Are you a prospective cat owner wondering how to make a cat happy? While all cats are different in personality and characteristics, they all have certain preferences and needs in common. If you’re in need of ideas for keeping your kitty happy, here are some of the most important things for cat owners to focus on:
Cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy coined the term “catifying,” which translates into creating an environment in which indoor cats feel comfortable and can grow in. One of the key concepts in catifying a space is to provide plenty of places for them to climb, perch and play off the ground.
Keep an indoor cat active by allowing them safe, supervised playtime outdoors. You can do this in a variety of ways, including using a leash and harness or by constructing a “catio” at home.
Scratching is an instinct a cat develops to stretch its muscles and hone their claws. Providing your cat with plenty of satisfying surfaces to scratch will keep them comfortable and help you avoid furniture or carpet damage. Try both horizontal and vertical scratching surfaces to determine which your cat prefers.
There are few things a house cat loves more than lounging in a window sill. Watching the outside world provides countless hours of entertainment for cats, and the warm sunlight can be the perfect napping spot. If your window sills are too narrow, try placing cat trees or other furniture up against the window for your cat to perch.
While cats are carnivores, they eat plenty of grass in the wild. Cat grass is something you can easily grow at home to provide your kitty with much-needed vitamins and extra help with digestion. Not to be confused with lawn grass, cat grass is a mixture of common seeds including wheat, rye, barley and oats.
Cats are intelligent creatures and can get bored without enough mental stimulation. Try challenging them with cat toys and interactive play. Each cat has different preferences when it comes to toys, so experiment with different types to see which ones your kitty finds most interesting.
Sometimes it can take a while to get to know your cat and what makes them happy. However, if you stick to these key things cats love, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your cat happy indoors for years to come.
Terese Ferrara is a long-time resident of the Bay Area and has been a partner with The Goss Real Estate Group for many years. She and her husband raised their two daughters in San Jose, where she successfully continues to build her real estate career.
After earning a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University, she went on to teach in the San Jose Unified School District for 9 years. Transitioning to real estate was a logical choice, utilizing her patient demeanor to educate all levels of buyers and sellers. Knowledge and experience demonstrate her vested interest in delivering the highest level of care and professionalism to every client. She consistently strives to exceed her client’s expectations throughout the entire real estate transaction and remains a trusted advisor long after each close.
As a board member on KW Bay Area Estates’ Associate Leadership Council (ALC), she aids in support of culture and professional development strategies for over 180 associates. Terese is also a Director for the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors Foundation, which supports community service initiatives in Silicon Valley.
Terese is the consummate real estate professional dedicated to providing unparalleled service to her clients through ongoing training and education, keeping her on top of the dynamic market and latest real estate trends. Her high-touch approach coupled with honesty and integrity support her commitment to her client’s real estate needs.
