(BPT) – If you have a cat, you know that they are the kings and queens of their domains. As their owner, it’s your job to not only take care of them but also spoil them like royalty. You don’t have to break the bank to show your feline a good time. Check out these five tips below to help you treat your cat and build trust in your relationship with them.
1. Spruce up their sleep area
Cats sleep on average 15 hours a day, so sprucing up their nap spots is the best way to get on your kitty’s good side. ‘Because cats are prey animals, they enjoy elevated spaces,’ said Purina senior pet behavior scientist Dr. Annie Valuska. ‘It makes them feel safe while still allowing them to be part of the action.’ Create an elevated resting spot by installing a shelf with a soft bed, a kitty hammock or a tall cat tree.
2. Make mealtime indulgent
Spoil your cat with a decadent dinner that will leave them purring with happiness. Cats naturally prefer new food over familiar food. To keep your furry friend happy, add variety to their diet.
Complements and toppers are a great way to spruce up your cat’s meal. Try out Friskies Lil’ Shakes as a cat food topper on the next meal or serve as a yummy snack in between meals. Each flavor is made with real meat or seafood and blended with a ‘lil” coconut milk. Best of all, it helps provide the hydration needed to keep your cat healthy and happy.
3. Make time for play
Playing with your cat is essential to their overall health and wellness, and it helps you bond with your feline friend. The best time to play with your cat is right before a meal. ‘Cats benefit from a strenuous play session before meals because it mimics their natural behavior pattern of hunt-catch prey-eat,’ said Dr. Valuska. ‘Make sure to use random movements that mimic their natural prey and keep them interested.’
4. Enrich the senses
Just like humans, cats need entertainment to combat boredom. ‘When cats experience boredom, they might act out with inappropriate scratching and chewing and play aggression,’ said Dr. Valuska. To keep your cat happy, it’s important to engage in enrichment activities.
For example, you can install a window catio so your pet can enjoy the outdoors without going outside. Add bird and squirrel feeders to your backyard or plant a butterfly garden to give them a variety of sights from your windows. Indoors, you can keep safe herbs like dill, oregano, parsley and rosemary plants to appeal to their sense of smell.
5. Treat them with some catnip
Last but certainly not least, catnip is one of the best ways to spoil your cat. You can buy some dried catnip and sprinkle it on your pet’s nap spots, scratching posts and toys. There are also plenty of toys infused with catnip that you can purchase or make your own by tying a pinch of herb into an old, clean sock. Make sure to check with your vet if catnip would be a good fit for your pet.
Remember, no two cats are the same. What works for one may not work for the other. Understanding your cat’s personality and preferences will help you learn the best ways to spoil them. However, these five tips are a great place to start.
