Cat parents know that their feline friends are full of energy and love, but whether they have sassy personalities or are usually in dreamland, it’s not always clear if they’re happy. Sure, kitties are often very independent, but you still want them comfortable in your home and love their Life Out Here. Providing a wide range of cat products, Tractor Supply offers what you need to help ensure they’re purrfectly content.
Is My Cat Depressed, Sad or Anxious?
It can be unnerving when your cat starts not to act like the playful and curious kitty they usually are. A significant change in their behavior may indicate underlying stressors or even a health condition. These signs that point toward cat anxiety and depression:
- Sleeping more often than usual
- Less active/lethargic
- Changes in appetite
- Poor coat/skin quality
- Going to the bathroom outside the litter box
- Weight loss
- Aggressive behavior or hiding
- Excessive meowing or yowling
- Excessive scratching or changes in grooming
- Gastrointestinal concerns (diarrhea or constipation)
- Bladder/urinary tract problems
Setting Up Your Cat for Good Vibes Only
Cat parents know that their felines are highly in tune with their environments. Everything from the location of their beds and litter boxes to the presence of other pets can affect how they feel. Ensuring your kitty’s happiness means providing a living space where they are as safe and comfortable as possible. Consider these tips to help make your companion smile:
The Right Cat Bed Ensures a Good Night’s Rest
Your kitty needs a cozy place to lay their head at night – or any time of the day, for that matter – as these pets are notorious for lounging. It might seem you just have a picky cat if they never plop down in the bed or mat you’ve purchased, but the problem could be that they can’t get comfortable.
Remember that felines are highly instinctual – all your pampering won’t make them forget their natural urges and preferences. Wild cats often settle down in dens, so resting places that mimic enclosed areas can be more inviting. Cat hideaway beds recreate the feeling of hunkering down in a quiet space for sleep. Some kitties find it easier to relax in a covered cat bed as it gives them more peace and privacy.
Every cat is unique, and if you have multiple feline friends, placing a bed for each in various areas of your home can prevent aggression, as they can be territorial. With each pet having a place to rest their head, it keeps the house peaceful for everyone – including you.
How does your kitty like to rest? Whatever the answer, you can explore different types of cat beds to help them drift off and purr softly:
- Round beds: Cats love to curl up into balls, so this shape contours around them as they sleep.
- Square beds: Give them more space to lounge and stretch out with this design.
- Heated beds and pads: Ensure your kitty is comfy and cozy when the temps drop outside.
- Blankets and throws: Give them a little extra warmth to tuck in on the colder nights.
- Floor pads: Help them stay comfortable in a cat carrier or crate.
- Furniture covers and protectors: Couches and armchairs stay fur-free, and they can still sprawl out where they’re most relaxed.
- Furniture style beds: If you want to keep them off your high-end furniture, these beds can do the trick.
An Ideal Spot to Do Their Business
The litter box is an inevitable part of being a cat parent, and kitties can be especially particular about going to the bathroom. Location matters – if you put their litter box in an area they don’t seem to like, they probably won’t use it. Regular cleaning is also important, as messiness can deter them and cause accidents around your home.
Although some kitties will share, multiple cats generally require one litter box for each, plus an extra for convenience. Having several also gives them the chance to choose one they like best, and you can find different types of cat litter boxes to try:
- Open litter pans: These are perfect for bathrooms or spare rooms and provide a designated area for kitties to go.
- Covered litter boxes: Just like a hideaway or cave bed, it gives cats more privacy to do their business.
- Litter box enclosures: A step above the covered variety, this stylish choice blends in with the existing decor in case they prefer going in a furnished room.
- Self-cleaning litter boxes: If they like this option, you get the added benefit of less maintenance.
Adventure Awaits with Cat Furniture
Independent cats love exploring the outdoors, but your kitty might have always been indoor-only, or you don’t live in an area where it’s practical to let them roam freely. You can still provide them with a taste of the outdoors with a window perch or wall shelf, which gives cats a higher vantage point to gaze out at birds, squirrels or any critter that passes by.
Furniture designed for kitties provides an adventure that they love – while keeping them off the pieces meant only for people. It can also help them stay active to maintain a healthy weight and stimulate their minds. Our selection features:
- Trees and condos: Let them explore ramps, beds, toys and platforms of various heights for hours of entertainment.
- Catios: Kitties can be outside but still safe in catios, which offer an enclosed space for play and lounging.
- Scratchers: They work out their natural instincts to claw, and many options come with built-in toys or a bed.
- Outdoor cat houses: Don’t forget outdoor feline friends – keep them safe with a spot to rest their heads at night or hang out during the day.
Fun for Hours with an Assortment of Toys
They make you laugh when they chase balls around the house or pounce on a plush mouse, but their play is about more than your entertainment. Toys can benefit their mental health and ensure an indoor kitty stays physically active. What’s more, cats will find something to play with if you don’t give it to them, and it’s better a toy designed for their claws and fangs than objects like string or wires that could harm them.
The same playthings may get stale after a while, but with plenty of cat toys, they’ll find something to occupy them every day, such as:
- Interactive toys: Lasers and moving objects bring out their hunting prowess.
- Plush and mice toys: They go after their most infamous prey with cuddly little plushies that are soft on teeth.
- Chasers and teasers: Join in on the fun with chasers that help get sedentary cats moving around.
- Electronic toys: You’ve probably seen countless videos of the amazing ability of lasers and whirring toys to engage a cat’s body and mind.
- Balls: Sometimes, a simple ball to pass back and forth between their paws is all they need to stay entertained.
- Cat tunnels: They burrow and slink around as they might in nature with tunnels you can set up in any room.
- Toy scratchers: Besides helping them scratch to their heart’s delight, these have balls, teasers and other toys included.
- Catnip toys: Sprinkle in a little catnip and see even more reluctant kitties ready to play.
Treats Between Meals Put Smiles on a Feline’s Face
Adequate nutrition is essential to keeping your cat healthy and happy, but the occasional treat helps them love you all the more. Use cat treats to celebrate achievements in training or when bonding with a kitten. Some snacks for kitties are formulated for special diets and with key health features, so consider these options if you want to reward them while ensuring their wellness.
In addition to catnip that stimulates their natural pheromones, you can compare different types of cat treats, including:
- Crunchy treats: Give cats something crisp to bite into with these snacks.
- Soft and chewy treats: Reward kitties with a different texture that they’ll gobble right up.
- Lickable treats: They’re not just delicious – these flavorful options keep them occupied for a while.
- Freeze-dried treats: Pet parents find it convenient to store these goodies and ensure they stay fresh until another time.
- Dental treats and chews: Boost their oral health with snacks they’ll eat right up.
Vet Visits Are Vital for a Cat’s Well-Being
They might not be too excited about going to the vet in the moment, but regular visits are necessary for their overall wellness. Vets typically recommend at least annual checkups to monitor their health and notice any changes, and they might also discuss any vaccinations your kitty needs. Vet appointments are also a great opportunity to ask about what cat food is best based on their health needs and ways to keep them stimulated at home.
Depending on your cat’s age and health, these appointments might need to be more frequent. This way, any underlying conditions or illnesses are found quickly, and they receive prompt treatment.
Keep Kitty Content by Choosing Tractor Supply
Whether you have an independent, finicky or sassy cat, one thing is certain – you want them to be happy. Every kitty is different, and we have a wide range of options to help them enjoy every day. Visit your local Tractor Supply store today or browse our inventory online.