September is Happy Cat Month, a perfect time to focus on your feline friend’s well-being and happiness. Cats are independent creatures, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need care, attention, and love. Ensuring your cat is happy involves more than providing food and shelter—it’s about creating an environment that nurtures their physical, mental, and emotional needs. Our LaGrange Veterinary Hospital team provides happy cat tips to keep your feline friend purring with joy.

Happy cat tip 1: Provide a stimulating environment

Cats are natural hunters who thrive in environments where they can express their instincts. Creating a stimulating space for your whiskered friend involves:

  • Interactive toys — Invest in toys, such as feather wands and laser pointers, that mimic prey movement. Also, rotate your cat’s toys regularly to prevent boredom.
  • Vertical spaces — Cats love to climb and perch. Provide cat trees, shelves, and window perches where your cat can look down on their surroundings.
  • Scratching posts — Scratching is a natural cat behavior. Provide numerous scratching posts and pads throughout your home to satisfy this instinct and keep their claws healthy.
  • Puzzle feeders — Challenge your cat’s mind with puzzle feeders at mealtimes to keep them engaged and help prevent overeating.

Happy cat tip 2: Focus on proper nutrition

A well-balanced diet is crucial for your feline friend’s health and happiness. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a diet rich in animal-based proteins. Follow our nutritional tips:

  • Choose a high-quality cat food with specified proteins listed as the first ingredient.
  • Follow feeding guidelines and monitor your cat’s weight to prevent overfeeding, which can lead to obesity.
  • Ensure your cat has fresh water at all times and consider a water fountain, which may encourage your cat to drink more water.
  • Choose healthy treats and ensure they constitute no more than 10% of your cat’s daily caloric intake.

Happy cat tip 3: Schedule regular veterinary care

Routine veterinary care is essential for keeping your cat healthy and happy. Regular check-ups can detect health issues early and ensure your cat is up-to-date on vaccinations. Considerations include:

  • Annual exams — Schedule a yearly veterinary visit with our LaGrange Veterinary Hospital team for a comprehensive check-up. Senior cats or those with chronic conditions may need more frequent visits.
  • Dental health — Cats need regular professional veterinary dental cleanings to prevent dental disease. Professional cleanings are best paired with at-home care, such as daily toothbrushing and dental treats.
  • Parasite prevention — Protect your cat from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites with a year-round parasite prevention regimen.

Happy cat tip 4: Maintain a clean and feline-friendly environment

Cats are clean animals and thrive in a tidy environment. Tips to keep your home feline-friendly include:

  • Scoop the litter box multiple times a day and change out the litter at least once a week.
  • Provide quiet, safe retreats for your cat when they feel stressed or overwhelmed.
  • Avoid bringing toxic plants, such as lilies, into your home, and keep household items, such as medications and cleaning products, in a secure area inaccessible to your cat.
  • If your cat likes to perch by the window or explore the balcony, ensure these areas are secure to prevent accidents.

Happy cat tip 5: Provide social interaction and bonding time

Cats may be independent, but they still need social interaction and bonding time with their human. Tips to strengthen your relationship include:

  • Daily playtime — Dedicate time each day to play with your cat, which will keep them physically active and strengthen your bond.
  • Gentle grooming — Regular grooming sessions not only help maintain your cat’s coat and reduce shedding, but also are a good opportunity to check for skin issues or lumps.
  • Respect — Cats value their independence. Allow them to come to you on their own terms, and avoid forcing interaction.

Happy Cat Month is a reminder to celebrate your feline companion and ensure they live their best life. A stimulating environment, proper nutrition, regular veterinary care, and plenty of love will keep your cat healthy, happy, and purring all year long.

Contact our LaGrange Veterinary Hospital team to schedule your feline friend’s annual wellness visit, so we can help ensure they thrive. We want your cat to be happy year-round—not only during Happy Cat Month.