As a conscientious cat owner, you are likely concerned about your whiskered friend’s health and happiness. Often, the two go hand in hand, because happy cats are less likely to be stressed, which can lead to health and behavioral issues. September is Happy Cat Month, and our Livingston Veterinary Hospital team wants to ensure your cat lives their best life. We reveal secrets to keep your feline friend happy and content.

Healthy cats are happy cats

It’s hard to be happy if you are in pain or don’t feel well, and this holds true for your feline friend. However, cats are experts at hiding discomfort and illness, so it is imperative that they receive regular wellness care to keep them as healthy as possible. Tips include:

  • Wellness visits — Yearly wellness visits help our Livingston Veterinary Hospital team detect conditions, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, and arthritis, in the early stages when they are easier to manage. We recommend twice-yearly visits for senior cats.
  • Vaccinations — Keeping your feline friend up to date on their vaccinations helps protect them from dangerous infectious diseases.
  • Parasite prevention — All cats, including those who live solely indoors, are at risk for parasites, such as fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms. Year-round parasite prevention medication protects your cat from these parasites and the diseases they carry.
  • Dental care — Most cats have some degree of dental disease by age 3 and need regular dental care to help keep their mouth healthy. Necessary dental care includes regular professional dental cleanings, daily toothbrushing at home, and Veterinary Oral Health Council-approved dental treats.
  • Weight management — Obesity is common in the feline world, and overweight cats are at higher risk for serious health issues, such as cancer, CKD, diabetes, and arthritis. Keep your cat at a healthy weight by calculating how many calories they need per day and measuring their meal portions accordingly. In addition, limit treats to no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.

Active cats are happy cats

Cats are notorious for sleeping a lot, but they are happier when they can run, play, and jump. Tips to keep your feline friend active include:

  • Schedule play time — Schedule numerous, short (i.e., three or four five-minute) play sessions with your cat throughout the day. 
  • Use interactive toys — Cats have a hunter’s instincts and love the thrill of the chase. Provide toys, such as flirt wands and laser pointers, to mimic prey movement.
  • Use puzzle feeders — Make your cat use their noggin to get to their meal or a treat. 

Naturally behaving cats are happy cats

Cats are not only natural hunters, but they also have other instinctive behaviors that should be nurtured to keep them happy and content. Considerations include:

  • Scratching posts — Cats need to scratch to keep their claws healthy, stretch their muscles, and leave scent messages for other cats and animals. If you don’t provide appropriate areas, your feline friend will use your couch or curtains for scratching. Provide several scratching posts throughout your home with different orientations and surfaces to ensure you meet your cat’s scratching preferences.
  • Vertical space — Cats feel less stressed when they can survey their environment from an elevated position. Clear high shelves and areas like the top of your refrigerator, so your cat has plenty of vertical space. You can also invest in a cat tree or build a cat wall.
  • Hiding places — Cats need a place to hide when they feel stressed or overwhelmed, or simply need a nap. You can buy your cat a fancy cat condo or simply save the next box you get from Amazon.

Happy cats make for a happy home. Contact our Livingston Veterinary Hospital team to schedule your feline friend’s wellness exam, or if you are concerned about their health.