10 ways to make your cat smile

April 7, 3:42 PMSanta Barbara Pet ExaminerKaren Lee Stevens

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Is your cat this happy?!

Ray Charles once said, “Whether they be the musician cats in my band or the real cats of the world, they all got style.”

And who has more style than a smiling cat? If your feline friends are moping around, read on. The following tips will have them purring with panache in no time.

1. Rub them the right way. Most cats love to be rubbed under the chin, around their checks, and at the base of their tails.

2. String them along. Drag some string, yarn, or a shoelace across the floor and watch the party kick into high gear. (Caution: don’t leave string or yarn lying around; if swallowed, it can prove harmful to cats.)

3. Buy or grow some grass. Cats love to nibble on “kitty grass” whenever they have an upset tummy. Grass also aids in reducing hairballs.

4. Step on it. Help older or arthritic kitties step up to their favorite napping places like the bed or window sill by providing them with their very own carpeted staircase.

5. Lean to speak “fluent cat.” Cats exhibit more than 20 different meow sounds. Take time to learn the difference between the “I-haven’t-eaten-in-a-year, please feed-me-now!” meow to the “I’m-so-happy-to-see-you” meow.

6. Get a kitten for your kitten. It’s really true: two kittens are more fun (and, some would say, easier to care for) than one because they will entertain each other. Introduce a new four-legged family member slowly, so they become used to one other over time.

7. P-U! Avoid using scented cat litter. Most cats prefer the plain old unscented, grocery store brand of litter.

8. Brush your cat’s teeth. Begin by letting her lick something tasty off the toothbrush so she gets used to the texture. (OK, your cat may not like this one at first, but having tarter-free teeth and healthy gums are bound to make her smile!)

9. Give kitty dandruff the brush-off. For a healthier coat, add a teaspoon of corn, safflower, peanut or sunflower oil to your cat’s main meal of the day.

10. Jazz it up. Treat home-alone cats to music. Studies have shown that cats prefer jazz and classical music to hard rock or talk radio. (Thanks to Arden Moore, Examiner.com's Pet Training Examiner, for the last two tips.)