Domestic cats can seem mysterious if humans don’t understand their basic needs.
A happy house cat is all about satisfying their instincts and keeping them so they can live a happy and healthy life.
Dr. Gillian Orlando (owner of the Veterinary Behavior Clinic in the US), says, “I think there are some people who want to keep a cat just because they think cats don’t require any care and attention. However, cats can require as much effort from their owners as dogs.”
Here are secrets from the experts to help prevent your cat from developing depression, homesickness and stress.
Turn your home into a friendly environment that meets all of your cats’ needs!
1. Develop Your Cat’s Hunting Instincts at Mealtime
Hunting is a vital instinct and a great way for cats to use their energy.
Hunting behavior consists of observation, stalking and chasing, attacking and capturing, and performing a lethal bite.
It is this sequence that satisfies their brain activity when it comes to the instinct to hunt.
Remember when we wrote about prey sequences when playing with a laser pointer?
Since domestic cats are provided with food, they have no special need to hunt and get food for themselves. Thus, this procedure falls on our shoulders to help the cat to participate in the imaginary hunt.
To get your cat involved in hunting while eating, you can use certain strategies and tools.
Cat behaviorists provide several examples of how to help attract a cat at mealtime, “For example, owners can make attempts to encourage hunting scenarios by hiding small amounts of food in several locations.“
“Even the simplest options, such as a shoebox with holes and food thrown inside, can be beneficial for cats,” they say.
Actually, to your pet, you can offer several modern solutions to develop their hunting instincts while eating.
Food Maze Toys
Such toys are a kind of maze that will attract the cat’s attention and force your pet to hunt.
There are different variations of such mazes in online stores: from simple cardboard solutions to advanced and expensive mazes.
Devices for throwing cat treats
This variation is a small plastic device into which pet food is poured. It is also ideal for training and education.
All you have to do is fill it with dry food or other tasty treats. And when you press the button, the treat will fly at a distance of up to 5 meters. And your cat will, of course, chase it and try to catch it.
Cat treat balls
It’s simple. A special plastic ball is filled with dry food or treats. The ball has a small hole through which the food will fall out as it rolls around.
And yes, the size of this hole is adjustable – so you can “load” it with different sized goodies.
We adjusted our ball so that literally one or more breadcrumbs would fall out when rolling, say 1m.
Puzzle toys for cats
There is no limit to creativity here. Most pet stores offer a pretty decent variety of puzzle toys for the feeding and development of cats.
And of course, all these devices will perfectly develop and diversify the food intake of your pet.
In online stores, you can choose both the simplest and inexpensive options and complex technological devices.
Toys that allow cats to perform components of the predatory sequence including chasing, catching, and biting will be very beneficial to your cats.
Any plush mice, feathers, and toys that move or can be pulled by a string are all good options too.
Of course, your pet will have their own individual preferences as to what they like best – so try out different entertainment options.
However, keep in mind that you should also be careful with some toys, as they can be dangerous for your cat.
Things that can be swallowed (ropes, feathers, small objects) should be definitely put away – believe us, they can be swallowed within seconds.
Murmeo’s Comment! Our Abyssinian cat was caught in the act when we “missed” the ribbon from a gift. By some miracle we were lucky to catch it in time. The cat was barely caught as he finished the last 10cm of that ribbon. We slowly pulled the ribbon out of his esophagus and crossed ourselves.
Do you want to know what the length of this eaten ribbon was? 60cm – that’s more than half a meter of ribbon was chewed in a matter of minutes as if it was the most delicious food in the world. Stay alert!
2. A Scratching Post for Cats is an Important Item of Care
Scratching plays an important role in a cat’s overall well-being and health. In addition, this behavioral method is used to mark its territory.
“Scratching is an important behavior for cats because it helps to mark the environment not only physically, but also by smell.” Among other things, scratching also keeps your cat’s claws strong and healthy.
To keep your indoor cat satisfied and avoid scratching your furniture, it’s important to provide cat scratching posts.
And so, scratching post, scratcher, claw sharpener – all this implies some kind of construction specially designed for claw sharpening.
There can be quite a few variations: from simple posts to complex multi-tiered complexes.
Most cats, as a rule, prefer vertical surfaces. And they also like the exact surface that they can actually sink their claws into, such as sisal, rope, carpeting, or cardboard.
Nevertheless, when it comes to choosing a cat scratching post, keep in mind your cat’s scratching style. Keep in mind that some animals prefer vertical surfaces while others prefer horizontal surfaces. And it’s important that the surface is sturdy and won’t wobble when the cat uses it.
Here is a list of the most popular types of scratching posts:
- Scratching Posts (column)
- Horizontal Scratchers
- Flat Scratchers
- Vertical Scratchers
- Cat Scratchers Shelves
- Scratching Towers
- Scratching Toys
- Other Interior Items With Special Coatings
As you can see, there can be quite a lot of variations – it all depends only on the cat’s preferences and your budget.
By the way, we previously published a great article about scratching posts, their types, and how to choose a scratching post. We hope that you will be able to make the right choice 🐱.
3. Add Some Vertical Space
As predatory animals, many cats like to have some vertical space (height) to feel safe and observe what is going on.
Cat behaviorists explain, “Because cats can be predators as well as prey, owners must provide safe and comfortable spaces for their cats. This can include raised shelves, racks, and other hiding places.“
You are free to also use cat trees, cat perches, and cat shelves to help them get that desired height.
It is especially recommended to give your cat a separate place to hide if you have children or other animals in your home. The cat will appreciate such a private sanctuary where it cannot be disturbed.
4. Grow Grass That is Safe for Cats
Veterinarians may also recommend providing your cat with some sort of ‘plant material.
“Just provide your pet with a plant to chew on! Or grow wheat sprouts yourself and your pet will thank you,” experts say.
Keep in mind that even though cats are carnivores, they can still benefit from the vitamins and fibers of plant material.
Plus, by providing grass, you can keep your cats from digging or eating your other indoor plants.
And yes, don’t forget that some indoor plants can be poisonous.
5. “Optimize” Your Cat’s Litter Box
A happy cat should be provided with all of its needs, including “dirty deeds”. Cat behaviorists often stress the importance of setting up your litter box correctly.
Setting the litter tray in the right place and maintaining it is very fundamental.
We too often place a litter box based solely on our convenience and preference. Those small, uncomfortable trays, and even those with obscure flavorings (such as in silicone). Or if they are located in a noisy or unsafe place from the cat’s point of view.
Of course, your pet is desperate and may go to such an uncomfortable toilet.
However, keep in mind that the cat may boycott you. In this case, any place in your home can become a toilet.
Here is a list of tips that will help improve your cat’s attitude to the litter box.
- Place the litter box in a location that is convenient for the cat.
- Keep the litter box away from “high-traffic” areas and feeding areas. Make sure your pet can access the litter box without feeling threatened or unsafe.
- Clean the toilet litter box daily or every other day (at least at first).
- You may have to experiment with different types of fillers until you find the right one for your pet. By the way, we use silica gel fillers – no problems at all.
- If the kitten “misses” the litter box at first, wipe the urine with a tissue and place it in the litter box. Your pet will surely smell the odor and understand where to go to “pee”.
- Of course, if the cat has gone to the wrong place, the spot should be washed with some liquid with a persistent and repulsive odor. We have dealt with vinegar solutions when we have kittens.
- Don’t shout or poke the cat’s nose in “that very” spot – that kind of parenting won’t help.
Of course, litter box problems mostly only happen when you’ve just gotten a kitten. If the cat has already lived with you for years, you have a developed strategy for the litter box 🐱. You know the best way to go about it yourself.
6. Take the Cat for a Walk
If you have the opportunity to take your cat outside, it’s a great option to make your pet at least a little happier.
After all, such a variety of smells, birds, butterflies and bugs will not make cats bored. And walks are also a great option to get rid of excess weight (if there is any, of course).
However, walking outside can be a challenge for owners. Here you need a harness, and the animal must be vaccinated (which we do regularly). And you need to start teaching the dog to walk from an early age.
But, your pet will certainly appreciate such walks in the fresh air – so it is worth the effort.
7. Get a Workout
Cat behavior correction experts mention that training a cat can be a great way to encourage them to be happy.
“Training is a wonderful activity! It’s a good workout for your cat’s brain and a great way to keep her entertained,” comment the experts.
You can teach your cat at least simple and fun tricks – and you can then show the results to your friends.
Murmeo’s Comment! We have our own version of training too. We throw a mouse in a certain position, and our Abyssinian cat jumps up and catches it on the fly. One day we will definitely make a video on this topic.
8. Provide the Cat With Any Activity
Cats can also get bored and sad if they have no “work” or outlet for their energy.
And of course, then they may well find something to do that you may not quite like 😊. Jumping on kitchen cabinets or doors, biting wires, and so on – that’s just us when the cat is bored.
Keep in mind that cats are predators, so they have natural instincts to chase, bite, and tear prey. Perhaps playing with a laser pointer will help a bit here.
In general, any active activity whether it’s playing with a mouse or a ball, or any kind of running and activity will keep your cat from getting bored. Keep this in mind if you notice sadness in your cat’s eyes.
How to Make a Cat Happy – Summing Up
Recall our list that will improve your cat’s quality of life and make them happier:
- Develop your cat’s hunting instincts at mealtime.
- Purchase a scratching post.
- Add vertical space for walking.
- Grow or buy grass.
- Properly organize the litter box.
- Take the cat out for a walk.
- Engage in any type of exercise with your cat.
- Provide your cat with activity.
Keep in mind that your pet’s quality of life is your responsibility and duty.
It would be best if you did not let your pet become sad or frustrated.
Just stick to our recommendations and of course, add your variations and preferences.
How do you entertain your cats? Share your tips and tricks – surely everyone has their own tricks.
