Six ways to improve your cat’s one wild and precious life

Guardian journalism is independent. We earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Like their canine counterparts, cats require exercise, enrichment and play This story was originally published in the Filter US newsletter on buying fewer, better things. Sign up here to get early access to it Each week the Filter newsletter cuts through the noise to bring you smart, practical recommendations on how to live better – from what is worth buying to the tools, habits and ideas that actually last. I have grossly underestimated cat owners. I believed cats to be low-maintenance creatures – particularly compared with dogs – simply requiring a plate of tuna, a comfy bed and as little human contact as possible. After Tracy Allison, our photo editor, shared that she takes her feisty cat, Tux, on walks to improve his mood, I realized I was mistaken. It turns out that, like their canine counterparts, cats require exercise, enrichment and play. For some cats, toys are enough, but Tux, an outdoor cat confined to the house after a scuffle with a feral tomcat, was unimpressed with feathers on a string. Allison pulled the trigger on a leash and harness. In her p