We all want the best for our pets. We either rescued them from bad conditions, took them off a friend's hands, or found them through a local or far away breeder. How ever we obtained our companions we want to make the best home for them. In this post, we will highlight the most common ways to create a happy pet environment for cats. Poor living conditions can result in bad behavior, unclean surroundings, and even health complications. This post is the second in a series of 4 posts in which we will highlight the most common tips for enriching the lives of your pets. The following posts in this series will highlight happy environments for horses, and birds.
Cats are curious animals with outstanding senses. They rely on these senses in the wild to survive and thrive. Indoor cats often succumb to the life of a lazy, overweight house cat. We need to provide nourishment, clean living conditions, and enrichment for our cat(s). Here in Tucson, Arizona most of our clients keep their cats indoors due to the dangers and risks of our surrounding desert. Some of the most common reasons we treat outdoor cats in Tucson are due to abscesses from either cactus or a cat bite, as well as intestinal parasites and spreading diseases. Another huge danger are rattlesnakes and other predators, which are in abundance in Tucson.
The following are a list of resources that are essential for a cat's environment:
Nourishment:
Food and water - Ideally cats should be fed twice daily with a canned food diet. Visit the following website for information on why canned food only diets are the best for our cats. http://www.catinfo.org/ Cats are hunters, so why do we lay their food out right in front of them with no challenge at all?
"Cats would naturally spend up to six hours a day hunting, foraging, stalking, catching and consuming prey...The normal feeding regime for the average pet cat potentially leaves a void of five hours and fifty minutes that it would need to fill with other activities." - fabcats.org
Why not allow your cat to forage for their food? To accomplish this, place small amounts of your cats meal on high and low ground and allow them to hunt for it over the period of an hour. You can also place a few pieces of dry food or treats throughout the home when they are alone during the day for them to find.
See the following list for methods of foraging:
• Build cardboard pyramids of toilet roll or kitchen roll tubes and stick together to form a three-dimensional triangle. Place single pellets half way along each tube and allow the cat to obtain the food by using its paw.
• Place food inside small cardboard boxes with the lids slightly open to encourage the cat to knock the box over or remove the food with its paw.
• Place food inside cardboard egg boxes.
• Paper bags can provide interesting receptacles for food.
• Throw individual pellets of food for the cat to chase and eat (this works most effectively on a hard floor).
Fresh water should be accessible at all times. There should be one water bowl provided per cat in the home. In a cat's natural state they search for water. Most cats are found drinking water from the bath tub, sink, plant saucers, toilets, glasses, ect. Provide water bowls or fountains around the home for your cat to seek out.
Perches/Privacy:
Cats are natural climbers and it is important that they have high perches to observe from or escape to. They will usually find these places on their own whether it be the top of a dresser or the highest shelf of a closet. Cats need their privacy, some more than others. It is best not to disturb them when they are in their "private place." They will seek out places to get away and often are quite creative with their choice of hideout! An assortments of beds should be provided in quiet or sunny areas. Cats will seek out new items to sleep on so keep them amused by placing a blanket or bed in different areas every 2-3 days.
Play time!
Cats and kittens especially will find any excuse to play or bat at anything that moves or reacts to their motion. This amusement is one of the greatest perks of owning a cat or kitten. Rotate their toys out periodically to keep their interest peaked. Introduce them to catnip or catnip stuffed toys. Overall provide your cat with ways to stimulate them while you are away during the day. Make sure they have a window to look out and toys to discover. Keep in mind that cats are very susceptible to intestinal foreign bodies. Some of the most common are hair ties, string, or stuffing from toys. Monitor your cat and make sure they are not consuming these items.
Scratching Posts
"Cats need to scratch to maintain their claws and mark their territory." www.fabcats.org
If they do not have multiple sources for scratching they will utilize items of furniture. Provide them with posts tall enough for them to stretch out vertically. Rotate different posts or horizontal scratching pads each week to keep them eager to mark new territory with their scratching.
Litter Boxes
This topic plays a huge part in the quality of your cat's life. One litter box per cat should be provided. Keep their box away from their food/water and place it in a quiet place away from stress. Cats will often urinate and defecate outside of their litter box when there is something the do not like about the situation. Causes for inappropiate elimination are as follows:
- Litter box is too confined or too small - it should be large enough that they can turn around and have space to maneuver.
- Dirty litter box - they will eventually find other areas to defecate and urinate if the litter box is not kept clean.
- Shallow litter - The depth of the litter should be at least 4-5 inches.
Check out this link for more information on this topic http://www.catinfo.org/?link=litterbox
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| This is a great example of a homemade litter box. Spacious with tall walls. |
It is our responsibility to provide the best life we can for our cat(s). They deserve a life that respects their natural instincts. We have the ability to give them the best quality of life and even lengthen their days!
Sources: www.catinfo.org, www.fabcats.org
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