7 Things That Will Keep Your Cat Happy

Cats are fascinating creatures. While they can be quite content to do absolutely nothing for the better part of a day, they can turn into tiny, furry hurricanes in a matter of seconds, too.

In other words, it’s not always easy to work out what your cat wants or how you can meet their needs, simply because of the fact that, when it comes down to it, cats are pretty complicated little beings.

So, here are some of the things we think your fussy moggy will like.

1. A Bed

Starting the list off with something very simple and pretty obvious.

You might think that your cat is content with finding their own sleeping spots – they may spend the morning on the windowsill, and a good portion of the afternoon under the coffee table, for instance – and they probably are, but very few cats pass up the joy of having their own, secluded, no-humans-allowed part of the house.

Covered cat beds are great – they create a small, enclosed space away from noise and disruption. If you have a cat on the bulkier side, they might struggle to squeeze themselves into the smaller ones, but there are plenty of options for others, big and small!

Otherwise, a good cushion will very much be appreciated. Try to place it somewhere quiet or high – where you know your cat likes to frequent. If you decide to wash it every now and then to restore it, don’t be offended if they ignore it for a while – they will go back to it eventually.

RELATED: Best Cat Beds

2. A Harness

You walk your dog, so why can’t you walk your feline friend? It might seem like a bit of an odd concept at first, but there are plenty of people who do it already! With the proper harness and curious nature, you can soon be taking your cat on a walk to get them some fresh air and outdoor time.

What not to do here is assume that the cat will be ready to go from the first day you try this. You will need to build up to it gradually. Start by having the harness around the cat so they can get used to the smell of it, then move on to putting the harness on the cat. Let them move around your home as usual, so they get used to the feeling of it. Then, you can add the lead and let it trail behind them. Ensure you supervise them closely so they don’t get caught on anything. When you are both comfortable, start going for short walks!

Remember, not every cat is going to want to walk on a harness, and you have to allow them to be a little upset and uncomfortable until they get used to it. However, if the cat seems genuinely upset and refuses to walk with the harness, you should abandon any plans to lead train them.

3. A Cat Tower

Felines like to be up high where they can survey things – particularly the comings and goings of a busy household – and cat towers offer the perfect arrangement of posts and platforms above you where they can perch.

Cat towers are also great for giving your pet something to scratch. Indoor kitties – or even some of the slightly less adventurous outdoor ones – all of them need to scratch to keep their claws short and manageable, and giving them their own piece of furniture will save yours in the long run.

RELATED: Best Cat Trees for Large Cats

4. A Catio

A catio is a popular option for letting their cats out into their back garden and knowing that they will be safe and secure. It offers them a lot more freedom and excitement and some more variation in their day-to-day routine without putting them at risk – or turning you into a bundle of nerves.

You can click here to find out more about finding the right patio for you and your pet and quite how beneficial they can be for cats. Your indoor cat could become an entirely new animal with a little outside time.

A catio has to be a fun and engaging space for your cats, so don’t just leave it bare! You need to make sure that it is covered so that they are not affected by the sun, and make sure that there are lots of ways for your cats to run up and down the walls. Add in platforms and ramps, and your cats will be able to climb up nice and high, just as they do with cat towers! Of course, you need to make sure that you don’t forget a chair or bench for you so you can sit out and enjoy your morning drink with your cats.

RELATED: Indoor vs Outdoor Cats

5. A Drinking Fountain

Cats love freshwater. It’s why we occasionally catch them licking the faucet, trying to catch little drips of water, or even heading for a fresh puddle on the patio rather than the bowl of water we put out for them the night before. What’s more, most cats don’t drink enough – and that’s a big worry if you want to ensure that their kidneys remain healthy.

Why does your cat seem to prefer the tap over the bowl? It is quite simple – they prefer drinking flowing water over stagnant. Now, that does not exactly explain why they seem to like drinking out of puddles the most, but you can easily find a solution that will give them the clean water they want.

A water fountain that circulates their drinking water and prevents it from getting that flat, stale taste will be a lovely surprise and a great way to keep them feeling hydrated and healthy, even during the summer months. You can easily install one next to their food bowl so that they can help themselves whenever they choose.

6. A Cat Flap

Do you have an independent kitty who wants to come and go as they please? Having a yowling moggy next to your window or door who wants to come in and out is never a good idea as they could disrupt your day or even your night’s sleep. Giving them access to a cat flap means that they will be able to leave your house whenever they choose – even if this is just to go out onto the patio of their own accord.

However, if the catflap leads straight out into the garden, you might be concerned about other animals potentially finding their way into your home. It can be slightly disorientating to come home and find a strange cat on your bed, and it can really upset your own cats.

If you decide to install a cat flap and want some form of security in place, choose one activated by your cat’s microchip. You can choose one that unlocks with a microchip collar, but that obviously comes with all of the dangers of putting a collar on your pet – plus the chance that they might lose the collar anyway. Using an embedded microchip is a much safer option.

7. Toys

Everyone loves to play with toys, and cats are no different! You need to buy a range of toys for them to help keep them entertained and their lives enriched. There are several options out there, with some that will let you play with your cat and others that you can leave your kitty with without worrying.

A good option for many felines will always be a catnip toy. Not all cats are susceptible to it, but those that are will love any toy you can give them with it. Small toys like catnip mice that they can pretend to hunt will always be best.

If you want something that you can use to play with your pet, try to look for a toy on a stick. You need to make sure that you avoid ones with plastic streamers as they can be a danger to your cat if used unsupervised. If you decide to get one of these toys (as they make a good rustling noise that many cats love), only let your cat use it if you are there to watch them, and put it away somewhere they can’t get it afterward.

Enrich Your Cat’s Life

Like any other animal, you need to ensure that your kitty has enriched life and is as happy as possible. Cats are very independent creatures, but they need our love and support. You will go a long way simply by giving them the basics, but you also need to provide entertainment and engagement beyond this. There are so many little ways in which you can make your cat’s life that little bit better. Consider the above points as just some of the things you can do to make the loves of your cats that little bit happier. With a happy and healthy kitty on your hands, you can expect them to live a very long and satisfying life!