Cats are often seen as mysterious and independent creatures, but beneath that aloof exterior is a pet that thrives on consistent love, attention, and care. Help your feline friend live all nine of their lives to the fullest with our South Shores Pet Clinic team’s six steps to a happy cat. 

1. Build the foundation for a happy cat with regular veterinary care

Your cat may disagree, but regular veterinary care is the cornerstone of feline happiness and well-being. Like other pets, cats need annual or bi-annual exams and care to protect them from preventable diseases and to identify potential problems before they become serious. Cats often hide illness and pain, so recognizing these issues at home until treatment options are limited or unavailable can be difficult. Well-cared-for cats are happy cats, so don’t skip your cat’s regular visits to our South Shores Pet Clinic!

2. Train your cat for a stronger bond

Training isn’t only for dogs. Training can enhance your cat’s quality of life by stimulating them mentally, improving behavior, and promoting strong social bonds. Plus, it’s fun! Positive reinforcement training involves rewarding good behavior with food and creating value for desirable actions, such as using the litter box, scratching on a post or mat, or performing a trick such as sitting or fetching a toy. Trained cats are generally more content and less likely to suffer from stress-induced behavior issues.

3. Give your cat a playful paradise with environmental enrichment

Cats are natural hunters who need to express their instinctive behaviors to relieve stress, prevent boredom, and stay healthy. Create a happy cat habitat with a variety of exciting and interactive toys, comfortable perches, tempting scratching posts, cozy hiding places, and interesting climbing structures to keep your cat engaged and active. 

4. Minimize your cat’s stress by maintaining a calm home

Cats can be surprisingly sensitive to changes in their environment or routine, resulting in harmful stress and serious health issues. Minimize avoidable stress by keeping your cat’s feeding and playtimes predictable and consistent and avoid switching daily care items, such as their food and their litter brand and type. When change is necessary, be gradual, so your cat has time to adjust. Feline pheromone diffusers or calming sprays can help ease anxiety and promote peace. 

5. Connect with your cat by understanding feline body language 

What’s your cat trying to tell you? You might be surprised! Cats use body language and subtle non-verbal cues to express their emotions and intentions. Unfortunately, we humans don’t always get the message, which can cause stress, injury, or behavior problems, such as fear or aggression. Boost your cat’s happiness by learning how to listen, so you can respond with respect and care.

6. Feed your cat for lifelong health

Food is a mutually rewarding way to show your cat affection, but overfeeding or feeding an inappropriate diet can lead to serious health problems. Overweight and obese cats can live shorter lives with an increased risk for chronic stress, arthritis, and other diseases. Alternatively, cats fed a complete and balanced diet who maintain a lean body weight can enjoy comfortable mobility, abundant energy, and overall health well into their senior years. Monitor your cat’s weight and talk to your veterinarian for personalized nutrition recommendations, such as the particular food and amount best for your cat.

A happy cat depends on you recognizing and fulfilling their basic needs, including regular veterinary care, quality nutrition, environmental safety and comfort, and positive social interactions that respect their individuality. Happy cats are healthy cats, and these six steps will ensure your feline friend positively thrives. Commit to your cat’s happiness by making time for their health—schedule their next appointment soon at South Shores Pet Clinic.