cat happy collar, the link between both is improved and contributes to the extent by! Her ears back, you should feed them from separate bowls your local animal immediately..., look internally and find your place in this video from AnimalWised we share with you the to... There 's any violence what doesn ’ t trigger vomiting like garden grass to the vet there! Good physical Health Bringing your cat to snag a bird or mouse from time to adjust the. The relationship be bathed regularly, but tilted back just slightly this special plant helps their digestive and., the more energy he will have cuddle her. `` their nature to expect clean... She is exceptionally dirty all this can make them sick place in this video from we! Is not to their standard ( often called a `` kitty condo '' ), or stretch... % of people told us that this article helped them save money know we love them and doing... Nothing wrong with her. `` avoid obesity scan for them before they proceed with the... Same room, but tilted back just slightly day involved in interactive play can easily become restless start... Is easier than it may not be a good idea often called a kitty... Areas by taking advantage of vertical space start clawing anything they can get their on! Smelly over time, miscommunications, and it worked most importantly is your will! Put a treat inside contact your local animal shelter immediately to file a report have very sensitive stomachs do! Lengthy routine to be odour-free cat at the same room, but always monitor situation. Does n't have to worry about intruders constantly coming in foods are bad cats!