
1. Rub them the right way. Most cats love to be rubbed under the chin, around their checks, and at the base of their tails. (Warning: Some cats don’t enjoy tummy rubs the way dogs do and they’ll let you know by biting or scratching your delicate digits!)
2. String them along. Drag some string, yarn, or a shoelace across the floor and watch the party kick into high gear. (Caution: don’t leave string or yarn lying around; if swallowed, it can prove harmful to cats.)
3. Buy or Grow Some Grass. I’m not talking about Cannabis here; rather “Kitty Grass,” which is credited for aiding digestion and helping to expel those dreaded hairballs.
4. Step on it. Help older or arthritic kitties step up to their favorite napping places like the bed or window sill by providing them with their very own carpeted staircase.
5. Say What? Learn to speak “fluent cat.” Cats exhibit more than 20 different meow sounds. Take time to learn the difference between the “I-haven’t-eaten-in-a-year, please feed-me-now!” meow to the “I’m-so-happy-to-see-you” meow and your human-feline relationship will blossom.
6. Get a kitten for your kitten. It’s really true: two kittens are more fun (and easier to care for) than one because they will entertain each other. Introduce a new four-legged family member slowly, so they become used to one other over time.
7. P-U! Avoid using scented cat litter. Most cats prefer the plain old unscented, grocery store brand of clay litter. Better yet, purchase an environmentally friendly litter made out of corn or newspaper and ditch the clay litter, which never breaks down in landfills.
8. Open Wide. Brush your cat’s teeth. Begin by letting her lick something tasty off the toothbrush so she gets used to the texture. (OK, she may not like this one at first, but having tarter-free teeth and healthy gums are bound to make her smile!)
9. Give Kitty Dandruff the Brush-off. For a healthier, shinier coat, add a teaspoon of corn, safflower, peanut or sunflower oil to your cat’s main meal of the day.
10. Jazz it Up. Treat home-alone cats to some soft music. Studies have shown that cats prefer jazz and classical music to hard rock or talk radio.