Our top 5 tips for a happy and healthy cat
Make your home cat paradise
Have you ever wondered what life is like for your cat? They experience the world differently to us humans, but there are some things we have in common, too.
Many of the things that make us happy and healthy apply to cats too… whether that’s having a massage, taking care of ourselves or getting enough sleep!
Here are our 5 top tips for making your home a place where your cat will be happy and healthy.
Keep it clean
It’s important to thoroughly clean your cat’s litter tray to avoid the risk of spreading disease or infection. Use the wrong disinfectant to clean it, however, and things might even get worse!
Never use a disinfectant on your cat’s litter tray that contains phenols, which can be poisonous to cats. Always read the label on cleaning products to ensure that is safe for use around pets. If you have any questions about the safety of products ask your veterinarian.
Remember to always rinse extra-thoroughly afterwards – our cats’ amazing sense of smell means they can pick up even the smallest traces left behind.
Beds and beyond
It’s important for cats to feel safe in their home – and one way you can help them feel more comfortable is with a bed of their own that they’ll love.
The hardest bit is finding the right location. Ideally, it should be out of the way and partially covered so your cat feels protected. A sunny windowsill behind the curtains is always a safe bet.
They should be snoozing happily before you know it. If not, then take off your socks. Why? Well, it might sound like a strange tip, but putting something that smells of you into their bed can make them feel right at home.
Share the love
One of the most magical things about having a cat is sharing love and cuddles. It’s been proven to help us get rid of stress, but did you realise that, in the right amounts, it’s just as important for your cat?
Think of it like going to the spa to get a massage – but your cat can have those benefits every single day. Because researchers have found that just five minutes of stroking was enough to reduce a cat’s blood pressure by 25 points. That’s right – cuddles are good for you both!
Keeping safe at home
Cats love investigating everything around the home – but sometimes that might land them in a little bit of trouble!
Keep your cat safe in your home by making sure you don’t have any plants within reach that might be poisonous. That includes flowers like lilies or chrysanthemums and houseplants like dumb cane and some types of ferns and ivy. If in doubt, ask your vet.
It’s also wise to keep your cleaning products and household chemicals in a closed cupboard, and any medicines safely stored away.
Old cats, new tricks
As your cat grows older, their needs will start to change. Aged 7 and above, they are classed as senior. And there are a few things you can do to make your older cat feel happier and more comfortable. It starts with understanding their behaviour.
First off, look for tricky jumps that they used to handle with ease. Their joints won’t stand up to the same strain anymore – so it may be that their bed or litter tray needs to move if they can’t reach it as easily.
You could also think about putting a chair in front of their favourite sunny windowsill to provide a step to reach it, or buying an extra litter tray or two if they start having any accidents on the floor.
