It is a well-known fact that our pets need as much mental and physical activity as we do in order to remain happy and healthy. According to a recent position statement posted by the American Association of Feline Practitioners, cat owners who provide the proper environment for their indoor cats ease the stressors that can lead to emotional, behavioral, and physical problems in their pets.
If a cat is not feeling comfortable with her living arrangement, she is more likely to urinate outside of her litter box, constantly lick and over-groom herself, and become destructive and/or aggressive. Under-stimulated cats also show more instances of upper respiratory infections, FLUTD (feline urinary tract disease), and obesity. Anxious and unhappy cats, even with no biological evidence of sickness, may vomit or have diarrhea, become lethargic and disinterested in eating, or may behave as if they are in pain.
There are key areas in your home that can enrich your cat’s life if you learn how to see the environment from her point of view.
All cats need a safe, secure food and water station and a safe, secure litter box location. Your domestic cat’s wild cousins not only hunt for food, they are food for larger, stronger predators. Instinctively, your cat feels most vulnerable when she eats or drinks and when she uses the litter box. To make her feel less exposed, place your cat’s food and water bowls and her litter box in quiet areas of your home, away from foot traffic, slamming doors, and loud noises.
Indoor cats feel most comfortable when their daily routines are consistent. Regular feeding times are important, as is playtime and interaction with you. Finding that favorite toy to throw around stimulates her brain and body and allows her emotional attachment to you to grow.
Your cat needs a place to hide and a place to climb and scratch. If you’ve seen videos of wild lions and cougars climbing and scratching their claws on trees, you’ve seen where your domestic cat gets her proclivity to do the same on your furniture. You’ll humor her natural instincts by giving her an approved area to indulge in these activities. She also needs a spot where she can rest and hide away to feel relaxed and in control of her environment.
All cats require appropriate sensory stimulation – think sights, smells, and sounds. Your cat probably enjoys looking out the window or may even relish watching television. Leaving the TV on while you’re away from home provides her with the auditory sense that she’s not alone and that she’s safe. Giving her catnip or using a Feli-way plug-in stimulates her sense of smell. Allowing your kitty access to a fully-enclosed sun room or patio is a great way to stimulate all her senses when the weather is warm.
Most indoor cats enjoy the company of other cats. Two or more cats in a home will typically find ways to keep themselves entertained and physically active. If your cats are from the same litter or have grown up together, you can usually avoid the problems associated with introducing a new cat into the household. Slow introductions over a period of a week or more are considered best to allow your cats to get adjusted to the sights, sounds, and smells of a new feline family member. Keeping a close eye on kitty interactions and body language helps minimize problems with aggression or other undesirable behaviors. Making sure that each cat has her own litter box, feeding/watering station, and recreational area also minimizes stress for each feline member.
By enriching your cat’s environment, feeding her healthy food, and getting her regular wellness checkups at your veterinary clinic, you can ensure that your kitty feels like she’s in charge of her own destiny and give her a great quality of life.
No comments:
Post a Comment