The Science Behind the Happiest Cats on Earth

The stereotype that cats are hard to please and they can be finicky isn’t always the case. While some cats may be a little more reserved in their affections, making your cat happy isn’t as hard as it seems. Cats in general are social creatures, but this can be impacted by any early negative experiences, other pets in the home, or different environmental factors. There is a bit of a science behind what makes them happy and what can send them running under beds. Here are some of those interesting facts and how you can make your cat happier.

Clean Litter Boxes

Want to make a cat happy? Give them a clean space to do their business. Since cats are by nature a cleaner animal, they don’t like dirty litter boxes. These messy spaces overfilled with yesterday’s toileting needs can not only stress them out, but leave them looking for somewhere else to go. It’s important to scoop out clumps daily and change out the litter regularly depending on the number of cats you have. Unscented litter is typically best. If you don’t love cleaning the litterbox, but want a happy cat, you can explore various smart litter boxes that automate a big part of the cleaning process. These also reduce odors and keep your cats smiling on the inside.

Grooming Routines

Gentle grooming routines are especially important for long-haired cats. Their luxurious fur looks beautiful, but mats easily. Brushing them daily can help their natural oils coat their fur and leave them less tangled. Use a cage free option like on a workbench to help them feel more at ease with their grooming process. When you handle your cat more gently it also lowers stress and keeps them happier. When it’s time to trim nails, use tiny treats as a reward. It’s important to trim the nails of indoor cats especially because they don’t use their nails in the same way to wear them down. While a scratching post can help, you may need to do an occasional trim to avoid overgrowth.

Good Food and Hydration

Since cats are clean animals, their water should also be free of debris. They don’t usually prefer drinking from water that has things in it. They are also more prone to kidney disease, in part, because of dehydration that they are more likely to experience. Their thirst drive is a lot lower than many other animals as well. But keeping them happy means giving them clean water that’s always accessible. Incorporating wet options for food can improve their hydration. Some cat owners give wet food once or twice a day and leave out dry food for the in between times. This helps them stay full and satisfied as well as hydrated.

Play Time and Exercise

The stereotypical lazy house cat does not have to become your cat’s reality. In fact, science shows that cats thrive on play, exercise, and mental stimulation. They love to connect with their owners through play as well. Whether you use a laser pointer to get them zooming around a room, or you find toys that stimulate and encourage their instinctual behavior, daily play time is essential. Cats love to enjoy short, frequent bursts of play instead of long playtimes only once a day. Active cats are healthier cats who have better muscle tone and lower weight than ones who sit and loaf all day long. If you want to connect with your cat and make them happiest, find ways to play with them.

Learn What Their Behaviors Mean

You don’t have to be a cat behaviorist to become an expert on your cat. You just need to pay attention to what their behaviors are telling you. A cat that meows around the house might be looking for food, connection, or even some outdoor time if you give them space for that. A purring cat is usually content and relaxed, so learning when to interrupt that can help them either be thrilled with you or annoyed by you. When a cat shows its belly, it’s best to approach gently and be wary of claws. While they may trust you enough to show the belly, they may not appreciate being pet in certain spots. Each kitty is so different, so learning what your cat likes in these situations is best. Providing vertical spaces like cat trees or window perches can also improve your cat’s mood by giving them a safe place to observe their surroundings. These elevated areas support their natural instincts and help them feel more secure in their environment.  While cats might seem hard to please, their purrs and cuddles will show you how much they trust you and enjoy your company. Be gentle with them, take care of their needs, and you may be surprised to find you have the happiest cat on earth.