Instantly Improve Your Cat's Life with these 7 Things

Seven Ways to Improve a Cat’s Life

1. Offer a variety of foods. Jackson Galaxy says variety can make meals more appealing and may help cats adjust if their usual food becomes unavailable, such as during a stay with friends or at a shelter. He recommends feeding wet or raw food rather than dry food alone.

2. Spread resources around the home. Place food, water, beds, and cat trees in different areas instead of clustering everything together. Cat trees and other resting spots can go in socially important parts of the home, not just in a designated “cat room.”

3. Provide enough litter boxes in separate locations. A common guideline is one box per cat, plus one extra. Rather than placing them all together in a hidden area such as a garage or mudroom, spread them around the home, including in accessible, lived-in areas.

4. Reduce whisker stress at mealtimes. Deep or narrow bowls may press against a cat’s whiskers. Try a wide, shallow bowl or a plate. Signs of possible discomfort include avoiding the bowl, taking only a few bites at a time, or removing food and eating it elsewhere.

5. Get comfortable with necessary care. Cats may need regular nail trims and medication. Introduce paw and mouth handling with rewards, stay calm, and work methodically. For nail trims, Galaxy advises removing only the tip of the claw and watching for the blood supply.

6. Cat-proof the home. Check for hazards such as cleaners, toxic foods and plants, unsafe banisters, unsecured windows or screens, and candles. Galaxy compares cats to toddlers who can reach high places, so he recommends checking the entire home for potential dangers.

7. Play with your cat every day. Use an interactive toy—such as a wand, string, or feather—to encourage chasing, pouncing, grabbing, and carrying. Even five or ten minutes of play may help build confidence and channel energy.

Notable Names, Places, and Products

• Speaker: Jackson Galaxy
• Mentioned expert and resource: Dr. Jean Hofve and LittleBigCat.com
• Product: Air Prey telescoping wand toy, available through JacksonGalaxy.com
• Places mentioned: Galaxy’s home examples include the living room, garage, and mudroom. He also refers to his experience working for ten years in a shelter.