Happy Cat Month is September! Yep, that’s right, there’s a whole month dedicated to making your furry feline happy. To celebrate, I thought I’d share the CATalyst Council’s 10 tips to ensure your cat is happy and healthy this month.
Step Two
Microchip your cat. - In addition to a collar and identification tag, cat owners should ask their veterinarian about microchipping their feline friend. If a cat ever escapes or gets lost, having this type of permanent ID will make a reunion between cat and owner much more likely.
Step Three
Go outside (appropriately). - Yes! Cat owners can safely take cats outside to allow them to broaden their horizons. You can walk cats on a leash with a harness or confine them in a special outdoor area like a catio — always under supervision, of course — so they can periodically and safely experience the world outside their windows. (PetSafe note: A cat containment system is another great way to make a happy outdoor cat).
Step Four
Scratch the surface. - Give cats places to stretch and care for their claws. Cat scratching is an important aspect of feline behavior. Providing a long and sturdy scratching post in a vertical, horizontal or angled position is a good way to keep your cat happy … and your sofa, too!
Step Five
Provide preventive cat medications. - No one likes fleas, ticks, mites or heartworms, especially your cat. Even if an owner’s cat is strictly indoors they can still be attacked by these little creepy creatures. Owners should speak with their veterinarians about the best preventive plan for cat parasites. A parasite-free cat is a happy cat — and will keep your family healthier, too.
Step Six
Train together. - Cats are smart and can be trained to do fun tricks just like dogs, and the mental and physical stimulation is great for felines. Teaching your cat to sit, for example, is easy, and training your cat to sit on stools instead of counters will make you and your cat much happier. An added bonus is that training will strengthen the relationship between owner and cat, which will certainly make a cat happy.