Happy Cat Month: How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy

Prioritize your cat’s health

A healthy cat is a happy cat. Prioritize your feline friend’s health by:

• Scheduling a veterinary visit — Regular wellness visits are essential to identify potential health issues early and ensure your cat is up to date on vaccinations.
• Providing year-round parasite prevention — Many people believe that indoor cats are protected from parasites—not so. They are still at risk for fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites. Year-round parasite prevention is the best way to safeguard your cat from these parasites and the diseases they carry.
• Maintaining your cat at a healthy weight — Maintaining your cat at a healthy weight is crucial to prevent obesity-related health problems. Consult your veterinarian to ensure your cat’s weight is on track.
• Providing appropriate dental care — Dental disease is common in cats and can lead to significant health problems, including heart and kidney damage, caused by inflammatory oral bacteria. Brush your cat’s teeth daily at home and follow your veterinarian’s recommendations concerning professional dental cleanings.

Create a stimulating environment for your cat

Indoor cats rely heavily on their environment for stimulation, so you must make their living space as engaging as possible. Tips include:

• Provide vertical space — Cats love to climb and observe their surroundings from a height. Invest in cat trees, shelves, or even a cat wall, so your cat can climb and explore safely and comfortably.
• Offer interactive toys — Puzzle toys, feather wands, and laser pointers are great for keeping your cat mentally and physically engaged. Rotate toys regularly to keep things fresh and exciting.
• Set up a window view — Place a cat bed or perch by a window where your feline friend can watch birds, squirrels, and the outside world. Consider adding a bird feeder outside the window for extra entertainment.

Engage in regular playtime with your cat

Playing with your cat is one of the best ways to strengthen your bond and keep them active. Here are some suggestions:

• Daily playtime — Schedule daily play sessions with your pet, aiming for at least 15 to 20 minutes of interactive play each day. Use toys that mimic prey, such as feather wands or toy mice, so your cat can use their hunting instincts.
• Tricks to keep fit — Consider introducing new activities, such as cat agility courses or teaching your feline friend a simple trick. These activities provide mental stimulation and enhance your cat’s physical fitness.

Allow your cat to scratch

Cats need to scratch for their physical and psychological well-being. Scratching is their natural way to mark their territory and helps them keep their claws in good condition. Scratching also helps cats maintain flexibility, relieves stress, and contributes to their emotional well-being. Consider the following when providing scratching surfaces:

• Number — Provide numerous scratching posts and pads throughout your home, and ensure every cat has access to at least one scratching surface.
• Material — Scratching posts and pads come in many different materials, such as cardboard, sisal, carpet, and wood. Offer a variety of surface choices to determine your cat’s preference.
• Orientation — Some cats prefer to scratch vertically, while others like a good horizontal surface. Provide both, to see what your feline friend prefers.
• Stability — Ensure the scratching post is secure and won’t topple when your cat scratches, which could make them avoid the post.
• Location — Place scratching surfaces in areas where your cat prefers to rest and play to encourage use.

Ensure your cat has a place to hide

Cats need a place where they feel comfortable and secure away from people and other household pets. Ensure your cat has hiding places, such as cat houses, the latest Amazon box, or under the bed, and don’t disturb them while they are incognito.

Happy Cat Month is about recognizing the joy our feline friends bring to our lives and doing our best to return the favor. By creating a stimulating environment, engaging in regular play, and prioritizing their health, you can help your indoor cat live a rich and fulfilling life. Schedule your cat’s wellness exam with your AAHA-accredited veterinarian to ensure they remain healthy.