You already share your home, your couch, and probably your pillow with your cat. You buy the food, scoop the litter, and dote on them with scratches behind the ears. Yet somehow, a nagging feeling lingers: are you doing enough? Your feline companion wears a permanent look of mild disappointment, and honestly, it might be warranted.
In the grand scheme of things, cats aren’t complicated. They appreciate the little things in life: a sunbeam, a crumpled piece of paper, your undivided attention, and a tasty treat now and then. The truth is, the gap between a cat that survives and a cat that truly thrives is often filled by surprisingly small upgrades. Some of these luxuries cost almost nothing. Others are clever little investments your cat will silently worship you for. Get ready to discover what you’ve been missing.
1. A Flowing Water Fountain That Appeals to Ancient Instincts
Here’s something most cat owners don’t realize: your cat’s indifference to their water bowl isn’t laziness or pickiness. It’s evolution at work. Cats are notorious for not drinking enough water. Their ancestors were desert dwellers, so they’ve evolved to get much of their hydration from food. However, modern cats, especially those fed primarily dry kibble, often fall short in water intake. A still bowl sitting in the corner is, to your cat’s instincts, a suspicious puddle. Running water, on the other hand, is practically irresistible.
Some cats are drawn to the sound and motion of moving water. That’s why you might find your cat batting at a faucet or trying to drink from the tub. A fountain for cats mimics this behavior and can trigger their instinct to drink more frequently, which is essential for their health. Beyond that, one of the most significant health benefits of using a cat water fountain is preventing kidney and urinary issues, which are particularly common in older cats. Encouraging your cat to drink more water can mitigate these health risks. Honestly, the fountain might be the single most impactful upgrade you ever make.
2. A Plush, Orthopedic Bed Worthy of Napping Royalty
Think about this for a second: cats sleep twelve to sixteen hours a day. Why not give your cat a luxury pet bed for them to relax in? That’s more than half their life spent sleeping, which means the surface they rest on matters enormously. The balled-up fleece blanket on the floor? It’s well-intentioned, but it’s not exactly a throne.
There are luxurious self-heating cat beds designed to cradle your cat. Their orthopedic foam is great for older cats whose joints may be achy from a long life filled with fun memories. Even younger cats benefit tremendously from high-quality bedding. Many luxury pet beds include super soft, extra fluffy mattresses that provide cats with that gentle touch they crave. Get your big cat one plus-sized, luxury pet bed, and they’ll have so much room they won’t know what to do with themselves. Give them the cloud they deserve.
3. A Window Perch With a View of the World
Have you ever caught your cat perched on a windowsill, staring intently at something invisible to you? That’s not just a cute moment: it’s a vital part of their mental and emotional wellbeing. For indoor cats, the world beyond the glass is their version of television: full of movement, excitement, and mystery. Every rustle of a leaf and darting squirrel is a free mini-drama your cat desperately wants front-row seats to.
Sun-facing windows give your cat a cozy spot to bask in the sun, which can be especially comforting during colder months. Stress relief comes from having a secure place to retreat and observe quietly, which can reduce anxiety, particularly for shy or nervous cats. Encourages independence too: a perch provides a dedicated “cat zone,” which can help prevent attention-seeking behavior or boredom-related mischief. You can attach a suction-cup perch to any window for under thirty dollars. The return on that investment, in terms of your cat’s daily contentment, is almost unfair.
4. A Bird Feeder Outside the Window: Real-Life Cat TV
Let’s be real: no streaming subscription can compete with live birds. Watching birds at a bird feeder can stimulate a cat’s natural hunting instincts, giving them an opportunity to observe and stalk prey. This can be an excellent source of mental and physical stimulation, which is especially important for indoor cats who don’t have access to the outdoors. The variety and unpredictability of real wildlife keeps things fresh in a way no looping video can replicate.
Research has shown that watching birds can have a calming effect on cats, reducing stress and anxiety levels. This can be especially helpful for cats who are prone to stress-related health issues, like urinary tract infections or gastrointestinal problems. You’d be amazed how profoundly a well-placed feeder can change your cat’s daily routine. The birds will ensure it doesn’t get boring, and your cat will be mentally stimulated for long periods on a daily basis. Cats that are stimulated through enrichment and play are less likely to become stressed and therefore less likely to exhibit behavior problems.
5. Premium Wet Food: Upgrading the Royal Banquet
Cats are obligate carnivores and do best on high animal protein and low carbohydrate diets. When you look at most budget dry foods, you’ll find the ingredient list tells a very different story. Upgrading even one meal per day to a high-quality, meat-first wet food is one of the most direct luxuries you can offer your cat’s body. Think of it as swapping their fast food routine for a proper sit-down meal.
While an extra hug and a scratch behind the ears is a treat for most cats, there are plenty of extra-special ways to treat your cat every day. One way is by making sure you feed your cat premium cat food, one designed to support lifelong physical, mental, and emotional feline health. Wet food also delivers bonus hydration, which works beautifully alongside a water fountain. A cat eating quality food with adequate moisture is a cat whose organs are being quietly protected every single day.
6. A Dedicated Scratching Station That Actually Satisfies
Your couch has paid the price. It always does. Cats love to groom their nails even if their only predator is the vacuum cleaner. This is why cats like to claw and pick at things like your couch, your leather loafers, or your carpet. Answer their question of “what can I scratch without making you scream” by treating them to a deluxe scratching post. The word “deluxe” matters here more than you might think.
An oversized cat scratcher or one formed into an elegant shape can make this cat product feel especially tasteful. Many cats love the feel of natural wood, so this kind of scratcher may be the most popular option to choose from. There are other types too, like carpet-covered ones, symmetrical scratchers with catnip attached, and those made from sisal rope materials. I think people dramatically underestimate how much a proper scratching outlet changes a cat’s behavior and mood. A satisfied scratcher is a calm, content cat.
7. Puzzle Feeders That Awaken the Inner Hunter
Puzzle feeders have become a household essential. These toys make cats “work” for their food by batting, pawing, or moving pieces. They work because they mimic the challenge of hunting, slow down fast eaters, and reduce boredom. Imagine if your meals appeared by magic every single day with zero effort. It sounds great for a week, maybe. After that, pure monotony. That’s your cat’s life without puzzle feeding.
Though cats sleep a good portion of their day away, they still require mental and physical stimulation for health and happiness. A puzzle toy is a great way to challenge the mind while encouraging cats to hone their natural hunting and foraging skills. Pro tip: rotate different feeders so your cat doesn’t lose interest. Even rotating three different feeders on a weekly cycle keeps things surprising and mentally engaging. It’s like giving your cat a new game to solve, every few days.
8. A Cozy Hideaway Just for Them
Your cat doesn’t want to share every moment with you. That’s not rudeness: it’s deeply healthy cat behavior. Cats love boxes. To be more specific, they love squeezing themselves into boxes that are too small for them. Snug boxes make cats feel safe in a hiding spot where predators, or okay, the family corgi, can’t sneak up on them. The instinct to have a private retreat is ancient and powerful.
A dedicated felt hideaway, a covered cat bed, or even a converted cabinet shelf with a plush liner becomes something truly special in your cat’s eyes. Catios and hideaway spaces offer a safe spot for exercise, mental stimulation, and sensory engagement. They let cats experience a changing environment that holds their attention and sharpens their instincts, even if they remain indoors. Even the most social, lap-loving cat needs a private sanctuary. Giving them one is a profound act of respect for who they are.
9. Regular Grooming Sessions as Bonding Time
Grooming your cat is about so much more than a shiny coat. Cats love to preen and clean, but they aren’t as fond of hacking up hairballs. Help your cat out by brushing them on a regular basis. The extra attention and bonding time you two will have is just an added bonus. Think of it the way you’d think about a relaxing massage: it reduces tension, builds trust, and makes your cat feel genuinely seen and cared for.
If your cat licks you, they see you as part of their social group. Grooming is how cats bond, and licking you is a sign of deep trust. Their rough tongue might not feel great, but it’s an expression of love. Consider yourself officially part of their inner circle! Returning that grooming energy through regular, gentle brushing is one of the most underrated cat luxuries there is. It doesn’t cost a thing beyond five to ten minutes of your day.
10. Catnip and Silvervine: Nature’s Little Party Herbs
Catnip is an herb from the mint family that has a stimulating effect on cat behavior. A little catnip can help make your cat’s playtime extra fun; however, do be careful when it comes to catnip as not all cats will enjoy the effect. It’s hard to say for sure why some cats react with pure ecstatic glee while others stare at it with complete indifference, but the science behind it is fascinating. Roughly about two thirds of cats have a genetic response to the active compound in catnip.
If your cat turns their nose up at catnip, don’t give up on herbal enrichment just yet. Silvervine, also known as matatabi, has a chemical similar to that found in catnip. Cats who don’t respond to catnip often respond to silvervine. Catnip has long been a classic, but silvervine is now just as popular. Many enrichment toys now include refillable pouches of these herbs. They work because they trigger playful bursts of energy followed by relaxation. It’s like a tiny vacation for your cat’s brain.
11. Wall-Mounted Cat Shelves: Vertical Kingdom
Cats don’t just want horizontal space. They crave vertical territory with the same intensity a person might crave personal space in a crowded elevator. Scratching posts and climbing towers are enrichment must-haves. Scratching keeps claws healthy and allows cats to mark territory. Climbing satisfies their instinct to perch high. The higher up they are, the safer and more powerful they feel. It’s not arrogance: it’s instinct.
Wall shelves are a great alternative to cat towers, and they come in so many cool designs. Some are a favorite among cat behaviorists. They look really elegant, actually enhancing your decor. Plus, your cat will appreciate the extra place to survey their domain! Mounting a few shelves at varying heights along a wall transforms any room into a feline adventure park. Your cat gets their kingdom. You get a conversation piece. Everyone wins.
12. Quality Time: Slow Blinks and Undivided Attention
Perhaps the most overlooked luxury on this entire list costs absolutely nothing. It goes without saying that love and attention are the most important parts of keeping a happy cat. Yet in the busyness of daily life, genuine, undistracted time with your cat often gets pushed aside. Your cat notices. They always notice. Purring isn’t just about feeling good: it’s also a way cats communicate affection. If your cat purrs loudly when curled up next to you, they’re expressing happiness. Studies even suggest that a cat’s purr has healing properties, so they might be comforting you, too.
When a cat is truly in a state of bliss, you will know it. They frequently close their eyes, purr, and sometimes will even knead as if there is dough under their paws. Learning to slow blink at your cat, spending ten minutes of truly focused interactive play, or simply sitting beside them while they nap are all recognized signals of safety and love in the feline world. Embrace these little things and you’ll find your cat will become more and more comfortable showing their true personality, partaking in events around the house, and spending more time with you, their favourite human!
Conclusion: Royalty Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune
You don’t need a diamond-encrusted collar or a custom-designed Louis XV cat pavilion to make your cat feel genuinely cherished. The most powerful upgrades are often the simplest: fresh flowing water, a sunny perch, a cozy hideaway, and a little more of your focused presence. Each one of these twelve luxuries speaks directly to something deep in your cat’s nature, something ancient and instinctive that no amount of ordinary daily routine can fully satisfy.
Your cat may never say thank you out loud. They won’t write you a card or throw you a party. But watch closely after introducing even one or two of these changes: the slower blinks, the deeper purrs, the way they curl up closer to you at the end of the day. That’s how royalty shows gratitude. Which one of these do you think your cat needs the most? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
