7 Things Your Cat Wants You To Know

It's no surprise that cats are some of the most treasured pets in the United States. Between their sweet charms and intelligent personalities, they've got it all going for them. But what if there were a few things that your cat wanted to tell you? Here are 7 things we think your cat would want to be sure you knew about them -- straight from the cat's mouth!

1. I love the outdoors, but I'll live longer if you keep me inside.

The outdoors seems more like my natural habitat, with all kinds of wonders for me to explore and stalk. Yet, it isn't the best place for me to live. Did you know that I only have about a 2-5 year life-span while living outdoors? That's awfully short! However, if you keep me indoors in the warmth and kindness of your home, I can live to be up to 17 years old! Which means that's about 15 extra years of sweet cuddles and kisses from me just for you.

2. I meow just for you, not for other cats.

Cats don't need to meow at other cats aside from the occasional hissing fits we get into when we feel threatened. We only meow at you humans! When we are kittens, we meow to tell our mom's when we need food or a little extra comfort. As adult cats, we don't need to meow except to talk to you to tell you when we are hungry, want to say hello or if something is wrong. And, the more you talk to us, the more we will talk to you!

3. I need more than dry cat food, please.

I don't just look like a tiger... I need to eat like one, too! As a cat, I'm a true carnivore which means I need a meat-based diet. Of course, I like to eat dry food to munch on during the day but it's not the healthiest diet if I only eat dry food. I am more prone to obesity and diabetes than my furry friends that live on a wet-food diet.

4. I need you to spend some engaging time with me once in a while -- I get bored.

When you leave for work, I get sad! I love companionship. If I don't have a sister or brother to play, I need companionship even more. When you come home, please don't just play on your phones or watch tv. Spend a little time with me and engage my senses! Play with some cat toys with me and give me a little exercise while also giving us a chance to bond -- just human and cat. I'll not only love you for it but it will also tire me out a little bit so I'm ready for bedtime.

5. Sitting with me can help reduce your stress and the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Did you know that owning me cuts your risk of stroke by a third? It's true! My sweet little furry spirit can help reduce your stress and anxiety and can also help heal you with the vibrations from my purrs.

6. Don't get mad at me for scratching, I HAVE to scratch!

When you see me scratching at your furniture, it's not because I want to destroy your couch. I really just need a good place where I can stretch my feet and claws out! I also need to shed some of my outer claw layers when they get old and brittle. Sometimes I scratch things to mark my territory by leaving claw marks and a scent. Please don't be mad at me, it's my instinct! A good way to remedy this is to get some scratching trees or posts. This way I know there's a safe place where I can stretch and scratch on a daily basis.

7. Just because you call my name doesn't mean I'll come.

No matter how cute my cat name is, you can call it a million times and I still might just keep staring out the window. Trust me, I know my name. I've learned it from all the times you've told it to me. Because I'm a cat, I have no compulsion to obey you like Fido next door does. If you call a dog, he'll come running right away because you are higher up in the hierarchy. For me, none of that matters. I remember everything, from the last time you made me take that yucky medicine to the other time when you took me to the vet. It doesn't mean I don't love you, I just choose to do things my way.

Hopefully, these tips for taking care of a cat will help you grow closer to your little feline and also help your kitty live the healthiest life they can so they can spend more time being a companion for you.