10 Tips to Create a Home Your Cat Will Thrive In
Cats do really well in a home in which they can thrive, and that’s why so many people go out of their way to ensure their homes are cat friendly to the fullest. If you have a cat or you are simply contemplating adding a cat to your home, perhaps you might consider the fact that a great home is one in which everyone gets along splendidly and wonderfully. One way to make sure that your living situation is cat-friendly and conducive to your own enjoyment as well is to take a few of our tips, tricks and life hacks and make them a part of your everyday life. You will appreciate how much your cat will love your home when he is able to thrive there.
Give Your Cat Access to the Screened Porch
Your cat loves to be outside, but it’s not always safe for cats to spend time in the great outdoors. This is especially true if you live somewhere in which there are large animals that might wander the yard at night. We live in an area where coyotes are prevalent, so we could not allow our cat outside. Sadly, he managed to sneak out and run away from us. After searching for hours, we were unable to find him and have yet to see him again. It’s been months and we can only assume that the coyotes got him since they make that their habit around here. This is a great way to provide your cat access to the great outdoors without actually giving him a chance to get lost or hurt.
Give Your Cat High Spaces
Cats are natural predators, which means that they love to spend their time watching what’s going on from a perch high above the house. A place for them to do this without you becoming angry with them for climbing on counters and cabinets is a great cat tower. Get one; your cat will appreciate that you’ve done this for him and will take advantage of it regularly.
Keep a Clean Litter Box
Cats are notorious for their neat-freakishness. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep their litter box clean all the time. They will not go in a messy box, and that can disrupt the harmony all the way around the house. You will want to go ahead and make sure that you are able to clean the box every evening or two so that things are clean and fresh, and your cat is able to enjoy his potty time without stress.
Give Your Cat Personal Space
Sometimes cats are loners that prefer to spend some time alone. If your cat is not a social one, make sure he has a place to go where he can spend some time alone without the presence of other humans when you are entertaining. It’s a good idea to keep your cat happy and out of trouble; he needs his own space as much as you need yours, only this is not his house to make his own so he leaves this up to you.
Give Your Cat Toys
Cats are a lot like dogs in the aspect that they require something to stimulate them. We like to think that cats are too lazy to need toys, but they love them. Give the cats something to do, to play with, to prevent them from becoming too bored and unhappy. We think that your cats will really enjoy this time together, and it will make them feel good about what they are doing throughout the day.
Play with Your Cat
Cats need attention, too. You can’t just ignore them all the time and expect them to thrive. You might want to consider investing in a laser pointer or something you can aim around the house to give your cat something to chase. It’s a great way for the two of you to bond and interact, and it’s going to make your life that much simpler all the way around.
Give Your Cat a Companion
If you have a cat that is very social, perhaps you might consider providing your cat with a friend. A companion will make it easier for a very social cat to thrive in the house, and that is ultimately what you are looking for when it comes to keeping your cat happy and entertained. The idea of another cat might not be appealing to you, but it might calm your cat down quite a bit, which is a winning combination.
Open the Windows
Fresh air is so necessary for your cat. If you do not have an enclosed porch or lanai for your ca to wander around, go ahead and make it a point to keep your cat happy by opening the windows. You will find that your cat loves to spend time lying on the window sill enjoying some free time by the fresh air. This is especially nice on a beautiful day in which the weather is amazing and perfect.
Don’t Leave the Cat Alone too Much
Cats need to spend time with humans, even if you’re not playing with them so much as you are just enjoying the presence in your home. A good rule of thumb is to go ahead and make it a point to be home with the cat. Don’t leave him alone too long. Yes, we think it’s nice that cats are able to be left alone longer than dogs, but that doesn’t mean you can up and leave your cat without anyone to care for him anytime you want.
Keep the Water Fresh
Fresh water is a health concern for your cat. Cats are created so that they do not do anything that seems dangerous to them, including drinking old or dirty water. Your cat would rather dehydrate himself than drink water that is not kept clean or fresh, so go ahead and ensure your cat is not doing this by keeping the water as fresh as you are keeping the litter so that your cat thrives.
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