A happy cat is more likely to stay healthy than an unhappy one, if only because it is less exposed to stress. However, we all know that cats are sensitive to stressful situations and that this can have serious repercussions on their physical and psychological well-being. Every owner must therefore do everything in his power to keep his little companion happy, whether at home or in an apartment. This is within everyone's reach, and the solutions to achieve it are not very difficult to put in place. Here is a short guide.
Happiness through play
It's almost unnatural to have a cat and not allow it to play. For the little feline, whatever his age, play is vital and occupies a good part of his days. There's no need to invest in expensive toys, because nothing is too much fun for him, and he has more than one trick up his sleeve. From a piece of string to a cork, from a bouncing ball to a mechanical mouse with a bell, cats have plenty to keep them busy for hours on end and keep their natural cheerfulness.
Playing is essential for the cat's development and contributes in one way or another to its education. It is therefore important to give your cat the opportunity to play alone at times and with its owner at other times. Cats can also share their playful activities with another animal, whether it's a fellow cat or not. Playing is fundamental to the cat's development and to the development of its balance, muscles, visual, olfactory and auditory acuity, its ability to concentrate and analyze as well as its hunting instinct. It also acts as a real anxiolytic.
To avoid boredom in the absence of his master, especially if the cat has to stay alone at home or in the apartment for several hours, it is very important to leave at his disposal the toys with which he likes to play alone.
Create a space of its own
The space dedicated to the cat must be enriched with material intended for him. Therefore, don't hesitate to install :
- A small comfortable corner where he will like to curl up safely: it should not be in a place of passage because during its phases of rest, the cat does not like to be disturbed.
- More or less hidden and elevated areas so that he can observe his environment without being seen, an occupation he loves.
- A cat flap that facilitates access to the outside world in complete freedom, provided that the garden, yard and balcony are secure.
The diversity of the arrangements allows him to have the choice. Cushion, old blanket, cardboard: the cat must have free access to everything. Note that he likes to watch the surroundings from the window sill, the back of an armchair, the shelf of a bookcase or the top of an old cupboard. It is simply necessary to avoid putting fragile objects there if you wish to limit the risks of breakage, even if the cat is an animal known for its delicacy.
Respecting its tranquility
To be happy, the cat must feel free. You should only hug it if it wants to be hugged, and the same goes for petting. It's also essential to respect the times when it grooms itself. In other words, the cat is an animal that we never force to do something if it does not want to.
As for the location of its litter box, which is ideally chosen with a lid, it should be located a little away from the comings and goings and if possible in a place where the animal does not risk being observed because it hates it.
Gently give him all the necessary care
Even if the cat is an independent animal, it is nevertheless eager for cuddles and attentions. They know how to beg for affection from their owners. This type of expectation must be met in order for the cat to be happy.
You should never raise your hand to your cat and there is no need to yell at him. When he needs to be reprimanded, just use a firm tone. The cat knows very well how to distinguish the different intonations and understand the meaning of each of them.
At the same time, we give him all the care he needs, namely :
- To feed him of course by choosing very good quality food and adapted to his age as well as to his lifestyle (active or sedentary).
- Allow him to eat frequently but little at a time so as not to exceed his daily ration because an excess of food on a daily basis increases the risks of obesity in cats as in humans.
- Make sure that fresh water is always available.
- Offer him a scratching post to satisfy a natural need. Some basic models consist of a simple cardboard tray and contain catnip. Others, more sophisticated, are made of a central pillar and several observation trays. It can also be a scratching tower with different openings allowing the cat to hide inside.
- Brush your cat every day if it is a long-haired cat and every four days if it is a short-haired cat.
- Have your cat's health monitored regularly by a veterinarian.
- Opt for sterilization as soon as possible because it limits the risks of running away and protects his health. It is an excellent solution to increase its life expectancy.
- Fight against all parasites because they carry diseases. There are very effective shampoos and specific lotions, natural preventive treatments and collars impregnated with an antiparasitic.
- Clean your cat's house as frequently as possible.
Taking good care of your cat is very important for him to be happy because he is able to realize, in this way, how much his master loves him. This requires a lot of availability from the family members and patience. Finally, for the happiness of the kitty, it is recommended to respect the different areas that are essential for him to be able to perfectly organize his territory.
