Every cat has their personality so the way they show happiness will be different. They will portray their feelings through body language as well as vocalisation so it is your responsibility as the parent to know why they behave in a certain way. A happy cat is a healthy cat so it is crucial to keep them entertained and content to maintain their health. There is a lot that you can do to make your cats stay happy but here are the top 9 best ways to keep your cat happy in Malaysia.
What Are The Signs Of A Happy Cat?
A loving cat parent will do anything it takes to make their cat happy and healthy. There are a few signs that can be sensed whether or not your cat is content with its life and some of them are a healthy appearance, good appetite and vocal cues.
- A Healthy Appearance
A well-groomed cat is one of the ultimate signs that your cat is in a good mood as an uncomfortable cat will not tend to its coat which will eventually lead to dull, oily and even tangled fur.
- A Good Appetite
You do not have to worry if your cat is having a big appetite during its meal time because a sick cat will not eat as it does not have the energy to do so that is why a good appetite needs to be maintained and monitored.
- Being Vocal
Your cat may be vocal particularly when it is happy and some cats can even have a long conversation with the owner. Each pitch of the meows has its meaning so if you spend a lot of time with your cat, you can identify the meaning behind it.
9 Best Ways To Keep Your Cat Happy in Malaysia
1. Plant Cat Grass
There are many reasons why cats eat grass but one of the most common theories is to help them with stomach upset. As they tend to vomit after eating the grass, it is assumed that they may eat it to help clear their system of stuff they cannot digest like their furs or feathers.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Seeds, Soils
Pros:
✅ Helps with a stomach ache
✅ Affordable price
Price: RM0.37 – RM2.71
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
2. Treat Them
Give your cats some treats as a reward whenever they display good and positive behaviours, like cuddling near you and waiting for their food calmly. You can also use treats to train them to do tricks as it will encourage them to do the tricks. Remember to not make it a large part of their meal as it might increase their calorie intake which is not healthy.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Vary with its flavour
- Flavours Available: Tuna, Chicken & Whitefish, Tuna & Seafood, Katsuo & Salmon
Pros:
✅ Keeps your cat indulged with its tasty taste
✅ Create a bond with the owner
Price: RM5.35
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
3. Play With Them
Cats need to play every day to keep them healthy and to stimulate their body and mind. Try to engage with activities that allow them to express their hunting instincts to keep their mind stay alert. A bored cat will show bad behaviours like urinating outside of the litter box and scratching on places other than their scratcher board.
Specifications:
- Material: Bell, Feather, Elastic String, Sturdy Wood Rod
- Designs Available: Variety
Pros:
✅ Allows you to play with your cats
✅ Your cats will stay healthy and active
Price: RM0.85 – RM5.20
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
4. Use Catnip
Catnip is a common herb that is a member of the mint family and is enjoyed by cats as it will get a chemical reaction that allows the cat a sense of euphoria or happiness. Just like regular treats, catnip also can be used to train and encourage good behaviours for the cats. Keep it moderate as catnip can be addictive to your cats.
Specifications:
- Material: Catnip
- Types Available: Variety
Pros:
✅ Can be used to train cats
✅ To relieve muscle spasms in the intestinal tract
Price: RM1.48 – RM5.49
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
5. Take A Walk Together
Just like any other cat, indoor cats must exercise and stay active to avoid boredom, obesity and unwanted behaviours like biting or inappropriate urination. If your cats have no access to the outdoors, it is a good idea to take a walk with them with a leash on to prevent them from getting away.
Specifications:
- Material: Mesh
- Colours Available: Grey, Blue, Black, Red
- Sizes Available: XS-XL
Pros:
✅ Great as a source of enrichment
✅ Gets to spend time with your cats
Price: RM9.90 – RM12.90
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
6. Upgrade The Water Dish
Cats are naturally born with the instinct to not drink enough water. Indoor cats need to drink a lot more water than wild cats as they do not have the access to catch any birds, mice or other prey to obtain moisture. Upgrade your cats’ water dish to a water fountain as they prefer running water compared to standing water.
Specifications:
- Material: PP, LED Light
- Capacity: 3L
Pros:
✅ Encourage your cats to drink more water
✅ A great investment for the health of your cats
Price: RM39.89
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
7. Change The Scratcher
It is an instinct for cats to scratch as they can leave a scent and visual markings for other cats to see. It is also beneficial to provide them with a scratcher board so they will not scratch your expensive furniture or carpet. Other than that, a scratcher will help your cats release the “feel-good” hormones that can keep your cat healthy.
Specifications:
- Material: Corrugated Board
- Designs Available: Variety
- Sizes Available: Small, Big
Pros:
✅ Encourages good grooming behaviour
✅ Keeps your cat happy and healthy
Price: RM17.00 – RM38.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
8. Get A New Bed
Cats take their sleep seriously as they sleep for 12 to 16 hours each day including some naps to recharge their energy. Even if they can sleep anywhere they want, they should have a bed as it will encourage them to sleep in one specific place. Get your cats a bed to allow them to have a place to shelter themselves whenever they feel like being alone.
Specifications:
- Material: PP Cotton
- Designs Available: Cat, Dinosaur, Rabbit, Stars
- Sizes Available: S-L
Pros:
✅ Can act as a shelter
✅ Beneficial for both the owner and cats
Price: RM14.77 – RM39.40
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
9. Upgrade The Litter Box
There are multiple reasons why you have to change your cats’ litter box and one of them is the high chances of your cats getting infected by the bacteria lingering around the litter box. You will not be able to get rid of them no matter how much you clean your cats’ litter so you must get your feline a new litter box, preferably after 8 to 12 months of using the current litter box.
Specifications:
- Material: PP
- Colours Available: Orange, Blue, Grey
Pros:
✅ Can encourage your cat to use the litter box
✅ Keep a better hygiene
Price: RM26.90
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us [email protected] For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
