Many people own cats, and have less time for them than they'd like, due to work and other obligations. Here are some ways to show your kitty that he is important to you. Your time and love are the biggest gifts you can give him above all other options. Everything else is just icing on the cake to him after that.
Play With Your Cat:
Most cats will play, if inspired to. Just drag a string or feather in front of him, and watch his eyes widen with curiosity as you move it back and forth. Fast moving things are eye candy to cats. They have the instinct built in to hunt, and their inner tiger comes out if provoked. Be careful not to get scratched, as kitty reaches for whatever you're dragging. It's best to have a long string, with something tied on the end of it (I tie one of those little catnip mice on the end, by its tail) so there's little chance of coming in proximity of sharp cat claws. Cats instinctively put their claws out, they don't mean to scratch you if it happens. Give Kitty a Really Good Massage:
Cats usually love to be petted, brushed or scratched. Some favorite areas on my cats are under the chin, behind the ears and down their backs. Even the most macho male cat will tend to melt like butter if you hit the right spot on him. If you see their paws kneading then you know you skritched them into kitty bliss. Kneading is something cats do when totally content and happy. The purr motor usually comes on, too. I use soft brushes, such as my artists' duster brush (soft brush for drafting), they are cheap and can be found at any art store. Brush gently, so your cat will feel relaxed. Just like any human, hard brushing can hurt the skin or pull hair. To keep him happy, don't yank out any knots, always think gentle and with a light touch. Talk To Your Cat:
Ok, so this appears odd, but just like humans, cats respond to being talked to. They may or may not understand what we're saying, but they are glad to have your eye contact and approval. Even my deaf cat likes being talked to. He cannot hear me, but he sees my lips move. Winking your eyes may spark kitty to wink back. Many people in my family agree (we are all cat owners), winking is a way that our cats acknowledge us back at some level. For hearing cats, talking to your cat in a calm voice is important, because his instincts may react if you're uptight or raise your voice. So, try to talk to kitty with a loving tone, but not too loudly. When Passing By, Reach Out and Touch Him:
As you walk past your reclining cat, give him a quick acknowledgment. My old cat, Blackie, loves it when I reach out and pet him as I pass by. He sleeps a lot now that he's a furry senior citizen, so a little kindness his way brightens his day. Just a quick touch means a lot to your pet, who is happy to know that you're pleased with him. Surprise Kitty With a Treat or a New Toy From Time to Time:
Go to any pet store, and you will see a large variety of toys and treats for your feline friend. If your pet is older, opt for the softer treats, since his teeth may be more sensitive. As for toys, anything with catnip is a good bet. My cats are partial to catnip-filled small pillows. They hold them between their feet and play with them for hours. It's best to get one per cat, so nobody fights over who gets the great, new toy. I learned this from personal experience.
In general, a little attention and thoughtfulness is highly appreciated by your cat. While you're at work all day, he's alone, or asleep. A little stimulation is good for him. Play and variety make all cats' lives richer. They happier your cat is, the more content you'll be. Be sensitive to your cat's likes and dislikes, and find what makes him happy. He'll be very grateful that you did.
The author's cat, Beau, sleeping happily on his back.
by the way, thats a cuuute cat....