Think You Know America's No. 1 Pet? Read On!

With all the press that goes to the dogs, you might think canines are Americans preferred pet. Actually the number of cats kept as pets edges out the dogs by 86 million to 78 million. That’s according to the American Pet Products Association survey.

In celebration of man’s best "feline," let’s talk about helping your cat stay healthy and happy. Indoor cats thrive on social interaction, predatory play and purr-sonal space.

Social interaction is more than "Kitty" sitting in your lap. With a little human effort, indoor cats can enjoy experiences similar to their outdoor cousins, minus the risk of infectious diseases, injuries or accidents. 

Behind those half-closed eyes and the motionless body, our cats are always observing their environment.

• Bring outdoor sights and smells “in” with screened windows and porches. Okay, sometimes other creatures enter too – at their own peril - lizards and frogs provide real life chases, even if you have to do some cleanup afterward. 
• Do your windows have resting space to create a real room with a view? Locate a perch or cat tree close by. Or, let couches or high back chairs create the viewing space. From the outside looking in, a birdbath or feeding station inevitably invites birds and squirrels to visit. Don’t worry, they adapt to curious feline gazes and have a certain savvy about real versus perceived threats.
• Predatory play is not just attacking our feet under the covers. Is your cat a leaper or pouncer? A keeper or sharer of toys? Find out with toys. Self-directed toys occupy our cats while we’re away.
• Cats, like dogs, will work for a food reward. Celebrate Earth Day April 22^nd by reducing your cat’s carbon PAW print and make your own cat toy with an empty plastic yogurt container. Just create a small opening in the lid and fill with a savory treat.
• Paper bags (never plastic) make great hiding places, especially in a multi-cat household.  Place them in secure locations, like corners or behind furniture. Most cats can’t ignore a paper towel roll, empty or not! Interactive toys can be anything with fur or feathers… low-cal and aerobic, a double benefit.

Speaking of exercise many cats will accept a “leash” and a walk. Cat leashes are really lightweight harnesses, not collars. Teaching cats to accept the leash has the best chance for success with younger animals. Or, when your cat has – forgive the expression – a ‘cat-dog’ personality. You know the type.

The cat that follows you around, demands attention even when it’s not food time and just wants to be with you… all the time. Introduce the harness slowly and use for short intervals, inside first.

And the purr-sonal space? We all know when our cats have had enough. None of us needs to be reminded that cats like to know a favorite chair, bed or couch space will always be there for them. Surrounded by an invisible barrier that says “human-free zone.”