10 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR CAT HAPPY

We’re "fur-m" believers that a happy cat makes for a happy “pawrent”. When we had domesticated cats long ago, we brought them indoors and conditioned them to live in our home environment. While they’re safer with us, they don’t spend as much time outdoors in their natural habitat. This also means that instead of chasing birds and bugs, and climbing trees, we need to find other ways to keep them entertained and content. 

As Amy explained in our chat, cat happiness and health are linked. For example, active play is lots of fun for your kitty and helps them keep extra weight off. Mental stimulation is also “im-paw-tant” for our kitties, and getting your furbaby to use its brain and those hunting instincts will make your cat happy. So, now is the part where you're probably asking yourself, "Is my cat happy?" This is a great question, and while the answer is probably yes, there are likely some ways you can improve on this.

You might be wondering, " How can I make my cat happy?” We love sharing “pawsome” cat tips for “pawrents,” and it's even better when we get to share knowledge from an expert like Amy. Let's jump right in!

Cats love to climb and be up high. Even if you're in a small apartment, giving them something or somewhere they can do this is bound to boost their happiness levels. We’ve got a few cat tips for owners to try to add that height: 

• Clear some space on that high bookshelf of yours so that your cat can enjoy making its way up and down

• Invest in a tall cat tree if you prefer to keep your kitty off the furniture

• Use an old ladder and tie a few cat toys to some of the steps as a fun, affordable play area for your furbaby

It's no secret that a delivery box can make the “purrfect” toy for your cat. Who knew something so simple could provide hours, or even days, of entertainment? If you love a bit of online shopping as much as we do, keep a box now and then to give to your cat to enjoy. Being able to explore and play with different packages will keep them busy. Depending on the size, you can throw in a ball or toy mouse for cat games galore!

Depending on where you call home, it might not be safe for your cat to have access to go outdoors as it pleases. This doesn't mean that your kitty can't still experience the wonders of nature. Something as simple as bringing fallen leaves inside and allowing your cat to smell and play with them is a fabulous way to enrich their indoor environment without spending a cent!

Food is definitely near the top of the list of what makes a cat happy. While it's great to give your cat the occasional treat, ensuring that they are fed a healthy, nutritious diet will make cats feel good and ensure that they get all the nutrients they need for their bodies to work correctly.

One of Amy Shojai's cats had a love of playing with toys in an empty bathtub, and we adore this idea! Grab some interactive toys for cats like a ball or catnip toy, throw it in the bath, and allow your cat to explore this new way of playing. Not only does it contain the toy for more fun, but it also means cleaning up any mess is easy.

Have you let your cat watch Kitty TV on YouTube? If they've enjoyed it, why not create your own version at home? Put a bird feeder outside a window and watch your cat enjoy the sights of birds coming and going for hours! You can also open the window slightly when it's raining so that your furbaby can experience the smells and sounds of the weather.

Cats have a natural hunting instinct, but they might not get to use it as much when they're living indoors. One way you can get them to use this part of their brain is by hiding treats around your home so that your cat has to hunt them out if it wants to eat them. For “pawsome” cat games without toys, we'd suggest this activity!

Cat enrichment helps prevent boredom and frustration with cats. If you're looking for a more exciting way to feed your cat, then a puzzle feeder is an excellent investment. You can get different types depending on what you think your cat will like best, but all of them can give your cat mental stimulation with a tasty reward at the end!

There's nothing like a good claw scratch to make for a happy cat! Having a lovely scratching post in your home provides a place for your furbaby to care for its claws and also prevents your furniture from being damaged. Spray the scratcher with a little catnip spray for maximum fun!

If you have dogs or little ones, or even if your cat is an only pet, making sure they have a space just for them is key to their happiness. This is also generally the space where they will use the litter box or eat their food, and a pet door latch can help create that dedicated area. Door Buddy's adjustable Door Strap and Door Prop for cats can help you do this in your home with minimal effort!

If you've ever asked yourself, "is my cat happy?" then you're not alone! Learn to read your cat's body language. How to tell your cat is happy:

• Purring, chirruping, or meowing happily

• Eating regularly

• Grooming in front of you

• Making biscuits/kneading

• Using the litter box properly

• Playing

• Greeting you

• Arching their back when you pet them

• Putting their tail up

So, next time you wonder, ' Is my cat happy?', take note of their behavior at home, as this will tell you what you need to know. If you think your cat might be acting a little odd, check out this blog post on five strange cat behaviors explained.

Thanks to some "ameowzing" tips from expert Amy Shojai, you're ready to make your cat's life as happy as "paw-sibble", and we'd love to be a part of your journey.

In conclusion “how to make your cat happy” doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. By incorporating these simple yet effective tips, you can ensure your furry friend enjoys a fulfilling and enriched life indoors. Remember, a happy cat means a happy "pawrent." With expert advice from Amy Shojai and some creative ideas, you're well on your way to giving your cat the royal treatment it deserves. Keep exploring, engaging, and loving your cat, and you'll both reap the rewards of a joyous and harmonious home. Share your journey with us on social media, and let's continue to make our feline friends' lives as "purrfect" as possible.