How to keep your cat happy

There are several things you can do to meet your cat's needs physically and emotionally.

First, your kitty needs physical affection. Pet your cats head, ears and neck. A few strokes under the chin will be very appreciated! Getting the motor going is the trick. The more a cat purrs. The happier they are.

Second, playtime is key. Engage your cat's playful side with some string or a cat toy. Cats are natural hunters and they need to practice hunting. A great toy is "The Cat Dancer" which is a simple design of twine on a wire. Every cat I know plays nonstop with it.

And finally, food. Cats should eat meals twice a day, morning and evening. A good quality canned food supplemented by some nice dry food will keep kitty happy and healthy. Treats are a fun way to reward good behavior. A great habit to encourage is calling your cat by shaking the treat container. Try to be consistent about doling out a few treats every time you shake the container. Soon, kitty will associate the noise with a yummy reward. This comes in handy when you need to lure that baby out of hiding.