Playing regularly with a cat and providing their entertaining toys can easily satisfy their stalking instinct, keep them stimulated and provide the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy. It also keeps local wildlife safe!
You'll know your cat is happy if they show affection to you and want to interact with you. A content kitty loves scritches, snuggles, head boops, and lap sits. Every cat is different, of course, and some prefer to lay near you rather than on you. In general, though, a happy cat shows it by being close to their human.
Playing, chasing and mutual grooming and snuggling can fulfill your indoor cat's need for exercise, companionship and affection while you are at work or away from home. Provide your indoor cat with a variety of different interactive toys to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Cats love high places for watching and hiding.
And as prey, it escapes to high places where large predators can't follow. Jumping and climbing to high places continues to be a normal behavior for our domesticated cats.
In most cases, the things your cat loves are the very same things you love—like fresh, tasty food, long naps in cozy spots, and plenty of fun activities, to name a few.
Yes, surprisingly cats do get bored. If a cat is left at home alone for hours, with no interaction or stimulation, then the chances are they will get bored. Cats are highly intelligent animals, thus needing a certain level of stimulation. If they go too long without stimulation, boredom occurs.
Cheek rubs and head-butts
Both are ways in which cats build bonds and affection with other animals and by extension, with the humans they do it to.
It's natural to wonder where the heck cats go at night. At home, they're usually sleeping, playing, cuddling, eating, or sleeping some more.
Based on veterinary advice, the maximum amount of time you should leave a cat alone is 24 hours. If you plan to be out for a significant portion of time, it might be wise to get someone to cat-sit for you, or look into cat daycare if that's a viable option for your budget.
Some cats will take longer, while some cats will take virtually no time at all. All you have to do is respect and accept your kitty for who she is, go at her pace, don't force anything, and remain calm and patient. In her own time, she'll come around and your bonding process will be complete.
Signs of a Depressed Cat
Meowing more or less than usual or making low-pitched, mournful meows. Lack of energy or a decrease in activity level. Retreating from humans or other family pets. Hiding or sleeping more than usual.
Communication with your cat is key
That communication style may not include physical touch—being a cat's favorite person doesn't necessarily mean they want you to pet. A cat's favorite person may be the one who makes them feel comfortable and safe just by being in the same room with them.
Purring: Cats often purr when they are content and happy.
When a cat is receiving attention or affection from their human, it may purr as a way to express its appreciation.
To show affection
Licking is not only a grooming mechanism but also a way cats show that they love you. Your cat is creating a social bond by licking you, other cats, or pets. This sign of affection may stem from kittenhood when your cat's mother licked them to groom them and show care and affection.
Companionship
Cats are often thought of as being independent creatures who are happy in their own company. But your cat can get lonely. Interacting with the human they love helps to enrich their lives (and yours). If your cat sleeps with you this indicates that they enjoy your company and want to spend time with you.
“Cats are not like dogs”
If you get a kitten, it can live a perfectly good life indoors, but it is advantageous if you let your cat go outside. A cat that freely roams outside can explore the neighbourhood, hunt for mice and insects, and also meet other cats.
Definitely. While some cats go nuts for on-screen antics, others are content to watch the activity with an air of calm, and still others may not be interested in TV at all. Depending on their temperament and the depth of their hunting instinct, your cat may or may not engage with television or other electronic screens.
From The Washington Post: Indoors, Huck said, most cats' No. 1 activity would almost certainly be sleeping. But these cats' lives were recorded when they were outdoors, and they had a higher priority: Their top activity was “resting” — not sleeping, but not exactly up and at 'em.