Who has more fun when you spoil kitty—you or kitty? Maybe both. Here are some of the many ways to properly dote on your fabulous feline.

The cleansing zen of brushing. Most cats enjoy the rhythmical front-to-back glide of a brush or comb over their fur. The brushing ritual builds a bond as it slightly stimulates kitty's skin and cleans her fur. Each cat has a unique preference for brush type and brushing style, so you may need to experiment before you find the right combo. If you already brush kitty regularly, consider adding a new brush to the repertoire. There are so many types to choose from—bristle brushes, de-shedding combs and slicker brushes. Each one imparts a different feel and cleans and conditions the fur in its own way.

Cats like to sleep—everywhere. Cats are sleep connoisseurs, so you know they appreciate comfy sleeping spots (including all areas of your bed, your important papers, and your lap). Surely you can appropriate one more area in your home for kitty's napping. What to put in the newly designated snoozing space? There are lots of choices. In addition to the luxury of bona fide cat beds and mats, try unconventional bedding options such as flattened tote bags or cardboard boxes. Will your cat go for these? Maybe he'll sleep on it and let you know.

Rotate kitty's toys. You can never have too many cat toys, right? And they tend to be inexpensive—perfect catnip stocking stuffers. But it's not just the number of toys; it's how you use them. A toy mouse left out all the time is basically dead to kitty. After a rousing play session (complete with victory pounce and snack), stow the erstwhile "prey" in the hidden kitty toy box. Bring it back in a week or so, so it seems fresh. In general, rotate the toys: Bring them out for play and hide them out of reach at other times. Exceptions: Leave safe toys here and there with which kitty can entertain himself during the night and when you're away for more than a short while. Stuff them in various places for novelty and moderate hide-and-seek challenges. Rotate those toys, too.

Try fun variations with interactive play. Daily interactive play has many benefits: It provides your cat with physical and mental exercise, strengthens the cat-human bond, helps maintain kitty's weight, and much more. It also lets you and kitty be creative. Here's one way to add some variation to your play routine: Crouch down low behind a chair, or just around the corner, behind a wall. Peek out and get kitty's attention, then quickly retreat. And wait. All of a sudden, and possibly when you least expect it . . . kitty will rush upon you, abruptly stopping two inches from your face. It's fun to be the "prey," and it gives you an appreciation for the mouse's predicament. For added effect, turn the lights down low and play the game in a carpeted room. You'll neither hear nor see your able hunter sneak up on you. Actually, dimming the lights often energizes any interactive play scenario, possibly because it simulates dawn and dusk conditions, wild cats' favorite hunting times. It's impressive to throw a toy in a dark room and watch kitty jump on it like a laser beam. Regardless of kitty's and your team playing styles, daily interactive play is a great way for your little indoor stalker and pouncer to practice his skills and work off stress.

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