We all love our cats very much, and they pay us back with companionship, affection, and warmth. Do you ever want to simply spoil your cat for everything they do for you? There are lots of ways you can spoil your cat to show them how much you care. While you can financially spend a ton on spoiling your cat, there are also lots of great ways to spoil your cat without breaking the bank.
Top 10 Ways to Spoil Your Cat
1. Treats
Who doesn’t love a tasty treat? Giving your cat treats on occasion or as a reward for good behavior or performing a trick are a tasty way to spoil them. Just remember that treats should account for less than 10% of their daily calorie intake. Although many of us love to give our cats treats all the time, overfeeding treats can lead to obesity and illness, so it’s important to be mindful of how many treats you’re feeding. Stick to treats that are vet approved or commercially made to be specifically for cats and aim for treats that are low in calories and high in flavor.
2. Toys
Many cats love to play with toys, but toys can lose their novelty over time. By bringing home new toys or rotating through toys regularly, you’ll be able to spoil your cat and keep them engaged in playtime. Some cats may have a favorite toy no matter what, in which case you can simply keep them stocked up on their favorite. Other cats will need the novelty of new items every couple of months, so plan to explore a variety of toys to identify the types of toys that your cat loves the most.
3. Climbing Towers
It’s no secret that many cats love to climb. Unfortunately, the average home typically doesn’t offer very many climbing areas, especially not climbing areas that are safe for cats. Climbing towers and wall shelves made specifically for your cat to climb on are a wonderful way to spoil your cat and increase their activity. Cats enjoy being high up and being able to look over their territory, so consider finding areas in your home where cat-safe climbing equipment can be installed for your cat to explore.
4. Bedding
Everyone loves the feeling of soft, new, cozy bedding, including our cats! And we all know how much cats love to take a cat nap. Bringing home new bedding for your kitty is a straightforward way to help them feel more comfortable while also spoiling them. Most cats like having a small space to curl up in, like a donut bed or an enclosed cat bed, but some cats may also simply prefer the feeling of a faux fur blanket or extra soft pillow. You likely already know where your cat likes to rest, so take their preferences into account when selecting a new bedding item for them.
5. Catnip
Believe it or not, all cats don’t respond to catnip. Estimates and studies show a reaction to catnip occurring in approximately 70–80% of cats. Dried catnip is often stronger than fresh catnip. Catnip is usually very inexpensive and widely available everywhere from pet stores to supermarkets to online shops. The catnip “magic” only lasts for around 10–15 minutes, after which your cat is unlikely to respond to catnip again for close to an hour. If your cat is under 6 months of age, then they are unlikely to respond to catnip, so this fun treat should be reserved for older cats.
6. Create a Special Spot
As previously mentioned, cats love having a cozy spot to curl up in. If you really want to spoil your cat, create a special spot for them to spend time. Someplace quiet and away from the hustle and bustle of your home is ideal. This may mean installing a cat door to a bedroom or closet, adding shelves or climbing posts, or simply adding a cozy bed to a quiet corner of your home. If you have multiple cats, they may prefer to have their own space to spend time, so consider creating a few of these cozy, safe spaces for your cats to choose between.
7. Grooming
One of the ways that cats show affection for each other is through grooming. When you take the time to brush your cat, this shows them affection. Not only that, but it’s also good for their skin and coat. Not all cats love to be brushed, and it may take a few sessions to help your cat get comfortable with being brushed. You may also need to experiment with a few different types of brushes to find the type that your cat prefers.
8. Grow a Cat Garden
While this idea for spoiling your cat requires some effort and upkeep, growing a cat garden isn’t particularly difficult. A cat garden simply consists of plants that are cat safe, like cat grass, catnip, valerian, and cat thyme. You can grow these plants from seed, but many of them are also available already grown at pet stores and garden centers.
Maintaining a cat garden does require good natural lighting and regular watering. You can make a small cat garden – just enough plants for your cat to sniff and snack on. You can also make a larger cat garden that allows your cat space to walk through the plants and explore.
9. Scratching Posts
Scratching is one of the activities that most cats need to stay healthy. Even if your cat is declawed, you may see them attempting to scratch. Providing scratching posts has many benefits for your cat. It helps to keep their claws healthy, provides them with an outlet for energy, and promotes their emotional and mental health. An added benefit of scratching posts is that they can often be used to deter your cat from scratching on furniture and other inappropriate objects.
10. Spend Time With Them
The best way you can spoil your cat is to spend quality time with them. Set aside a little bit of time every day to spend with your cat, whether that means playing with them or simply cuddling on the couch. Every cat’s idea of quality time is going to be different, so make sure you aren’t trying to force interactions that cause stress for your cat. Just remember that trust between you and your cat is built on spending positive time with each other.
Conclusion
Spoiling your cat is easy, and it can be fun for both of you. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to spoil your cat! It’s also important to keep in mind that your cat’s idea of comfort and happiness aren’t the same as that of a human. Your cat will be happy with food, shelter, safety, everything that is needed to meet their physical needs, and your companionship. Everything else is just extra ways of us showing our cats how much we care.
Featured Image Credit: Alexandra Nicolau, Shutterstock
Top 10 Ways to Spoil Your Cat
