Cats need their own private space to feel happy. Don’t always try to interact with them and let them do their own things. Let the cat have a quiet space in the house where the children will not harass it.  A cat’s personal space doesn’t have to be big. Cats love confined spaces, such as cardboard boxes, and will happily use them to take a nap.  Try to grow a plant of cat grass near your cat’s private space. This special plant helps their digestive system and doesn’t trigger vomiting like garden grass. You can buy a basket for your cat at the pet shop. Look for one model that you can clean easily as it can get dirty or smelly over time. Let your cat look at a window. They love observing birds and people. Cats are independent animals and will cope well when you’re at work. You can, however, make sure that they have enough toys to keep busy. You can buy cat toys in most pet shops and supermarkets. When you come home, don’t forget to play! Cats need exercise.  You can also do your own cat toys. Attach a piece of string on a door handle and let the cat go wild. Alternatively, you can offer your cat a ball. Your animal will chase it as a mouse. Don’t forget to provide a scratching post or else your couch will suffer. Use a laser or a flashlight and point it at the floor. Your cat will try to catch the light and will get very excited. Cats work well on their own but are also happy to have company. You could consider taking another cat if you work long hours and if you have the space and the energy. Don’t forget to neuter them or you might end up with a feline army! To introduce a new cat, use the following steps:  The resident cat will often display hostility at first. Isolate the new cat at first and let it get used to the room. Your old cat will not see it but will be able to scent it. Introduce your cats at mealtime but put the feeding stations at opposing sides of the room. Separate them after the meal and start again for the next days. After a few more days, let them meet but always monitor the situation. If there is any violence, separate them quickly and repeat the next day.
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One-sentence summary -- Give your cat freedom. Provide entertainment. Adopt another cat.


If you are piping the circumference of an item, such as a sleeve cuff, then you will need to join both ends. Use a steam ripper to open up the stitching on the first 2 inches (5.1 cm) of your pre-made piping. Cut the cording inside the piping by 2 inches (5.1 cm). Fold the end of the fabric in by 1 inch (2.5 cm), and press it flat with an iron. Leave the other end of the piping intact. Skip this step if you are using homemade piping, or if you just need to pipe a single, straight edge. If you have not already done so, cut out the pieces for your project. Spread the first piece down with the right side facing up. Pin the piping around the edges that you want to pipe. Make sure that the raw edge of the piping is aligned with the raw edge of the fabric. If you are piping the perimeter of an item, then leave 1 inch (2.5 cm) at each end of the piping unpinned. You should do this only if you are piping the perimeter of your project. Slip the raw end of the piping into the folded end, then secure it with sewing pins. If you need to, trim the raw end down until it fits inside the folded end. Skip this step if you are piping just a single, straight line and don't need to join both ends. You will need 3 V-shaped slits for corners, and at least 3 for curves. Curves are all different, so you may need to cut more in order to get the fabric to lay flat. Cut the slits as close to the stitching as possible, without actually cutting through it. Use a straight stitch and the longest stitch length on your sewing machine. Make sure that the thread color matches the piping; you will use it as a guide in a later step. Try to sew across the original stitching on the piping as much as possible. If you are sewing piping that is joined together, begin and finish sewing at the folded seam. Place the second piece of your fabric on top of your project, right-side-down, and secure it with pins. Turn your project so that the back is facing you and you can see the basting stitches. Sew just inside these stitches. This will help tighten the piping up. Trim the seams so that they are between 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch (0.64 to 1.27 cm). If you need to, cut more slits into any corners or curves that won't lay flat. When you are done, turn your project right-side-out.  Press the seams to either side of the piping for a nicer finish. You can go over the raw edges of the inside seams with a zigzag stitch to prevent fraying.
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One-sentence summary --
Open up the stitching on pre-made piping, if needed. Pin the piping the the right side of your fabric. Tuck the raw end of the piping into the folded end. Cut V-shaped slits into the corners and curved edges. Baste the piping to the fabric. Pin and sew the second piece of fabric on top. Trim the seams, then turn the project right-side-out.