Animal psychologist Ann Quinn, a senior lecturer at the Sydney School of Veterinary Science in Australia, shared five simple tips to help your cat live a healthier, happier life. Quinn says about one-third of Australian households have at least one cat. Yet people often misread feline behavior. The more we learn about cats, the clearer it becomes that they are complex creatures with individual preferences and the ability to learn. By watching your pet’s behavior and learning its body language, you can make your furry friend’s life calmer and more joyful.
Pay attention to your cat’s body language
Body language and vocalizations are a cat’s main ways of communicating. A slow blink often signals a positive emotional state. In contrast, cats that are unhappy or don’t want to be touched will freeze, back away, flatten their ears, and hiss. When they feel cornered, they may scratch or bite. Let cats approach you on their own terms rather than forcing interaction. When a cat walks toward its owner with its tail held high, it’s giving a friendly signal. But if it’s swishing its tail back and forth, it’s showing irritation. Quinn says cats should always have the option to decline interaction, even physical contact. Don’t pet your cat if it clearly doesn’t want to be touched and is trying to leave.
Provide a healthy environment for your cat
The American Association of Feline Practitioners and the International Society of Feline Medicine outline five principles for a healthy cat environment: provide a safe space where cats can hide when frightened; separate key resources—food, water, litter boxes, scratching posts, play areas, and sleeping zones—so each cat can access them comfortably; offer opportunities for predatory behavior through play that mimics hunting; keep communication with your cat positive, consistent, and predictable while respecting the cat’s choices; and protect cats from unwanted stimuli (strong smells and loud noises) while offering desired sensory stimulation (like catnip).
Keep the litter box clean
This might not be the most pleasant task, but it’s one of the most important responsibilities for pet owners. Cats prefer a clean litter box, even when they’re the only cat in the house. Many cats favor a spacious container and may spend time in the litter box area. Place the litter box away from food and water bowls. Poor hygiene at home can contribute to urinary issues in pets, as reported by ScienceAlert. When changing the type of litter, do so gradually to help your cat adjust.
Read the tension in the room
This is especially relevant for households with more than one cat. Tension between household cats is common and often goes unnoticed, because animals don’t always settle disputes with outright aggression. A prolonged stare is a sign of tension between cats. They may also block access to the litter box or doors to stop other cats from using them, which can create chronic fear, stress, and anxiety. Recognizing tension between household cats and knowing how to manage it can improve the well-being of everyone in the home—both animals and humans. If you love your cat, you might be tempted to add another pet to boost the household’s joy. But that isn’t always necessary. If your cat interacts well with people and trusts them, it may not be lonely.
Make your cat’s life safe
Quinn noted that about 65 percent of cat owners in Australia keep their pets indoors at all times. If you allow your cat outdoors at all, supervise it—don’t let it roam freely, even on your own property. The outdoors can attract domestic cats with unfamiliar sounds and smells, but it also brings many dangers. Contrary to popular belief, cats can be trained, and training can benefit both cats and humans. Most importantly, respect your cat’s choices and natural instincts. Pay close attention to your cat’s needs and try to see the world from its perspective. Doing so will help your beloved pet be happier.
