Greetings, friends of felines! I am Genevieve, a highly sophisticated and supremely content feline. My humans, who initially knew little about my royal needs, have learned quite a bit about keeping me purring with joy. Let me share their secrets on keeping your cat happy. With these tips, you will transform your home into a feline paradise.

Routine: Respect the royal schedule

Genevieve (G): Cats thrive on routine and are creatures of habit. When my humans first brought me home, they made the grave mistake of a disruptive schedule with erratic meal times and spontaneous play sessions. Now, breakfast is served promptly at 7 a.m., and I can count on a delightful feather toy session every evening at 6 p.m.

Homestead Animal Hospital (HAH): Establish a consistent routine for feeding, playtime, and cuddles. Your cat will feel more secure and content knowing what to expect.

Feeding: A feline foodie’s delight

G: At first, my humans thought any old kibble would do. How wrong they were! I had to endure some distasteful meals until they learned the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet. I now enjoy a delightful mix of high-quality wet food and dry kibble, supplemented with occasional treats. And, remember, fresh water is a must. 

HAH: A well-fed—but not too well-fed—cat is a happy cat, so invest in good food and keep an eye on portion control to avoid the dreaded “fluffy” look.

Sleeping arrangements: The perfect throne

G: In the early days, my humans provided a small, unimpressive bed. Naturally, I ignored it. Cats need a variety of comfortable sleeping spots. I now have an assortment of plush beds, fleece blankets, and high perches and, sometimes, I grace my humans’ laps with my presence.

HAH: Ensure your feline has cozy, warm, and quiet places to nap. Variety is key for keeping your cat happy—cats love options!

Playtime: Keep the hunt alive

G: Initially, my humans underestimated the importance of play. They thought a few minutes with a laser pointer was sufficient. How naive! Cats need regular, engaging play sessions to satisfy their hunting instincts and be mentally stimulated. My favorite toys include feather wands, puzzle feeders, and the occasional cardboard box.

HAH: Schedule consistent daily playtime and rotate toys to keep things interesting.

Scratching: A feline essential

G: My humans once frowned upon my natural urge to scratch the furniture. Little did they know, scratching is essential for maintaining my claws and marking my territory. They have since provided me with an array of scratching posts and pads, which I use with great enthusiasm. HAH: Place scratching posts in key areas and sprinkle catnip to encourage their use. Your furniture will thank you.

Litter box: Etiquette matters

G: Ah, the litter box. My humans quickly learned that cleanliness is next to catliness. A dirty litter box is a major faux pas. Scoop daily and clean the box weekly to guarantee that it’s always pristine. Also, location matters—place the box in a quiet, accessible spot.

HAH: A clean, well-maintained restroom is essential for keeping your cat happy.

Environment: Catify your home

G: A cat-friendly environment in your home is vital. My humans installed shelves and climbing trees to satisfy my love for heights. They also placed cozy beds near windows, so I can indulge in bird-watching.

HAH: Ensure your home has vertical spaces, hiding spots, and interactive elements. This creates a stimulating environment that caters to a cat’s natural behaviors.

Health: Schedule regular veterinary visits

I may seem invincible, but regular health checks are crucial. My humans have learned to keep an eye out for any changes in my behavior or appearance.

HAH: Regular veterinary visits that include a physical exam, vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental checks, and screening tests, help cats stay in tip-top shape. 

Affection: On your cat’s terms

G: Cats are not dogs. We appreciate affection, but only on our terms. My humans respect my personal space and let me initiate cuddles, which has built a much more harmonious relationship.

HAH: Learn to read your cat’s body language and respect their boundaries. 

Entertainment: Keep your cat occupied

G: Cats can get lonely, too. When my humans are away, they leave interactive toys and treat puzzles that keep me entertained and I don’t get bored.

HAH: Ensure your cat has plenty of stimuli when they are home alone to keep them happy and occupied until you return.

G: By observing these tenets, my humans have created a haven that caters to my every need. A happy cat is a healthy cat, and a little effort goes a long way. Implement these tips, and I guarantee your feline friend will be forever grateful. Remember, in the eyes of a cat, a well-trained human is a treasure.

Although Genevieve is not a real cat, she is filled with real wisdom. Stick to the training that Genevieve provided, and schedule a wellness visit for your cat with our Homestead Animal Hospital team.