Like humans, cats have emotional and psychological needs that you as their owner are responsible to meet to ensure they have a happy and fulfilling life.

Newsweek spoke with veterinarians to find out how you can improve your feline's mental health at home, and these are their top three tips.

Providing Daily Exercise and Play Time

Dr. Preston Turano, veterinarian and spokesperson at Felix Cat Insurance, told Newsweek that daily exercise and playtime are a very important part of contributing to your cat's physical and mental well-being.

"Engaging your cat with games or toys a couple of times throughout the day is a great way to maintain a healthy weight and improve your cat's emotional well-being," he said.

Vertical places like cat trees, shelves and window perches can help your cat reduce stress and anxiety by providing them with safe place from which to observe their environment.

Daily interactive play is also crucial, because it mimics natural hunting behavior and keeps them engaged, Dr. Ashly Smith, veterinarian at Small Door Vet, told Newsweek.

"Using wand toys, laser pointers or puzzle feeders can prevent boredom while offering physical exercise," she said. "Introducing new textures, scents and experiences, such as cat grass, scratching posts and even cardboard boxes, keeps things interesting."

Generally, domestic cats require at least 30 minutes of exercise every day, although younger cats sometimes may need more and senior cats may not need as much.

Well-Balanced Diet and Weight Management

Another important aspect of a cat's well-being is their diet. Turano explained that obesity is not only one of the most common medical diseases in pets in the U.S. but also one that detracts from their mental well-being.

Obese cats are at increased risk for cancers, diabetes, bladder stones, arthritis, heart disease and hypertension. It also makes them less active, leading to increased weight and decreased energy. However, it is preventable.

"A well-balanced diet with appropriate portions will lead to a healthier body, improving the feline's both physical and mental health," Turano said.

Generally, experts suggest that a cat's weight should be between 10 and 12 pounds, but that is not always the case. Many factors can influence a cat's ideal weight, including their sex and breed.

Small cats, like the Singapura, should weigh between 4 and 8 pounds, while bigger ones, like the Maine Coon, can be as heavy as 22 to 25 pounds.

Maintaining a Solid Routine

Maintaining a consistent routine is essential for a cat's sense of security, according to Smith.

"Regular feeding times, scheduled play and predictable quiet periods help reduce anxiety and create a stable environment. A mentally engaged cat is a happier, healthier cat," she said.

In an article medically reviewed by Dr. Lorna Whittemore, Pango Vet explains that as creatures of habit, cats thrive on routine, knowing what to expect at all times.

Predictability helps them feel safe, reduces destructive behaviors and can even create healthy boundaries between the felines and their owners.

Having a routine doesn't mean you need to adhere to strict time blocks every day. What matters is that you try your best to stick to general time frames and focus on the sequence of events. For example, ensuring that your cat always has a little play time after breakfast if that's what they are used to.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

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