Top Tips to Keep
your cat happy!
by Mary Dwightman
Some people think cats are only happy if they have a wide and varied outdoor
territory to patrol. If you live in a city, or have no garden, this may
dishearten you, but cheer up! It isn't true! Simply playing regularly with
your kitty will fulfill most of her exercise and hunting instincts! Here are
my top tips based on 5 years of looking after
Oakley
1) It's best to start when your
pet is just a kitten. If they grow up indoors, they may never particularly
want to venture out.
2) If possible, providing even
a tiny bit of outdoor space (a small terrace, a screened balcony etc) may be
enough. Just make sure your cat can't climb out and possibly fall, or
otherwise come to harm. Because animals may try to come IN to the space, you
should always be there when your pet is 'outside'. This is the favorite
resource for Oakley,
who enjoys nothing more than 30 minutes in the sun on a hot day. Beware of
toxic plants, escape routes, or other dangerous things that could harm your
kitten.
3) try taking your cat out on a
leash. If the area is quiet, you cat may enjoy this. Just remember that if
you come across any dogs, you are likely to become a 'human tree' for your
cat to run up! As a rule, cats don't like leashes, but if you start early
enough, they can be trained to it.
4) Treat your cat to a 'cat
tree'. Cats love to climb (Oakley
does!) and it's great exercise for them.
5) Be sure to play with your
cat every day. The best 'lures' are always the home made variety. You cat
will much prefer to chase an old bit of cloth on a string that YOU have made
for her, rather than an expensive shop-bought mouse or some such. This is
just a way for your cat to show affection too - they really do value your
efforts to entertain and exercise them!
6) A single cat is never as
happy as a cat with company. Even on a tight budget, 2 cats cost little more
than 1 to keep, and they will both be happier as a result!
7) Hygiene - clean the litter
tray and food bowls every day - cats are fastidious, and after all, how
would YOU like to eat from a plate that hadn't been washed up, or use a
toilet that hadn't been flushed?!
8) Don't forget collars. If
your cat should get out, a collar is the surest method of getting her back.
Oakley likes to
'shed' her collar regularly - never give a cat a hard time about this - it's
just a little game they enjoy. If you can afford it, get your cat 'chipped'.
This makes it much easier to reunite you in extremis.
That's about it for now! If you
have enjoyed these tips, or they are useful to you, please feel free to vote
for Oakly -
http://www.petmillions.com/vote.asp?vote=1054 is the link. It doesn't
cost anything, and you will be supporting animal charities including my
favorite cat charity too!
About the Author
Mary has 4 cats, aged between 2
and 5. The oldest, 'Oakley', is entered in the petmillions.com Grand Prize
2007, and you can vote for her here
http://www.petmillions.com/vote.asp?vote=1054
