Simple Ways To Spoil Your Cat

Kitties may be small, but they definitely have a way of wrapping their humans around their paws. Fluffy is very good at getting us to spoil her. Fortunately for us, it isn’t very hard to please our feline overlords. A local Roswell, NM vet offers some advice on this below.

Good Food

Fluffy needs proper nutrition to stay healthy, just as we do. Offer her a high-quality food, one that is appropriate for her age, size, and health. Ask your vet for specific recommendations.

Beds, Beds, And More Beds

If Fluffy were to list her favorite pastimes, we’re pretty sure that napping would take the top spot, followed shortly by sleeping, snoozing, eating, dozing, and meditating. Cats can sleep up to 20 hours a day! Make sure your sleepy pet has plenty of comfy beds to curl up in for all those naps.

Catnip

No surprises here: Fluffy’s curious relationship with this member of the mint family can be highly entertaining to watch. Offer your feline buddy plenty of catnip toys to push under the couch. 

Clean Litterboxes

Keep your furry friend’s powder room nice and clean. No one likes a dirty bathroom!

Playtime!

Playing is of course fun for cats, but it’s also very beneficial for them. A good play session will not only keep your furball fit, it will also entertain her and provide her with beneficial mental stimulation.

Window Seats

It’s much safer for kitties to live indoors, where they are safe from predators, weather, cars, and other threats. However, Fluffy does enjoy watching birds and squirrels, as well as other animals. If you want to go a bit further, offer her a catio.

Boxes

It’s no secret that our feline friends are a little obsessed with boxes. The official reasoning here is that kitties naturally feel safer in small spaces. However, that theory isn’t exactly bulletproof: Fluffy also likes boxes that are too big, too small, or nothing but outlines of tape on the floor. Offer your furry buddy boxes regularly. Or, better yet, build her a box castle.

Lap Space

Cats are actually very emotional, and get very attached to their humans. Fluffy needs to feel loved and safe to thrive. Pay attention to your furball, and keep that motor going!

Our Advice on Simple Ways To Spoil Your Cat in 2024

What type of food should you offer your cat to ensure proper nutrition?

To ensure proper nutrition for your cat, offer a high-quality diet tailored to their specific life stage—kitten, adult, or senior. The food should meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO for their particular age, size, and health needs. Look for foods that list a quality protein source, such as chicken or fish, as the first ingredient. Avoid excessive fillers, artificial preservatives, and colors. Consulting with a veterinarian can provide personalized recommendations, especially for cats with health issues, ensuring the diet supports overall health and vitality.

How many and what kind of beds should a cat have for optimal comfort?

For optimal comfort, a cat should have access to multiple beds, ideally one more than the number of cats in the household. This gives them various resting spots to suit their changing preferences for warmth, privacy, and social proximity. Beds should vary in style, including cozy, enclosed spaces for privacy and elevated perches for observation. Materials should be soft, easy to clean, and suitable for the cat’s size. Placing beds in quiet, secure locations and sunlit spots can cater to a cat’s instincts and preferences for rest.

How often should a cat’s litter box be cleaned to maintain hygiene?

To maintain hygiene and ensure a healthy environment for cats and their owners, a cat’s litter box should be scooped daily to remove waste. The litter box should undergo a thorough cleaning and replacement at least once a week. This involves washing the box with mild, non-toxic cleaners to remove lingering odors and bacteria and refilling it with fresh litter. More frequent cleaning may be necessary for households with multiple cats to keep the litter box sanitary and odor-free.

What are the benefits of playtime for cats?

Playtime for cats offers many benefits, crucial for physical and mental health. Engaging in regular play helps maintain a healthy weight by promoting physical activity, which can prevent obesity and related health issues. It also serves as a vital outlet for natural predatory instincts, reducing behavioral problems by keeping cats mentally stimulated and entertained. Additionally, playtime strengthens the bond between cats and their owners, enhancing their emotional well-being. Interactive toys and activities encourage agility, improve coordination, and help alleviate stress, contributing to a well-rounded, happy cat.

Why are window seats beneficial for indoor cats, and what is a “catio”?

Window seats benefit indoor cats by providing a safe vantage point to observe the outside world, satisfying their natural curiosity and hunting instincts. This stimulation can reduce stress and boredom, promoting mental health. A “catio” is an enclosed outdoor space that allows cats to enjoy fresh air and sunshine while staying protected from outdoor hazards. Catios can be simple screened areas or elaborate structures with climbing shelves and toys, enriching a cat’s environment and enhancing their quality of life by merging indoor safety with outdoor pleasures.

Do you have questions about your kitty’s health or care? Contact us, your Roswell, NM animal clinic, today!