September 12, 2017

IS YOUR CAT HAPPY?

Happy Cats

September is #HappyCatMonth. Kitties Blue expect me to keep them in good spirits every day throughout the year. However, the CATalyst Council, a national initiative comprised of animal health and welfare organizations working on behalf of cats, established September as the official month devoted to making our furry friends happy.

The non-profit Catalyst Council was established to help create a better future for our felines. According to the CATalyst Council, There “vision is a cat-caring society which will be achieved through our mission of connecting & collaborating to advance the health, welfare and value of companion cats. This will ensure all cats are cared for and valued as pets.”

As cat parents, caring for our cats and giving them happy, healthy and safe homes is at the top of our list of priorities. Before you set to spoiling your furry anipal, however, make certain your feline is healthy. Even cats living inside 24/7 (which is always the safest for kitty) should have yearly vet visits. If it’s been awhile since your precious puss visited the veterinarian, please make an appointment for a wellness check and preventative care. A healthy cat is a happy cat.

Suggestions to Promote Your Cat’s Physical and Mental Well-Being

  • Take some time each day to play with your cat. Wand toys provide an excellent way to enjoy a one-on-one play session. Play before bedtime can help a midnight frolicker sleep through the night.
  • Break out a new toy or one your cat hasn’t played with recently. If your kitty likes catnip, provide a toy infused with nip for hours of fun. (Cat toys do not need to be fancy. The plastic cap from your milk carton, an empty toilet paper roll or a paper bag all make great toys.)
  • Occasionally spoil your companion with their favorite food or treat. Just go easy and don’t make this a daily practice. Being overweight impedes your feline’s ability to move, run and play and can lead to serious health issues.
  • Provide mental stimulation for your cat by making certain she can access a window for bird and wildlife spotting. Adding a bird feeder and/or bird bath to your yard will offer your furry friend hours of entertainment and pleasure.
  • A pot of cat grass is easy to grow indoors for kitty’s munching. Cat grass is a form of fiber. Eating it is instinctual for cats, and it may help your floofy feline throw up those nasty hairballs.
  • A spa day can bring pleasure to kitty. A good brushing session and massage offers a great opportunity for bonding. And don’t forget that pawticure. Clipping your cat’s claws and providing a sturdy scratching post will save your furniture and your peace of mind.
  • Provide spots around the house where your cat can feel safe and secure as well as go to relax when she needs some alone time. Any change in routine and your cat is likely to become stressed, which can lead to illness.

 

Astrid is happy tucked into the pyramid bed.

 

I know for Kitties Blue spending time on the catio makes them happy.

 

Cooper Murphy is always happy, but especially when he is on the catio.

 

We should all strive to keep our cats happy everyday, but take some extra time this month to see what you can do to add to your kitty’s pleasure. I am certain all of you have a variety of other ideas for making and keeping your cat happy. Please share them in the comments section.

A happy cat makes for a happy human!