5 tips for a happy, house cat
During the lockdown I rescued a stray kitten. 6 months later, the temporary foster(me) has become Akira’s permanent home. It was easy to look after baby Akira. A few months later, little Akira became an adult cat - with different tantrums, habits and demands. But Akira’s a patient teacher and she’s taught me well. Here’s 5 ways you can make your feline, happy.
Routine - Cats love a healthy routine. Stick to a feeding schedule and soon, your furry friend will remind you that it’s grub time (every morning at 6:30am for me!).
Clean litter box - Cats are also very clean. If they aren’t covering their poo, they’re telling you to clean their toilet. An unclean litter box is unhygienic which upsets them. Make it a point to clean out the litter and wash the tray every few days. Your cat will reward with head butts and rubs!
Activity - Since indoor cats don’t get the same amount of exercise and adventure as their outdoor friends, they’re easily bored and curious. Play different games with them as often as you can to keep them entertained and give them sufficient exercise. This is also a fun way of bonding with them. Here’s a list of games Akira indulges in daily, sometimes with me and sometimes on her own.
Interactive games - hide and seek, fetch, playing with a dangly objects like a toy mouse on a string. Playing with dangly objects is a must for indoor cats because it helps release their predator instincts.
Solo games - soccer with paper balls, hair ties, hunting flies.Leaving Akira indoors while I walked my dogs outside would upset her. So, we experimented with a cat leash - and she doesn’t hate it! Thanks to the leash she can walk outdoors, meet her cat friends, chase frogs and birds and do all the little curious things that she wants. Why should outdoor cats have all the fun! If you’re thinking of training your cat to walk on a leash introduce them to it at the soonest.
Space and comfort - Felines are curious by nature. They enjoy bird watching, spying on the neighbours - they want to know everything. This makes up a large part of their day. Once they’ve picked their stakeout spot, ensure that the space is safely netted, clean and comfortable. Spoil them with a scratch board, cat trees or even a simple cardboard box. They love having a cosy, warm space of their own at home - just like you and me!
Dont treat your cats like dogs - This is the most important advice we can give you - cats hate being treated like dogs. They detest belly rubs, tight cuddles and constant invasion of their space. Show your appreciation for them by scratching the back of their ears, tickling their chins. Let them to come to you, if they’re purring, they’re happy. Give them their space when they choose to go away from you - DND!
Akira taught me that cats are often misunderstood, the notion that they’re unfriendly and unaffectionate is a myth. When you understand, respect and care for cats correctly, you’re developing one of strongest, most unique bonds you can possibly have. It’s like what Charles Dickens said - What greater gift than the love of a cat.
