10 Ways to Be a Better Cat Owner in 2015

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Owning a cat is something that many people believe helps them live longer and happier lives. In fact, it’s been scientifically proven that pet owners do live longer, healthier lives; and that’s why people like cats. They are less maintenance and work than dogs, but they’re also not as independent as we like to think. Many of us love our cats because we assume they are so independent they can care for themselves most of the time and we don’t have to do any of the hard work associated with owning a pet. This is not always the case, however, because cats do need more than we tend to give them. They need our time, love and affection just as much as dogs, even if they need it less frequently or less in bulk. Dogs are certainly needier than cats, but that doesn’t mean your cat does not need you. Now that 2015 is off to a great start, perhaps it’s time for us to go ahead and make a slightly late resolution to be better cat owners this year. If you’re on board, we have 10 great suggestions that will help all of us do a better job with our cats.

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More Play Time

We tend not to play with cats because we don’t think they need us. Sure, most of them are not going to come out into the yard and play fetch, but that does not mean they don’t want to play with us. Get down on the floor and get some cat toys and play a simple game. This few minutes of your time can really make a significant impact on your cat’s life.

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More Affection

Cats love affection, even if they don’t show it all that often. Your cat might appreciate the fact that you are busy, but he or she will want affection at some point. The next time the cat comes to sit down on your lap or rub against your legs, don’t ignore him or her. Instead, go ahead and make it a point to bend down and pet the cat. Let the cat sit on your lap while you pet him or her. It’s really easy to show more affection more often, you know.

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Get Your Cat a Friend

There is an old saying that cats like company. Even if your cat doesn’t seem like it wants another cat in the house, it might if you’re the kind of owner that is not around all that often. If you are out and about a lot, it might be a good idea for you to go ahead and get your cat a new feline friend so it has someone to play with when you are not around. It can make a big difference.

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Be Better about Going to the Vet

Cats need to see the vet at least once a year, and sometimes more often. You should make it a habit to make sure your cat is taken to the vet on the scheduled date each year, and anytime in between that you think the cat needs to be seen. Rescheduling that appointment time and time again because it doesn’t fit in with your schedule might not seem like a big deal, but this is the health of your cat we are talking about.

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Don’t Ignore Health Concerns

Your cat might have some health concerns you’re ignoring. Think about it; does your cat look a little thinner, fatter or different? If your cat’s behavior has changed significantly and your cat seems to have taken on a few new bad habits or seems more lethargic than usual, it could be because your cat is suffering from a health related issue. Don’t ignore it; take your cat to the vet. This is a great way to become a better cat owner in the New Year.

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Buy Better Food

Your cat might not eat the best food in the world, and that’s fine. However, there is no reason your cat cannot eat food that’s better than what he or she is currently eating. Every so often, splurge and get your cat something good that it might not have otherwise. She will love this and you will feel like a really good cat owner. It’s all about the little things, you know.

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Clean the Water Daily

Your cat’s water is very important to him or her, which is why it’s always funny when people don’t make it an effort to change the water more often. For example, your cat’s water should be changed every single day. Cats don’t want old, dirty water anymore than you want it, so why do we ignore this small need and instead leave our cats water for days at a time until the dish is empty? Just change it.

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Care about Your Cat’s Diet

The more care and concern we should to our cat’s regarding their diet, the healthier they will become. For example, cats that are eating well and eating often will be a little healthier than cats that are not fed every day and are not getting the kind or type of nutrition necessary. Your cat should have two small meals a day, no more and no less. If your cat is not getting this kind of diet, you could have an unhealthy animal on hand.

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Clean the Litter Box More Often

This is not a fun job and no one wants to do it. However, your cat cannot change his or her own litter, so we might as well make it a point to clean it more often. Not only does this make you a better cat owner, it also makes you a better homeowner. Who wants to live in a house where the litter box is not cleaned regularly? It’s really gross for everyone involved; not just the cat, you know.

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Get the Cat Groomed Regularly

Cats don’t always require as much grooming and attention as other animals, but they do need it. This is particularly true if your cat is a breed with long hair that tends to become easily matted and dirty. Your cat should see the groomer every month or so if it has long hair, and that’s something you can vow to do better. It’s annoying, we know, to have to fit these little extras into your already busy schedule; but it is part of being a cat owner.

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