Cats are pretty good at making themselves at home – whether that means claiming your favourite chair, demanding breakfast early or turning your fluffy slipper into a punching bag for bunny kicks. But what actually makes a cat happy?
September is Happy Cat Month, so we’re taking a closer look at four simple things you can do to support your cat’s health and happiness.
1. Choose the right cat food
One of the best things you can do for your cat’s health is to feed them good-quality cat food. As obligate carnivores, cats need a balanced diet containing animal-based protein that’s adapted to their life stage (kitten, adult or senior). Look for a complete food that suits their individual needs, too. If your pet has a health condition, your vet may recommend a therapeutic or veterinary diet – but always speak to them before switching to this type of food.
2. Make sure they drink enough
Cats have a low thirst drive, so they may not feel the need to drink often. But just like us, they need enough water to stay properly hydrated and support healthy organ function. Water also helps support kidney health, which is particularly important as cats get older. So, if your purry friend keeps ignoring their water bowl, try placing a few bowls of fresh water around the house – quiet areas are often best. Many cats also enjoy drinking from running water, so a pet fountain can be an easy way to encourage them to drink more.
3. Set aside some time for them
Grooming your cat is a great opportunity to check in with them and enjoy some one-on-one bonding time. We’d even go as far as saying that many cats enjoy being brushed, especially if that means an extra tickle behind the ears! But if yours isn’t a fan, start with the areas they’re most comfortable with being touched and gently brush in the direction their fur grows. KONG’s ZoomGroom is a great option for cats who are a little sceptical of brushes. Its soft rubber fingers not only massage your cat’s skin but also remove a surprising amount of loose hair – a winner in our book.
4. Make nap times extra cosy
Which cat doesn’t love a good snooze? As predators, cats naturally spend plenty of time sleeping and resting, getting ready for their next hunting opportunity (even if their main prey is your feet under the bed sheets). In fact, it’s believed that adult cats can sleep for around 16 hours a day, so treating yours to its own blanket is a gesture they’ll appreciate. Whether they’re relaxing on your bed or drifting into sleep on the sofa, it’s a simple comfort that can make naps even cosier.
Happy Cat Month is a lovely reminder that keeping a cat content doesn’t require anything complicated. It’s often the small things that make the biggest difference – just like their presence in our lives.
