1. Cat toys that move in unpredictable
ways are more stimulating than toys that follow a regular pattern.
You provide the motion for the most unpredictable toys, of course.
But when you're not home, toys with erratic movement are more
likely to excite and entertain your cat.
2. Looking out the window is like cat TV,
especially if your window faces a yard that has birds, squirrels,
and other fascinating critters. Make sure your cat has a comfortable
place to sit by the window and watch the world go by. Place a tall
cat tree by a window that faces a tree. Or you can get a window
perch that attaches to your windowsill.
3. Grow some catnip in your garden. Just
make sure you don't spray any pesticides near the catnip crop.
Your cat will appreciate a few fresh leaves all summer, and you
can cut down the plants and dry them in the autumn for a home-grown
winter supply.
4. Cats don't need to have food available
all day. Don't feed your cat more than the daily amount your vet
has recommended -- no matter how much she asks. Break the daily
ration down into two or three small meals, and that's it. Your
cat may howl, but that's habit talking, not hunger.
5. Cats love rituals. Get into a routine
where your cat has a few minutes of special snuggle time every
day, perhaps when you come home from work or after you finish
your dinner. Sit down in the same place each time, call your cat
over to you, and just scratch her behind the ears, talk to her,
or do whatever else she likes. Soon you'll both be looking forward
to your special time together.
6. Many cats like to be picked up and
held, but usually they only like it for a very short time. The
instant your cat begins to fuss or struggle, put her down. (Some
really can't bear the feeling that they've lost control, and you
should respect their wishes.) Always support a cat's hindquarters
when you pick her up. A comfortable way to hold her is to rest
her against your body with her front paws on your shoulder and
your arm under her rump.
7. Cats just love to sit in boxes. Feline
behaviorists aren't sure why, but they know it's true. The next
time you get something by mail order, put the box on the floor
for a few days and let your cat leap in and out. You'll be amazed
at how much she'll enjoy a simple cardboard box.
8. Most cats enjoy a little face-to-face
conversation-as long as it's not in-your-face. Place yourself
at cat's eye level, a few feet from your cat, and just look gently
into kitty's face. Say his name and whatever else comes to mind.
Go ahead and use your "cat voice," because studies show
cats do prefer a softer, higher-pitched voice. Most cats love
the direct attention, and will gradually maintain this kind of
contact for longer and longer periods.
9. What's the best way to keep cat hair
off your couch? Brush your cats regularly -- at least once a week.
Brushing has so many other advantages, too: it helps control hairballs,
keeps your cat's skin healthy. keeps kitty's coat smooth and free
from mats (those little clumps of fur that sometimes form), and
gives you both a chance to cuddle and bond.
10. Many cats like a bit of salad to nibble
on. Growing a pot of grass for your cat will satisfy this craving,
and will help keep kitty away from your houseplants. Many pet
supply stores and farmers' markets sell pots of "cat grass,"
or you can simply grow a pot of backyard grass indoors for your
cat. (Make sure you don't use any pesticides or chemical fertilizers
on your kitty's salad.)
11. Cats take in as much information by
smelling things as we do by reading the newspaper. Give your cat
something new to "read" every day by putting something
unfamiliar down on the floor for him to smell. It can be as simple
as tossing your junk mail on the floor for 15 minutes or setting
your grocery bags down for a good cat scan before you put away
the shopping.
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