7 things your cat wants you to know
It’s no surprise that cats are some of the most treasured pets in the United States. Between their sweet charms and smart personalities, they have everything going for them. But what if there were some things your cat wanted to tell you? Here are 7 things we think your cat would want to make sure you know about, straight from the cat’s mouth!
1. I love the outdoors, but I’ll live longer if you keep me indoors.
The great outdoors is more like my natural habitat, with all sorts of wonders to explore and stalk. However, it is not the best place to live for me. Did you know that I only have a 2-5 year lifespan while living outdoors? That’s awfully short! However, if you keep me inside in the warmth and friendliness of your home, I can live to be 17! Which means that’s about 15 more years of sweet hugs and kisses from me just for you.
2. I meow only for you, not for other cats.
Cats don’t need to meow at other cats, apart from the occasional hissing fits we have when we feel threatened. We only meow at you humans! As kittens, we meow to tell our mom when we need food or a little extra comfort. As adult cats, we don’t need to meow except to talk to you to tell you when we’re hungry, want to say hi, or if something’s wrong. And the more you talk to us, the more we will talk to you!
3. I need more than dry cat food please.
Not only do I look like a tiger… I also need to eat like one! As a cat, I am a true carnivore, which means I require a meat-based diet. Of course, I like to eat dry snack foods throughout the day, but it’s not the healthiest diet if I only eat dry food. I am more prone to obesity and diabetes than my furry friends who live on a wet food diet.
4. I need you to have a nice time with me from time to time. I’m getting bored.
When you go to work, I get sad! I love the camaraderie. If I don’t have a sister or brother to play with, I need company even more. When you get home, don’t just play games on your phones or watch TV. Spend a little time with me and activate my senses! Play with me with some cat toys and give me some exercise while giving us a chance to bond, just human and cat. Not only will I love you for it, but it will also tire me out a bit to be ready for bedtime.
5. Sitting with me can help reduce your stress and your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
Did you know that owning me reduces your risk of having a stroke by a third? It is true! My sweet little furry spirit can help you reduce your stress and anxiety and can also help you heal with the vibrations of my purrs.
6. Don’t be mad at me for scratching, I HAVE to scratch!
When you see me scratching your furniture, it’s not because I want to destroy your sofa. I really just need a good place where I can stretch my feet and claws! I also need to get rid of some of the outer layers of my claws as they get old and brittle. Sometimes I scratch things to mark my territory by leaving claw marks and a scent. Please don’t be mad at me, it’s my instinct! A good way to remedy this is to get some trees or posts to scratch on. This way I know there is a safe place where I can stretch and scratch myself every day.
7. Just because you say my name doesn’t mean I’ll come.
No matter how cute my cat’s name is, you can call him a million times and he could still stare out the window. Trust me, I know my name. I’ve learned it from all the times you’ve told me. Since I’m a cat, I don’t have to obey you like Fido the next door neighbor does. If you call a dog, he will immediately come running because you are higher up in the hierarchy. To me, none of that matters. I remember everything, from the last time you made me take that crappy medication to the other time you took me to the vet. It doesn’t mean I don’t love you, I just choose to do things my way.
Hopefully, these cat care tips will help you get closer to your little feline and also help your kitty live the healthiest life possible so she can spend more time being your companion.
