We all know that cats are peculiar beings, and their happiness can set the tone for the entire household. To shine a light on the importance of feline happiness, September is recognized as National Happy Cat Month. The CATalyst Council, a nonprofit dedicated to feline health care and welfare, started this annual awareness campaign to educate and inform cat owners on what they can do to ensure their feline is happy and healthy.
Cats come in a variety of personalities. Some can be high maintenance in their demands of love and attention, while others play hard to get and make their humans work for their affection. Oftentimes, cats are thought to be self-reliant, aloof and less in need of regular veterinary care than dogs.
Happy Cat Month is designed to counteract these stereotypes and ensure cats are well cared for, enriched, and receiving the preventive care they need. Whether the family feline is the friendly type or the โdo not botherโ variety, there are several things we can do to make sure they are living their best lives.
REGULAR VET VISITS: Cats need to see a vet at least once a year. While felines should get yearly vaccinations โ even strictly indoor cats need vaccinations โ vet visits are necessary for more than just shots. Cats are great at hiding illness, so routine wellness visits can help detect medical conditions that might not be apparent. Regular medical checkups and screenings can result in early detection, diagnosis and treatment options for any conditions that may arise.
MONITOR LITTER BOX HABITS: Cats often like to express their feelings via their litter box behavior. If the family feline stops using the litter box, he is not necessarily staging a revolt. Rather, he is likely sending a message through this unwanted behavior. Reasons for boycotting the litter box range from a very treatable bladder infection to switching to a new litter to introducing a new cat into the home. The frequency of changing out the litter is also important. Scooping the litter box twice a day is recommended. If the cat suddenly stops using the litter box, a trip to the vet is needed to get to the bottom of the issue.
GIVE THEM SPACES: Spaces to climb, spaces to hide. Cats like to get up high, so give them spaces to climb โ perhaps a top shelf is cleared for them hang out on or a cat tree with several levels. They also like to hide, so make sure they have access to get under or behind things and hide out when they need some alone time. At ARNO, we have hammocks in each kennel that the cats love to lounge in throughout the day. We also have cat condos with multiple levels that offer lots of climbing and high-up places to hide and lounge.
SCRATCHING POSTS ARE A MUST: Scratching is an important characteristic of cat behavior. They should have places they are allowed to stretch and care for their claws. Providing a long and sturdy scratching post is a sure way to keep the family feline happy.
ADD ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES: Cats need their mental health taken care of in addition to the basics. Unlike dogs, most cats are confined to being indoors 100% of the time. While some cats may be content to lay in a window and watch the world go by, others may need some additional enrichment to keep them happy. There are countless toys, feeders and other items on the market that stimulate the brain and give cats the opportunity to exercise their natural โhunterโ instincts. Not all toys have to be store-bought either. Things such as paper bags, empty boxes and wadded up paper will entertain cats for hours.
GIVE THEM SAFE OUTDOOR ACCESS: Cats are curious about the world outside the window. Did you know you can walk a cat on a leash?! Outfit the family cat with a harness, leash up and go. Screened in porches or patios are also great options for some fresh air and outdoor time.
CONSIDER A FRIEND: Most cats enjoy the companionship of a feline friend. They can keep each other company and enjoy cuddling and playtime together. There are so many cats and kittens available for adoption in our local shelters and rescues. If youโve been considering adding a new cat to the family, check out a nearby shelter or rescue.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager of Animal Rescue New Orleans, a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. For more info on ARNO, visit .