Taking care of cats is pretty simple, right? You change the litter box, you feed them every day, and you take them to the vet, and give them a little time and affection. Unlike many dogs, most cats are generally pretty self-reliant. You give them the basics, and they’re pretty much on their own.
But that doesn’t mean that Princess and Boots don’t want your attention. No matter how aloof or snobbish any cat may seem, deep down he or she loves you and wants your affection. (That’s not to say that some cats aren’t open about it in the first place; there are plenty of loving, purr-able cats who aren’t shy when it comes to demanding attention!)
To many cat owners, cats are members of the family. So why not treat them as such? Here are some things you can do to help show your cat how much you love her.
Supply plenty of cat toys. Balls, stuffed mice, catnip-filled fish, you name it—he or she wants it! Even if you think Fluffy has no interest in toys at all, you might be able to find just the right one that will tickle her fancy. We had one cat who only wanted to play with a certain striped ball—she would have no other! Another likes long sticks with string, ribbon and anything dangly attached to it. Try using your imagination and making something for your feline.
Stay current on the litter. Nobody likes to walk in a pile of poo—cats included! Keep the litter box clean for your furry friend.
Buy pet insurance. You might scoff at this, but many places sell it at a reasonable cost that will save you money. Some clinics even offer wellness plans that cover shots and exams.
Provide scratching posts. Don’t scold Stripes for clawing up the couch if he doesn’t have something to relieve those nails on! Get him a couple of scratching posts—one in each of his favorite rooms—and he’ll probably start to leave the furniture alone.
Give cat treats. Don’t overfeed, but don’t be stingy, either! We usually give one treat a day to help with teeth health, and the cats know by the sound of the container shaking it’s time to eat.
Spend time with your cat. We often take it for granted that our cats are so independent, they don’t really need us; but a little petting and playing every day helps keep them bonded to us and happy.