How to Be Absolutely, Paws-itively Sure You Have a Happy Cat
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to your cat’s health. Of course, you’ll want to be sure they’re eating the right food for their age and lifestyle, exercising every day, and standing up to year round parasites. But to truly address feline wellness, it’s crucial to look at the entire animal. In other words, a happy cat is a healthy cat.
I Want It Right Meow!
There are lots of powerful visual indicators that signal how a cat feels. Understanding cat body language is a great place to start. First of all, a happy cat will purr when satisfied, warm and content. They will also knead on or near their favorite person. Their whiskers appear to be relaxed (as opposed to taut when anxious or aggressive), their tail is pointed straight up to the ceiling (and may even be vibrating!), and their ears are positioned upright.
Especially Feline
A happy cat also strategizes the best ways to be close to their preferred person or place. They may rub against you as you stand, follow you around, and vocalize their needs. They are friendly, communicative and engaged with their surroundings. Some cats will even drool when they get special treatment from their owners!
You’re Mine Now…
A happy cat will mark their environment with scent glands located in the corners of their mouths. They might attempt to do this directly on you, but are also known to mark your stuff as theirs, such as your shoes, chair, books, phone, and other furniture. If you approach them, they’ll likely head bump you in the equivalent of a hug.
…And I’m Yours
A happy cat is trusting of their person. They will easily show off their vulnerable midsection in a plea for a belly rub. A cat that fears or mistrusts their environment will not be so open to this type of affection.
Love Your Happy Cat
There’s always room for improvement, and even seasoned cat owners can attest to the fact that their cat’s needs are always evolving. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to pay constant attention to your cat’s daily wellness and make accommodations for even slight changes.
- Keep their environment interesting and fun.
- Make play time a priority every single day.
- Rotate their toys once a week so they don’t become bored of your offerings.
- Get to know what they like and dislike, and don’t stop trying to please them.
- Don’t recycle those big cardboard boxes too quickly; they love those!
- Think about the ways to stimulate their mental and emotional states of mind.
- Give them interesting things to look at through a window, and be sure they can safely and comfortably view them from a perch.
- Consider whether they like high or low places and furnish them with appropriate “lodgings”.
- Consider building a catio for your cat so they receive the best of both worlds.
- Provide soft, cozy bedding and snuggly, quiet spots for napping extravaganzas!
Once the foundation is built, through routine wellness exams, diet, dental care, vaccinations, and parasite prevention, you can really start to delve into the many ways you can enhance your cat’s happiness and well being.
If you have any questions about providing excellent care for your cat, we’re always here for you at Mobile Vet M.D.
Please note: Before any visit, it is always a good idea to confine your pet to a small area such as a bathroom so we can be sure to promptly provide care, as lots of pets can go running for cover as soon as they hear someone at the door!