Happy Cat Month! Every September, we at Cozy Cat Suites observe Happy Cat Month by celebrating all things cat. Our goal is to help our feline caregivers provide the best possible care for their furry friends. Cats thrive when their routine is predictable and their environment is enriching. While some may be content with a sunny window and cozy spot, most will need a bit more to satisfy their instinctual needs and boost their happiness. Keep reading to learn how you can transform your cat’s emotional well-being.
1. Give them a memorable view
Cats quietly observe the world around them from a comfy perch. If you’ve got a nice sunny window, consider adding a window ledge, cat tree, or similar perch for a great view of birds, squirrels, and passersby. If your home or apartment lacks a great window, consider putting on a cat-friendly TV show occasionally to give your kitty something new to enjoy.
2. Let them climb to new heights
Cats feel more secure when they can survey their surroundings from a height. Cat trees are a great place to start, but if you can’t sacrifice the floor space, consider installing perches, shelves, hammocks, wall steps, and wall-mounted bowls to give your cat a range of sensory options to experience. These can also encourage your kitty to be more active and may even provide them with a stronger sense of security.
3. Make mealtime fun
In the wild, cats go through a hunting sequence when playing or eating. Recreating the sequence indoors can help satisfy your cat’s species-specific needs and provide essential enrichment.
The sequence begins when the cat spots movement. They’ll then:
- Freeze and crouch
- Stare at and stalk their prey
- Butt wiggle to ensure traction
- Pounce on and grab prey
- Bite and eat
When you can incorporate some or all of this sequence into mealtimes, your cat will enjoy them much more. Puzzle feeders, treat games, and lick mats can all help simulate a cat’s hunt. Recreating natural hunting behaviors can also help your cat maintain a healthier weight.
4. Play with your cat
Build your bond with your cat with interactive toys. Plan to play for about 10-15 minutes at a time twice a day. Rotate toys periodically to keep them fresh and fun, and consider hiding toys in unexpected locations for your cat to discover later.
Be sure to include scratching surfaces, too, in their play area. Scratching helps satisfy your cat’s need to stretch their bodies and work their claws. Give them a range of materials, including cardboard, sisal, and carpeted scratchers, and styles, including horizontal and vertical scratchers, so they can choose a favorite and leave your furniture alone. Scratching leaves important scent markers, so place scratching toys near your cat’s favorite sleeping or sitting spots.
5. Keep outdoor time fun
Not all cats go outside, but some enjoy it, and it satisfies their wanderlust. If your cat enjoys outdoor time, consider building a catio to keep them safe from predators and accidents. You can also train your furry family member to wear a harness and walk on a leash, if you prefer. Some cat people even use specially designed backpacks or strollers to give their cat a peek at the world outside without putting their friend at risk.
You don’t have to completely overhaul your home or your life to meet your cat’s physical and mental stimulation needs. Small changes that build important habits can help your cat stay active and happy from kittenhood to their senior years. At Cozy Cat Suites, we love our feline friends and are committed to ensuring their happiness not just in September but year-round. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your cat’s next grooming or boarding session.
