We're not really into the whole “New Year's resolution”, it seems like most of them just disappear pretty quickly. But, the turn of the year does give us a nice chance to pause and think about how things are going, especially with our pets.
Here's a list of 8 ideas cat owners might want to consider for the coming year. We definitely see a few things on here that we could work on ourselves, and maybe you will too.
Keep a Regular Daily Plan
Cats feel good when things are consistent! A big study done during the pandemic showed that many cats got stressed out when their owners' schedules changed. It makes sense—they like things to stay the same. Even something like moving furniture or having new people over can make them feel uneasy.
If you're thinking about a new routine this year or if your schedule has changed, it's a good idea to keep your cat in mind. Whether you'll be out of the house more or just changing up your day-to-day, any big adjustments should be made slowly and consistently. Try to keep things like playtime, feeding, and cuddle time at the same time each day. This helps your cat feel safe and in control.
Cleaning the Litter Box Every Single Day
You know how you search for the cleanest bathroom stall when you're out? Well, our cats do the same thing with their litter boxes! They're super clean animals, and having to use a dirty box probably really bothers them. Keeping those boxes fresh is a must, especially if you have a kitty who sometimes pees or poops outside the box. A clean box can make a big difference.
Fresh Water & Healthy Food
It's important to make sure your cat always has fresh, clean water available. And don't forget to wash their water bowls at least once a week to clean off the film that can build up. If your cat seems to prefer drinking from a faucet, you might think about getting a kitty water fountain. As for food, try to give them the healthiest and best quality you can afford. Most of the time, a diet that's high in protein and low in carbs is the way to go.
Make an Effort to Spend More Time with Your Cat
It's a great way to make your bond even stronger. Cats tend to be most active and playful in the early morning or evening – you know, those times when they're zooming around the house? That's the perfect opportunity to play a game with them and let them burn off some energy.
After they've had their fun, settling down in the evening to relax and cuddle is a lovely way to connect. Make time to just sit and relax together. Not only is it enjoyable, but it really helps strengthen your relationship with them. A little healthy treat can make these moments even more special.
Help Your Cat Get the Exercise They Need
We know our cats are big fans of napping – it's just part of their charm! But keeping them active is also key for their physical and mental health. Playing with them is a fantastic way to help your kitty stay healthy and content.
Try to plan for about 15 minutes of playtime each session. Since cats can lose interest quickly, a couple of short bursts of play each day is more effective than one longer session. Choose games that allow your cat to tap into their natural hunting instincts, like chasing a toy mouse on a string or a laser beam. And remember to wrap up each play session with a treat or some cuddles as a reward!
It's also good to switch up the toys now and then to keep things interesting. You don't have to spend a ton of money either! Cats love exploring cardboard boxes. Or you could hide some treats around the house or in empty egg cartons for them to find. They enjoy the challenge just as much!
And speaking of keeping cats active and satisfied, remember that positive scratching is necessary too. That's where Cat-e-Corner can come in handy! With its modular, stylish designs featuring durable, natural sisal, it’s perfect for scratching and climbing. It’s also a good way to protect your furniture since cats love to scratch, and Cat-e-Corner provides a great, cat-friendly alternative.
Don't Forget Regular Vet Appointments
If it's been more than a year since your cat's last checkup, it's time to schedule a wellness exam with your vet. Your cat's health is super important, so let's make it a priority. To help with that, you could look into pet insurance, or even just put some money aside in a savings account for vet bills.
It's interesting how quickly cats age! They grow super fast in their first couple of years. Did you know that in their first year alone, they're like 15 in human years? After two, their aging slows down a bit, but it's still important to remember that every four cat years is roughly equal to one human year.
Because cats age so quickly, regular vet checkups are essential to keeping them healthy. This way, any issues can be caught early. If you notice anything different, like they're sleeping more than usual, not wanting to play, or hiding more, let your vet know.
Give Treats in Moderation
Treats are great for rewarding and training our cats, but we need to be careful with how many we give them. As cats get older, it's important to help them maintain a healthy weight, and that might mean cutting back on the treats.
Instead of using treats all the time, try giving them a little bit of their regular food as a reward when they play well or respond positively. Or you could use food puzzles to keep engaged and active
Help Cats in Need
If you're thinking about adding a new cat to your family, consider adoption! There are countless amazing cats in shelters waiting for loving homes.
If adoption isn't the right fit for you at this time, you could support a cat rescue organization. Local groups often have the greatest need, but larger national and global organizations also welcome help. And if a cash donation isn't possible right now, perhaps you could volunteer? It's a fantastic way to help cats and connect with other cat fans.
Looking for more ways to care for your cat? You can discover more great tips and advice on our blog. We talk about everything from making your home cat-friendly to even teaching your cat a few tricks! And to stay up-to-date with the latest news from Hilde & Phil, just sign up for our newsletter.
