1. Scratching post
Cats scratch to stay both physically and mentally healthy. Scratching is a way to mark their territory, to exercise, and to experience pleasure.
Cats need something, other than your furniture, to scratch. Some materials like sisal fabric is key to a cat’s happiness as it feels like tree bark to a cat.
2. Healthy Food and Treats
Pay attention to your cat’s preferences. They may prefer one flavor over another and will love you more when you feed them what they want. Treats help your cat to exercise both their brain and their body which is important for a long and healthy life.
3. Grooming
Cats are extremely clean animals and they devote a large portion of their day for self-grooming.
They love to groom themselves but they also like to be pampered by a human they trust and love. You can brush your cat gently or just pet them. A de-shedding brush or comb helps to keep your cat looking and feeling great. It can also help to keep the fur mat-free and reduce hairballs by removing excess fur. Grooming your cat is similar to the massage in that it is relaxing and gives you bonding time.
4. Personal Space
Cats are territorial creatures. They don’t like to be smothered with affection. Make sure you provide them all the personal space they want. After all, if you like a constant companion that followed you everywhere in your home, you would’ve adopted a dog.
5. Hiding Spot
Cats feel safe when they can hide in an enclosed space. From there, your cat can observe and decide if they are comfortable enough to come out or not. Have cardboard boxes and cat caves available so that your cat can have alone time when needed. This will show them that you understand their needs and that you love them.
6. Several Beds
Cats love sleeping. Providing places to sleep lets your cat know that you care about their comfort and happiness. Having a few beds in different places will let your cat know that your space is her space. They can choose to be around people or choose a bed in a quiet place if they want to be left alone. Many cats like to be up high, so consider a tall cat tree a roomy bed on top.
7. Interactive Play
Cats are predators but they don’t get to use their instincts when they are at your home.
Providing your cat with interactive play toys allows them to exercise their predatory nature. Interactive games are also good for shy cats who need to build confidence, and overactive cats who need stimulation and exercise. Some cats like puzzle toys that you hide treats in because it lets them use their brain, their teeth, and their nose. Cats are also delighted with cat gyms that have climbing, clawing, and hiding opportunities.
8. Vocal Cues
Cats have special meows, coos, or trills that they use with humans they are close to. If you imitate their sounds, they will understand it as a display of affection. This also helps them to feel safe, secure and loved. You might think you sound like the crazy cat lady talking to her pet alone, but your cat won’t think so.
9. Let Them Lick You
Cats lick themselves to keep themselves clean. Often times they lick you to reassure you that they love you back. Consider a cat’s lick as the equivalent to human’s hug. Let them lick you and don’t move away. You will disappoint them immensely.
10. Massage Your Cat
The same way humans love a good massage so does a cat. Petting your cat from head to tail not only feels good, but it can also lower blood pressure in your pet. Pay attention so that you can learn what your cat likes best. Do they like more pressure at the base of their tail? Maybe they prefer to be rubbed under the cheeks. An added benefit of the all-over massage is that you can detect some of the health problems your cat may have. You will be able to find matted fur or any lump, bumps, or sores that may need attention.
11. Scent Mingling
When your cat rubs against you, it is a true sign that you are their person. Cats have scent glands in their cheeks and head. When they rub against you, they are claiming you as their own by leaving their scent on you. If your kitty shows this kind of affection, you are truly family. Show them the same affection by leaning into them and don’t move away as they are wandering in and around your legs. If you would like to initiate the affection, reach your finger out toward their nose and let them rub their cheeks along your hand. They will know that this is a sign of acceptance and love.
12. Slow Eye Blink
Slowly blinking your eyes at your cat is akin to the human kiss. Cats show affection by looking at someone and slowly closing their eyes and opening them again. Get to eye level with your cat and do the same thing. Meet their gaze and blink back. They will know you love them too. Animal experts use this technique to calm fearful cats.
