Did you know September is officially Happy Cat Month? Although our Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital team prefers to celebrate this cause year-round, this month is the perfect time to focus on your feline friend’s well-being.
Happiness and health: The feline mind-body connection
Happiness isn’t merely about creating contentment—happiness directly impacts your cat’s health and longevity. When cats are content, their bodies produce less stress hormone, which protects their immune systems from self-induced harm. Conversely, chronic stress can lead to a host of health problems, including urinary tract issues, obesity, and behavior issues, such as aggression, destructive behavior, and house soiling. A happy cat is not only about giving them a good life but also a life that is long and healthy.
Is your cat happy? Feline happiness signs
Are you wondering now if your cat is truly happy? Observe your cat for signs, such as:
- Purring — Although nervous cats may purr to soothe themselves, this rumbling noise generally suggests contentment.
- Playfulness — Happy cats enjoy engaging in play, whether with you, another pet, or their toys.
- Kneading — Kneading or “making biscuits” is a comforting behavior often seen in cats who are relaxed, secure, and content.
- Relaxed body language — Happy cats lounge with a loose, relaxed posture.
- Healthy appetite — Happy cats have a steady, healthy appetite and are interested in their meals.
- Appropriate grooming — Regular grooming signals that your cat feels well, while decreased or excessive grooming, which can damage your cat’s skin and coat, suggest stress or health problems.
If your cat is unhappy, an underlying health issue may be to blame. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
Me-wow: Six easy ways to make your cat happy
Give your cat nine lives of joy and happiness with these easy tips and tricks:
- 1: Create a stimulating environment — Engage your cat’s senses and natural curiosity with plenty of exploration opportunities. Including interactive toys, scratching posts, and climbing opportunities in your cat’s environment will stimulate physical and mental exercise. Rotate toys regularly and periodically introduce new ones to prevent boredom.
- 2: Provide regular playtime — Spend time each day playing with your cat. Experiment with different toys (e.g., laser pointers, feather wands, motion-activated toys, or balls) to determine your cat’s preferences and play style. Keep play sessions to short, active bursts—a few minutes at a time—to simulate the fast, high-energy rhythm of your cat’s natural hunting patterns (i.e., stalk, chase, pounce, eat, rest).
- 3: Allow your cat to experience the great outdoors — Safe outdoor experiences can naturally boost your cat’s happiness and satisfy their physical and emotional needs. Supervise your cat in a secure outdoor enclosure, such as a catio, or train them to walk on a harness and leash.
- 4: Maintain a predictable routine — Cats thrive on consistency and routine, deriving satisfaction from knowing what’s going to happen next. This is especially important for key resources, such as food, water, litter box, and social interactions. Stick to a daily schedule that includes strict times for feeding, litter box cleaning, and grooming or bonding with your cat.
- 5: Offer affection and companionship — Cats are often misperceived as antisocial or aloof, but our feline friends are social creatures who enjoy their favorite human’s attention. Spend quality time with your cat through petting, brushing, or simply sitting together. Pay attention to their preferences—some cats love to be cuddled, while others prefer a gentle head scratch or simply sharing the same room.
- 6: Keep tabs on your cat’s health — Healthy cats are happy cats! Keep your cat happy by staying up-to-date on their routine wellness care. Regular exams are essential for maintaining your cat’s health and ensuring any concerns are addressed early before they become serious. Ask our Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital team for tips on caring for your cat, including dental care, grooming, proper nutrition, and training, between visits. Monitor your cat for unusual behavior changes, which may indicate an underlying problem.
Ensuring your cat is happy involves more than providing food and shelter—happiness results when you enrich their life by catering to their instincts and emotional needs. By following these tips, you’ll help ensure your cat leads a joyful, healthy, and fulfilling life, making Happy Cat Month an everyday celebration! Contact our Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital team if you are concerned about your cat’s well-being or happiness.
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