Cats have a reputation for being aloof, but those of us who love them know that they are incredibly loving creatures. One of the reasons cats make such great friends is because they’re so intuitive and sensitive. They’re able to use all of their fine-tuned senses to understand when we’re happy or sad, so they can snuggle us right when we need it the most. Their super strong senses can also cause them to feel neglected by small things that aren’t on your radar. Here are 8 great ways to keep your cat purring.
Image: Cliff : Flickr
#1 – Keep the litter box clean
Your cat’s sense of smell is incredibly strong– around 40 times stronger than yours! If you think the litter box is stinky, just imagine how your cat feels! If you aren’t already, get into a habit of scooping your cat’s litter box every day. I’ve found that it helps me remember to do it if I tack it onto something else that I will already be doing every day, so I scoop the box every evening directly after I brush my teeth. In addition to scooping the box on a regular basis, you’ll also need to get into the habit of doing a complete litter change and box scrubbing on a regular basis. Veterinarians, behaviorists, and litter companies recommend doing a complete litter change once per month if you use a high quality clumping litter and once per week if you use a non-clumping litter.
Image: yellowcloud : Flickr
#2 – Keep your voice down
Your cat’s sense of hearing is around 5 times stronger than your own, which helps her hear the quietest squeaks and shuffles of prey or potential predators. It also means that your cat can become startled, scared, and overwhelmed in homes that are loud. Keep loud noises to a minimum and always speak to your kitty in a gentle voice.
Image: Cliff : Flickr
#3 – Address health problems
Cats can be masters of hiding pain and illnesses, so it can be tricky to know if your cat isn’t feeling top-notch. It’s your responsibility as her caretaker, though, to pay attention to the subtle hints that something may be wrong and to address problems immediately. Never ignore changes in eating habits, litter box habits, or energy levels.
Image: yellowcloud : Flickr
#4 – Plug in a night light
While cats do have a remarkable ability to see in dim light, they can’t see in full darkness. Keep this in mind when you’re choosing the best place to keep your cat’s litter box, food and water dishes, or other necessary resources. If you must keep them in areas of your home that’ll be very dark at night, plug in a night light so your cat doesn’t have to feel stressed out.
Image: Bill Abbott : Flickr
#5 – Respect your cat’s boundaries
Even if you have the best playful intentions, your cat can feel as if her safety is being threatened if you don’t respect her feelings and boundaries. This happens most often when people continue to hold a cat who is struggling to be let down. Pay attention to your cat’s body language and respect her feelings when she’s clearly saying “no thanks”.
Image: Dustin Tinney : Flickr
#6 – Play, play, play
Cats, by nature, are very active and spry animals. They can quickly become bored and depressed in an environment that’s not stimulating enough. Make sure your cat has access to plenty of toys and set aside some time each day for a good interactive play sesh. If you can’t always play, add some interactive toys.
Image: Colby Stopa : Flickr
#7 – Keep the food and water fresh
While your cat’s sense of taste isn’t nearly as strong as yours, her sense of smell will keep her away from food or water that’s not fresh. Her instincts tell her that old food or stagnant water is likely to be filled with bacteria (she’s right!) and cats will stay away from anything they perceive as threats to their health. If you can’t freshen the water bowl ever day, consider replacing it with a fountain.
Image: Parfen Rogozhin : Flickr
#8 – Just be there
You’re her best friend and she wants to be with you. You’ve likely already found that the best way to keep your cat purring is to talk to her and shower her with cuddles, head rubs, chin scratches, and kisses.