How to make a cat happy: A basic guide

by Ann Hayward 07/08/2024

featured image with cat and text over top

Are you a prospective cat owner wondering how to make a cat happy? While all cats are different in personality and characteristics, they all have certain preferences and needs in common. If you’re in need of ideas for keeping your kitty happy, here are some of the most important things for cat owners to focus on:

Catify your home

Cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy coined the term “catifying,” which translates into creating an environment in which indoor cats feel comfortable and can grow in. One of the key concepts in catifying a space is to provide plenty of places for them to climb, perch and play off the ground.

Provide safe outside environments

Keep an indoor cat active by allowing them safe, supervised playtime outdoors. You can do this in a variety of ways, including using a leash and harness or by constructing a “catio” at home.

Have plenty of scratching surfaces

Scratching is an instinct a cat develops to stretch its muscles and hone their claws. Providing your cat with plenty of satisfying surfaces to scratch will keep them comfortable and help you avoid furniture or carpet damage. Try both horizontal and vertical scratching surfaces to determine which your cat prefers.

Give them a view

There are few things a house cat loves more than lounging in a window sill. Watching the outside world provides countless hours of entertainment for cats, and the warm sunlight can be the perfect napping spot. If your window sills are too narrow, try placing cat trees or other furniture up against the window for your cat to perch.

Grow cat grass for them to nibble on

While cats are carnivores, they eat plenty of grass in the wild. Cat grass is something you can easily grow at home to provide your kitty with much-needed vitamins and extra help with digestion. Not to be confused with lawn grass, cat grass is a mixture of common seeds including wheat, rye, barley and oats.

Keep them challenged

Cats are intelligent creatures and can get bored without enough mental stimulation. Try challenging them with cat toys and interactive play. Each cat has different preferences when it comes to toys, so experiment with different types to see which ones your kitty finds most interesting.

Sometimes it can take a while to get to know your cat and what makes them happy. However, if you stick to these key things cats love, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your cat happy indoors for years to come.

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About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]