September is Happy Cat Month!
While we love making our kitties happy every month of the year, it’s a great time to try some new things to treat our cats like the royalty they are.
Here are a few ways you can celebrate Happy Cat Month with your feline companion.
1. Learn A New Trick
Some people are surprised to learn that cats can actually do tricks. In fact, with some simple clicker training and patience, your kitty will probably enjoy the extra mental stimulation from learning and working for food.
It’s all based on positive reinforcement. You can learn more about clicker training tricks here!
2. Try Letting Your Cat Hunt
Your kitty probably eats out of a bowl, but that doesn’t really let them use their natural hunting instincts.
Now might be a good time to try using a toy that lets you hide your cat’s dry food so they can track it down and “hunt” for it.
This can help fight boredom and the destructive behaviors that come with it, along with giving your cat some exercise to help keep off the extra pounds.
3. You Can’t Go Wrong With Boxes
Your cat probably loves hiding in boxes. It’s a cat thing.
Cats absolutely love a good box because it gives them a place to feel safe and at ease. In fact, a study suggests that boxes actually reduce stress and aid in recovery with shelter cats who aren’t acclimated yet.
You can read more about that study here!
4. Catnip And Other Plants
Catnip has an effect on about two thirds of cats who try it, and most feel a sense of euphoria and happiness. But there are other plants that have similar effects to catnip that you may be unfamiliar with.
Tartarian Honeysuckle Sawdust, Cat Thyme, and Silver Vine are a few.
You can read more about them and similar plants here!
5. Stay Healthy
It’s Happy Cat Month, so you may be thinking extra treats might make your kitty happy. And that may be the case, but don’t overdo it.
Extra cat treats are fine once in a while, but feline obesity is a major problem. Your cat will be much happier overall if they’re fit and healthy. Remember, if your cat is fat, it’s your fault, not your cat’s.
You can read what to do about feline obesity here.
6. Respect The Territory
Most cats need to have a space that they can think of as their own. If they don’t, many resort to marking their territory, and that’s not good for keeping your home smelling decent.
Try providing your cat with an area they can have to themselves, and make sure their litter box is nearby. Many cats would like a cat tower or perch to watch over their domain.
A happy kitty is less likely to go marking their territory.
7. Warm Spots Are The Best
The days are still pretty long in September, which means there are probably plenty of sunny spots for your kitty to rest and feel the heat.
Make sure that your cat isn’t getting too much sun, though. If your cat has fair skin or burns easily, you may want to limit sunny spot time and instead provide your kitty with a warming blanket to nap on, or better yet, a warm lap to snuggle up on!
What other things do you do to make your kitty happy? Are you going to go above and beyond for your feline in Happy Cat Month? Let us know in the comments below!
