5 Tips for Happy Cats

Cats can be easily stressed when things aren’t right in their environment. There are five areas of care that need to be considered to help cats feel happy and comfortable in their environment.

The choice to be solitary

Our cats have a solitary nature and have a desire to maintain their own independent territory.

However this doesn't mean they don't need their owners (in fact it's quite the opposite), but it does mean they should always have the freedom to get away from busy areas of the house.

It is essential cats should be able to choose when they wish to socialise. To help with understanding what your cat wants, read our guide on the Secret Language of Cats. 

Always provide your cat with safe, cosy and peaceful places to retreat to, such as cat baskets and hideaways.

Space to roam and exercise

Did you know cats can jump approximately 9 times their own height?

Our feline friends are naturally athletic hunters, and they should be given the opportunity to exhibit this natural behaviour. Playtime, interaction, and a variety of exciting toys help make cats feel happy and fufilled in their home.

For more help on how to get the most out of playtime, watch our Guide to Playing with Cats.

Ability to Scratch

Scratching is a natural and very important behaviour for our felines.

Regular scratching helps keep their joints mobile, aids flexibility and helps reduce stress by releasing tension in the body. Much like us having a big stretch! Cats also use scratching to pheromone mark, this is leaving behind chemical messages on their home and surroundings.

Scratching ultimately makes cats feel relaxed and safe in their environment. Every cat should ideally have access to at least two or three strong scratchers in their home.

Remember the more scratchers you have, the less chance of sharp claws on your furniture…

Watch our video for 3 Ways to Stop your Cat Scratching the Furniture. 

Clean eating and drinking options

Our cats are naturally hygienic creatures and will always prefer to eat and drink from clean bowls away from strong smells.

Make sure their bowls are kept clean and separated away from smellier areas such as the toilet and their own litter tray.

A cat’s water source should also be kept away from their food. The smell from their dinner can contaminate their water dish, putting them off drinking!

If your cat is reluctant to drink it is worth investing in a cat water fountain. The freshness of the water is much more appealing to feline senses and the sound of the water helps prompt them to drink.

A clean and safe place to toilet

Much like us, cats just want somewhere safe, secure and clean to do their business.

Litter trays should always be available to every cat, so there is always somewhere safe to go. Even if your cat only uses their litter tray indoors a few times a year, it is important to always have one available.

Cats understandably also hate dirty toilets. Leftover waste and unclean litter trays can be incredibly off-putting to cats (like us faced with a dirty public toilet) so it's important to maintain proper hygiene. Clean your cat's tray regularly with pet safe disinfectant and remove waste as soon as you spot it!

For more help with litter, watch our Litter Tray Location video and our Tips on Transitioning Litter video.

Keep in mind that better quality litter will be less expensive and keep your cats litter tray much more cleaner and more hygienic.

Keep in mind these five areas of care and you will have a happy cat and a happy home.

For more feline understanding, read our blog 5 Things Cats Hate Their Owners Doing.