5 Things You Can Do To Help Keep Your Cat Mentally Healthy

When speaking about the quality of life of your cat, mental health is at the top of the list.

A happy cat, tends to live longer, is more interactive, and establishes a deeper bond with his/her Cat Parents.

Whereas a sad cat, lives with boredom, anxiety, and sometimes depression which can lead to lower quality lives, behavior issues, and even health complications.

In this quick blog article, I've listed 5 easy things you can do, to help ensure that your cat is a happy one, that lives their best lives.

1. Provide Interactive and NEW toys, on a regular basis:

Cats are curious by nature, and they get bored easily, so I like to get my cats something new to play with every week.

If you're on a budget...simply getting cardboard boxes, and cutting doorways and windows in them for your cats to explore will do the trick. (I sometimes make temporary cardboard castles and tunnels for my cats, and they absolutely love it!)

 

My cat Jack loves toy fuzzy balls from Amazon, Mina loves lasers, and Madeline and Logan love anything with feathers.

A key thing to remember, is that if the toy is left on the ground, after about a week or so, it should be cleaned or replaced, because the floor has germs, and your cats put those toys in their mouth!

And the most imporant tip I have is that: Most Cat Toys....In my opinion...should be used "under supervision only.") Cats are extremely capable of breaking things, and injuring themselves if left completely unattended.

2. Create Cat Friendly Spaces In Your Home:

When you watch my videos you can see that I've got Cat Shelves, Cat Trees, a Catio, and a big Cat Condo with comfy beds. 

There are cat beds on the floors, and I've got blankets for them throughout the house, near their favorite places to go.

When thinking about how to design your space, consider the following:

Cats Love Verticle Spaces, Hiding Spots, Comfy Spots, and Window Perches.

I am always adding to my cats environment, and I can always see the benefits of "new stuff" because it always satisfies their curiosity, and their need to explore new things.

(One of my secret, "I have 8 cats," life hacks is that I always have lint rollers in each room, and that's how I keep their shelves, and comfy spots clean.) 

3. Each Cat Needs 15 Minutes Of One-On-One Time, Each Day.

The whole premise that cats are "aloof" is misguided. Cat are not "controllable" but they are 100% needy and affectionate...."on their terms."

Cats brains are 91% similar to a humans brain, and they feel the same emotions that we do.

Examples of things I do with my cats:

We play hide and seek. This is a fun game because it's simple, and they pick up on it really fast, and it's also great exercise. Oftentimes our game turns from "hiding" to all of us just running about like maniacs for a few minutes before they all flop down on the floor tired...and happy.)

I put blankets on the floor and we lounge about together. I oftentimes say there is no easier way to bond with your cats, than to simply get down on their level with them.

I build things for them. Whether I'm creating a $3000 custom catio, assembling a new cat tree, or just laying some cardboard boxes down for them, they are always involved. This satisfied their curiosity, and also helps them feel like they are "helping me." (Which cats love to do....even though we know they are never...really helping.)

EACH of your Cats are Unique. It's your mission, as their parent, to observe them, and find out which activities they like best. 

My cat Tom....LOVES it when I ask him "Have you gone crazy, Tom?!" ...which always sets him off running through the house like a cannonball while we all try to catch him.

Experiment and have fun. You'll be surprised at how intelligent your cats are.

4. Go At Your Cats Pace

Don't just throw a leash on your cat and expect them to walk with you like a dog, nor put them in a stroller, and think you can take them to the park.

Cat need to experience new things at a pace that makes them feel safe and confident.

If you have multiple cats like I do, each of them will undoubtedly have different preferences, and also different boundaries.

My cat Jack loves back massages, and fuzzy ball shaped, catnip toys. (He really dislikes noises he doesn't recognize.)

My cat Mina loves attention, but only on her own terms, and she doesn't like her face touched...ever. Her favorite toys are anything with a laser, and she loves to run by my side along obstacle courses that I create for her. (She's unsure of strangers at first, but quickly warms up to them.)

My cat Tom loves freedom, and a sense of being "in control" at all times. He really dislikes closed doors, but if he's in a bad mood, opening a closet door for him to explore...is just what he needs.

Take your time, and truly listen to your cats as individuals, and your bond will only grow stronger.

5. Maintain A Consistent Routine!

Cats are masters of learning your routine. When you see them waiting in the window for you, as you get home from work, they haven't been sitting there all day... They simply know when you normally get home from work, and they go to the window a few minutes before you get home, waiting to see what you've brought them from the glorious hunt they think you were on. (99% of the time whenever I get home, I have something in a bag, and I show them the bags through the window, so that they know, "my hunt" was a success. They love it...and they always come racing to the door as I walk in.)

It's important for a cats mental health that you feed them on a routine, play with them on a routine, take naps (If you're a napper) on a routine, and yes....they will even let you know, when it's time to go to bed.

Between 11am and 2 pm is Quiet Time, in my house. Because this is my cats favorite daily nap window. (However, I almost always have 1 cat who doesn't feel sleepy, who really wants my attention, and we do whatever their favorite activity is, until they do, find themselves a purrfect napping spot.)

Conclusion:

If this post overwhelmes you, I understand. I've got ADHD and 8 cats, and post on 5 platforms a day, (6 if you count this one,) and my best piece of advice, is just start with section 1. Come back to this article as often as you need, and just pick one item and practice.

Because what you'll find, is that over time, you'll create a haven for your cat.

And the little truth that all experienced cat parents know, is that when you take the time to do good things for your cat, your bond with them will deepen, and the love and memories you'll get back in return from them, is immeasurable.

So take a deep breath...   and get started by just doing "the next little thing" on the list... your cat will love the effort and time you give them.