7 things your cat wants you to know

Not surprisingly, cats are some of the most valuable pets in the United States. Between their cute charms and smart personalities, they've got it all for them. But what if there were a few things your cat wanted to tell you? Here are 7 things we think your cat wants to make sure you know about - straight from the cat's mouth! 1. I love the outdoors, but I would live longer if you kept me indoors. The outdoors feels much closer to my natural environment, with all kinds of wonders I can explore and chase. However, it is not the best place to live. Did you know that I am approximately 2-5 years old while living outdoors? This is too short! However, if you keep me indoors in the warmth and kindness of your home, I can live to be 17! Which means there's about 15 more years of cute hugs and kisses from me just for you. 2. I meow only for you, not for other cats. Cats don't need to meow other cats apart from the occasional hissing fits we go into when we feel threatened. We only intend you humans! When we're young, we tend to tell our moms 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're hungry, want to say hi or if something is wrong. And the more you talk to us, the more we talk to you! 3. I need more dry cat food, please. I don't just look like a tiger... I need to eat like one too! As a cat, I am a real meat eater which means I need a meat based diet. Of course, I like to eat dry food to eat during the day, but it's not the healthiest diet if I'm only eating dry food. I am more prone to obesity and diabetes than my furry friends who live on a moist diet. 4. I need you to spend time with me once in a while - I get bored. When you leave for work, I feel sad! I love companionship. If I don't have a sister or brother to play with, I need companionship more. When you come home, please don't just play on your phones or watch TV. Spend some time with me and occupy my senses! Play some cat toys with me and give me a little exercise while also giving us a chance to bond - just a human and a cat. Not only will I love you for it, but it will also tire me out a bit so I'm ready for bedtime. 5. Sitting with me can help reduce stress and the risk of heart attack or stroke. Did you know that having mine cuts your risk of having a stroke by a third? it's the truth! My furry little soul can help reduce stress and anxiety, and it 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 your furniture, it's not because I want to ruin your sofa. I really just need a good place where I can stretch my feet and claws! I also need to get rid of some of my outer claws layers when they get old and brittle. Sometimes I scratch things to mark my floor by leaving traces of claws and an odor. Please don't get mad at me, it's my instinct! A good way to remedy this is to get some trees or leaflets scratched. This way I know there is a safe place where I can stretch and scratch daily. 7. Just because you're calling my name doesn't mean I'll attend. No matter how cute my cat's name is, you can call it a million times and still stare out the window. Believe me, I know my name. I learned that from all the times you told me. Because I am a cat, I have no compulsion to obey you as Fido next door does. If you call a dog, he will immediately run because you are higher in the hierarchy. To me, none of that matters. I remember everything, from the last time you made me take this disgusting drug to the last time you took me to the vet. That doesn't mean I don't love you, I just choose to do things my way.