There is a misconception that cats do not need anything...that they are happy as long as they are fed...but the fact is that you can make your cat's life happier.  Here are some ideas that will give your indoor cat a better life:

  1. If your cat is an indoor cat, put a birdfeeder, birdbath or birdhouse outside her favorite window seat.
  2. Plant flowers that attract butterflies to you yard.
  3. Put a hummingbird feeder near a window.
  4. Buy your cat a tall, multi-level scratching post/playstand to provide places to scratch, climb and relax.  Cats like high places, so the taller - the better.
  5. Create a "kitty staricase" by attaching several carpet-covered boards securely to a wall in a stair-step pattern.
  6. If your cat is permitted in the yard, allow the grass to grow a little longer than normal to allow your cat a way to hide as she stalks insects.
  7. Play with your cat several times a day for about 10 minutes at a time as a way to bind with your cat and provide exercise to help curb overweight.
  8. Know when your cat has had enough attention.  Learn her body language and respect it.
  9. Put a covered heating pad on "Low" on your cat's favorite window sill.
  10. Keep music and TV volumes low - cats have very sensitive hearing.
  11. Make sure your cat's bed in in a warm spot that is free of cold drafts.
  12. Get down to your cat's level and don't always be the "giant" walking around.