Humans train their dogs. Cats, however, train their humans — and they’ll spend all nine lives making sure you know it.
As a proud cat mom and dedicated animal rescue volunteer, I’m well versed in caring for a furry friend beyond head butts and chin scratchies. I was taught first by my beloved calico, Diddles (a winner of our local magazine’s “cutest pet” contest, thank you very much), and then by my latest rescued resident, Freddie.
Kitty maintenance is relatively simple. As long as you’re keeping up with regular vet visits (don’t forget dental care), grooming and providing a high-quality diet, you’re all set. That said, cats often expect to be treated like royalty, and we as dedicated fur parents are too happy to oblige. Multiple towers, scratching boards, interactive toys and fancy collars are all signs you may be a textbook cat spoiler. And we say, keep at it — in fact, let us help. Below are some thoughtful ways to spoil your cat that have a prayer of living up to its exceedingly high expectations.
Get the very best bed.
A cat simply isn’t the head of the household until it has at least one unnecessarily large bed and two additional sleeping spots (all of which prove unsatisfactory compared with a cardboard box). I’ve had success with this cuddly sherpa bed where my beloved Diddles spent most of her days — when she wasn’t snuggled up next to Mom, of course. And the affordable price point means you can truly lavish your cat with as many as you please.
Choose high-quality litter.
The right litter is important not only for your cat, but for you as well — your kitty is going to let you know if you choose wrong, after all. Tidy Cats® Tidy Care Comfort is made with smaller granules for a cat-preferred paw feel vs. leading clumping litters. It also promises top-notch odor and dust control. Available in both unscented and a bright and natural cat-selected scent, so your furry BFF has options.
Provide a water feature.
A hydrated kitty is a happy — and healthy — kitty. Water is essential for many feline bodily functions, of course, including the prevention of urinary and kidney issues. Unfortunately, cats are notoriously poor water drinkers, and a plain old water dish is such a dog thing. But many are drawn to running or trickling water, so a water fountain may well entice your companion to drink more.
Mimic the great outdoors.
Most cats fancy themselves as hunters, stalkers of the night, even if they eat from a custom-monogrammed food dish each morning. Interactive toys (love this jittering ladybug) or a cushy window perch will allow yours to indulge in its predatory narrative without ever leaving the comfort and safety of home.
Make the litter box Zen-like.
My cat is pretty particular about her bathroom habits — she’s not going to do her business just anywhere, like some sort of animal. So I need her dedicated litter box space to promote a sense of calm and order. Since I follow these guidelines from Tidy Cats, it stays regularly cleaned in a quiet and low-traffic part of the house, complete with a cushy litter mat and a cat-safe plant for added ambience. And if I said I don’t have a custom pet portrait adorning the wall as well, I would be lying.
Serve top-notch food.
I’m a stickler about this, from her main course down to her treats and supplements. I always look for wet and dry food made with real ingredients and natural vitamins, like Purina Pro Plan LiveClear (a Good Housekeeping Seal holder). I also stock up on freeze-dried treats as special snacks.
Refrain from smothering.
Freddie would probably appreciate a little more consistency on this one. While I do love to cuddle her constantly, I try to make an effort to minimize displays of cute aggression on my part (poking of toe beans, excessive hugging and squeezing, etc.), so she can enjoy her peaceful independence, her undisturbed relaxation — and, perhaps most important, her dignity.
