Cats bring joy, comfort, and companionship to our lives. As our cats’ caretakers, we must ensure our feline friends are happy, healthy, and well-adjusted. September is Happy Cat Month, a great time to evaluate our cat caregiving skills and to create the ultimate cat-friendly home environment. The WesVet Animal Hospital team shares the top 10 things you should do to support your cat’s happiness.

1. Schedule routine veterinary visits for your cat

Routine check-ups and preventive care services are essential for keeping your cat healthy. Many feline conditions cause pain or discomfort that goes unnoticed at home, lowering quality of life and shortening lifespan. Regular exams and screening tests help us prevent or detect diseases in their early stages and keep your cat feeling their best. Vaccinations, parasite control, and dental care are also crucial to cat happiness.

2. Feed your cat a nutritious diet

Cats have complex, unique nutritional requirements. Feed your cat a balanced, high-quality diet targeted for their life stage and activity level. Consider feeding canned food or providing a water fountain to encourage your cat to drink more water, which can help support kidney and bladder health. 

3. Encourage your cat to stay active

Regular exercise provides beneficial physical activity to maintain muscle mass and a healthy, lean body weight. Obese cats can develop health problems that interfere with their happiness. Encourage daily play with interactive toys or offer dinner in a food puzzle ball to turn mealtime into exercise. 

4. Provide outlets for natural cat behaviors

Cats, especially those living exclusively indoors, need outlets to express their natural behaviors. Without such outlets, cats can feel frustrated or stressed. Encourage play to simulate hunting and stalking, and provide plenty of scratching posts and surfaces that allow for claw care. Also, offer cat trees, shelves, or window perches to let your cat survey their territory and explore vertical space.

5. Offer mentally stimulating activities for your cat

Mental enrichment is as important as physical exercise to support healthy, happy cats. Puzzle feeders, interactive toys, DIY cardboard toys, catnip toys, or treat scavenger hunts can keep your cat’s mind sharp. Ensure you rotate toys regularly to renew interest and prevent boredom.

6. Groom your cat regularly

Cats are meticulous groomers, but they often benefit from a little extra help. Regular brushing reduces shedding, matting, and hairballs, and keeps cats more comfortable. Brushing can also strengthen your bond, as many cats enjoy the feeling of a massaging brush. 

7. Offer your cat safe outdoor exploration 

Indoor-outdoor cats appreciate the chance to explore the outdoors, which stimulates their senses and allows them to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine—two keys to a happy cat. However, ensure they can do so safely. Predators, other cats, and vehicles pose safety hazards for free-ranging cats. A safer option is providing a secure outdoor enclosure (i.e., a “catio”) or training your cat to walk on a harness and leash. 

8. Optimize your cat’s litter box setup

Everybody enjoys a clean bathroom, including your cat. Provide at least one box per household cat, plus one extra, to reduce competition. Scoop the box daily and change the litter once every few weeks for a happy cat. A dirty litter box can lead to stress and undesirable behaviors, including eliminating outside the box.

9. Ensure your cat has a personal sanctuary

Cats value their alone time and need a safe space to retreat from the busy household. Ensure your feline has a quiet, comfortable space and a cozy, raised bed in an area near your home’s main thoroughfares, but tucked away from high-traffic areas.

10. Set aside daily bonding time with your cat

Cats may seem aloof and independent, but they need their owner’s love and attention to thrive. Ensure your cat has a consistent daily routine, including standard feeding, play, and bonding sessions. Allow your cat to choose the activities they prefer, which may include petting, grooming, playing, or simply spending time sitting near you. 

Celebrate Happy Cat Month by following our essential tips for a fulfilled feline friend. The WesVet Animal Hospital team can provide the veterinary services your cat needs to stay healthy, a key component of overall happiness and well-being. Contact us to schedule a routine visit or for additional recommendations to promote a happy cat household.