So, last week I gave you my five favs for starting off 2024 on the right paw for you dogs. This week, let's look at five things you can do to improve your cat's quality of life right now:
1. Ditch the automatic litter boxes and covered litter boxes. You can also get rid of the litter boxes that are high sided/top entry (look like plastic storage containers) as well. Research shows that cats prefer litter boxes that they can easily step into and out of, that give them a good vantage point from all angles, and that don't make them feel trapped. Research also shows that owners are much more likely to keep up on the daily maintenance of these standard litter boxes, as opposed to those other types, thus making them even more desirable to their cats.
2. Add a second (or third!) climbing option to your cat's main living space. Cat trees are fine, but having more than one is ideal. If you don't have space for a second cat tree, clear off sections of your book shelves for your cat, or add single shelves or ledges to a wall for climbing and jumping vertically. You can also add a window-mounted seat for your cat if the ledge at your window is too small to perch on safely or if your window doesn't have much of a ledge at all.
3. Don't leave food in a bowl for your cat to eat all day long. Instead, you can leave a small amount in a bowl, but hide the rest on their cat perches for them to hunt for and find. You can also put their food into puzzle toys, similar to those made for dogs, but designed for cats.
4. Add in a fresh water feature. Bubbling fountains are soothing for you and a better, fresher water source for your cat. Cats prefer fresh water and many will hang around the sink waiting for someone to turn it on so they can get the freshest water possible. If you add a small water fountain you can enjoy the soothing sounds and they can enjoy the fresh water source. That's a win-win!
5. Play with your cat every single day. Cats need to play just as much as dogs do. Break out the lure wands for a game of chase or try something new like a remote control bug they can chase, a ripple rug, or a circuit style toy with a ball that goes around and around for a good game of hunt, chase, and capture. And for anyone looking for more information on the importance of play in cats and how to add more play into your cat's daily routine, I can highly recommend pre-ordering "Play With Your Cat!" by Mikel Maria Delgado, PhD which officially comes out on March 5, 2024.
There you have it! Some easy to do ideas and activities that can quickly enhance the lives of your feline companions. And, as always, if you have questions about your pet's behavior, you know where to find me.
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