What Makes Your Cat Happy?

Written and verified by the lawyer Francisco María García

Last update: 27 December, 2022

If you think that just food is what makes your cat happy, then you’re dead wrong. Despite their independent nature, to be comfortable, energetic, and healthy, cats also need to play, have fun, and enjoy their owner’s company.

In this article, you can learn more in-depth on what a cat really needs to be happy.

Good Nutrition

Whether mixed breed or pedigree, a complete and balanced diet makes your cat happy. By having a healthy diet on a daily basis, cats get everything they need to produce energy and strengthen their immune system. The essential nutrients in their diet also improve their bone structure and muscle mass.

It’s also really important to make sure that they get the right amount of food according to their age and size. In general, cat food manufacturers include some nutritional facts on the label, but it’s best to check with your vet to get an idea of what your cat needs.

If you give them too much food or treats, then you just run the risk of them becoming obese. Overweight cats become less active and can develop fatigue and depression. Likewise, obese cats can become prone to a number of illnesses such as diabetes and arterial hypertension.

Cats with allergies, kidney problems, or other health conditions need to have a special diet. If they don’t get the right nutrients, this can seriously endanger their health and even lead to death. If you follow your vet’s advice, you’ll be able to pick out the right cat food your cat will need for his condition.

Hydration

There are loads of stories and anecdotes involving cats and water. But the fact is that they need to be well-hydrated in order to be happy and healthy.

Despite their independent nature, cat’s need their owner’s company to feel good. They also need to be properly hydrated and fed, as well as needing some toys to keep them stimulated.

If they don’t get enough water this can unbalance their fluid and electrolyte levels. It can also directly affect their metabolism and kidney function, thereby seriously affecting their health. Therefore, you need to make sure they have fresh, clean water available throughout the day.

What do you do if your cat doesn’t want to drink water? In this case, try to provide them with fluid in their food.

You could also moisten dry food with water or with warm chicken stock. It’s also possible to feed them home food such as meat, vegetables, and fruit.

They Need to Be Stimulated

The fast pace of modern life means that people are always in a hurry for something. It also means that cats probably spend a lot of time alone at home.

If you don’t leave any toys or other objects that can stimulate them, they’ll become sedentary the entire time you’re away from home.  As a result, they may gain weight or develop certain behaviors because of stress or boredom.

Also, cats that don’t exercise during the day will be more active during the night and keep the rest of the house awake!

A stimulating environment is important to keep your cat active while you’re not at home. These days there are several types of scratching posts, simple toys, interactive toys, and intelligence developing games like puzzles, which are all created for cats that spend a lot of time indoors.

Your Presence Makes Your Cat Happy

While toys and other fun games are great for your cat, they also need your company. Cats need to interact with their owners, receive affection, and feel that they’re important. Spending time with your cate makes him happy.

If your cat feels abandoned he may show signs of depression and stress, or become aggressive with other people or animals. Although it might not seem it’s happening to your cat, you must remember that he is a social animal that doesn’t handle solitude very well.

In order to give your cat the healthiest and happiest life possible, you need to set aside a few minutes of your day to spend time with them. Try using his favorite toys to entertain him and give him some exercise so he can enjoy life and feel loved.