We invest in our cars, in our homes in our clothes, so when it comes to our pets, it's only logical that we invest in their well-being too. Below are five simple strategies to keep your cat in a happy and healthy space.

1. Spend quality time with your pet.
If cats are given a lot of love and attention, they will likely turn into wonderful pets. Kittens especially can demand a lot of attention as they adjust to their new surroundings. I usually make the effort to spend time with my kitten in the morning before work and upon returning home at the end of the day. We all lead busy lives, but taking some time to connect with them can make a big difference.

2. Experiment with food.
Research cat food and don’t be afraid to try out new options until you find the right mix for your favorite feline. I went through several brands until I found the mix that seemed to work best for him. It’s very important that you read the labels too so you know exactly what’s in their food. It is also a good idea to store the food in an airtight container in a cool place as exposure to air and heat can cause some foods to lose their nutritional value.

3. Think outside the box
Consider a spiritual approach to maximizing your cat’s wellness. I currently have my kitten enrolled in The AIM Program of Energetic Balancing. The program works with a sophisticated computer system and amazingly a hologram i.e photo of my cat! There are hundreds of cats on the program and I’ve noticed a much calmer, happier kitty since enrolling him in AIM. Dr. Wayne Dyer speaks highly of the AIM Program in his book There is a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem. It may sound too good to be true, but let your cat be the judge and see for yourself.

4. Don’t be afraid to set some ground rules
Our pets can be very cute but bad behavior is no fun. A squirt bottle filled with water can work wonders to train your cat to stay off counters, beds or any area you don't want them jumping. It’s also wise to stay consistent in your rules. Letting them jump on the counter one minute and then scolding them the next will be confusing to them so make sure that you stick to the rules too.

5. Exercise Your Cat
Kittens and cats love play. Just like humans, when cats are overweight they are more likely to become sick or suffer joint and arthritis pain. There are several wonderful toys on the market that can get your cat running, playing and jumping to stay in great shape. My cat has a cat tree which he climbs and swings around similar to a child on a jungle gym. He also loves playing with a reed, a fun inexpensive toy. He follows it around as I quickly move it trying to catch it and we  both get some exercise. If weight is a problem, you can also cut back on their food using the lower calorie food and make sure they have plenty of fresh water to maximize their digestion.

These five simple strategies can really make a huge difference in your cat’s life so give them a try and you’ll see the difference.

Roberta Hladek is the Vice President of Operations for EMC². She has a degree in homeopathy and has worked closely with Stephen Lewis, the developer of The AIM Program of Energetic Balancing, since 1987. To learn more visit aimprogram.com