Cat box litter and dads, we want nothing less than the best for our furbabies. Whether your cats like to chase each other for hours or just lay around all day, you want to make sure they’re safe, comfortable and enjoying an enriched life. Here are a few simple ways you can create a stimulating environment for your beloved cats.
Create vertical spaces
Cats naturally love to jump around and climb to shelves, stairs and other vertical spaces. Make the most of their play area by installing shelves solely for your cats and have a blast watching them jump from one to another. Just make sure the shelves can support your cats’ weight.
However, not all cats are nimble and energetic. Senior cats and those with disabilities may have a hard time climbing higher shelves—but that doesn’t mean they’ve lost the instinct to climb. It would be good to install shelves in areas they can reach.
Note that if ever they get into an accident, there are products like wound sprays, needle suture and foam dressings that aid in the healing process. Better to bring your injured cats to the vet, so they’re treated properly.
Making the most out of your vertical spaces not only encourages exercise, because up there where cats can survey their territory, they also feel a little more secure.
Clean your place regularly
Cats want a clean and non-stinky space as much as humans do. It’s good practice to scoop the litter twice a day and replace it once a week.
Try observing your cats. You’d probably notice that some would avoid a dirty litter box no matter how much they need to poop or urinate. They’d resort to doing it on the floor, or worse, holding it until the litter box is clean—which is bad for their health.
In addition, you want to sweep and mop the floor regularly using a pet-friendly cleaner. If you only have a regular cleaner, bring your cats to a separate room while you’re cleaning so they won’t inhale the chemical solution or step on the wet floor.
Create vertical spaces
Cats naturally love to jump around and climb to shelves, stairs and other vertical spaces. Make the most of their play area by installing shelves solely for your cats and have a blast watching them jump from one to another. Just make sure the shelves can support your cats’ weight.
Note, however, that not all cats are nimble and energetic. Senior cats and those with disabilities may have a hard time climbing higher shelves—but that doesn’t mean they’ve lost the instinct to climb. It would be good to also install shelves in areas they can reach.
Making the most out of your vertical spaces not only encourages exercise, because up there where cats can survey their territory, they also feel a little more secure.
Put up scratch posts
Apart from climbing and jumping around, cats also love to scratch things. They’d scratch furniture like sofa, table legs and mirrors. To prevent this from happening, try placing scratch posts in doorways and other areas away from furniture they can sink their claws into.
If you choose vertical posts, make sure to get the taller ones to allow them to stretch fully. Keep in mind that it’s also a way for them to stretch their back and remove their outer claw sheath.
Buy them toys!
There are a bunch of different toys for cats. Some toys like toy mice allow them to satisfy their hunting instincts while interactive toys like balls allow you to play together. Get a variety of playthings and find out which ones they love most!
Secure your windows
Cats love to peek through windows! The sound of birds chirping and kids playing outside will have them stop what they’re doing and immediately rush to the windows to see what’s happening. For your peace of mind, you may need to install window screens, so your cats can satisfy their curiosity and enjoy the fresh air without sneaking out or falling off.
Place water and food bowls in the right areas
If you observe, cats seem to prefer having their meals in quieter areas of the house. They don’t want to be disturbed when eating, even by other cats, so you want to have a food bowl for each. And because they don’t like stinky objects, place the bowls away from the litter box. Otherwise, they may not eat at all (some cats would just smell the food and leave)!
How much do you love your cats? It’s a must to make your home cat-friendly. And if you can, create a space you can truly call a feline paradise!
