The perfect environment for your cat
When setting up your home for your cat, there are '5 Pillars of Feline Welfare' we can utilise to help us provide a healthy environment for them. These take both the physical environment into account but also their social interactions and interaction with us, their humans.
Addressing environmental needs can result in fewer unwanted behaviors and less illness, improved recognition of disease, easier handling of cats, strengthened bond between owner and cat, and reduced stress in multi-cat households.
The 5 Pillars of a Healthy Feline Environment:
(Described by ISFM and AAFP)
- Provide a safe place
- Provide multiple and separated key environmental resources (food, water, toileting, scratching, play, resting)
- Provide opportunity for play and predatory behaviour
- Provide positive, consistent and predictable human–cat social interaction
- Provide an environment that respects the importance of the cat's sense of smell
1. A Safe Place
Our cats appreciate a private, secure spot away from busy places. They appreciate raised places and somewhere they can be concealed. Cardboard boxes, cat crates, and hammocks can be utilised as safe places. Remember that where we pick out for our cats is not always ideal in their eyes, so be prepared to compromise!
2. Multiple and Separated Key Resources
Especially important in multi-cat households to prevent fighting. Resources such as food, water, toileting areas, scratching areas, play areas, and resting areas should be in several separate places so that there is no competition, and cats can eat, toilet and play in private. Food and toileting areas should definitely not be in the same room!
3. Opportunity for Play & Predatory Behaviour
Cats are hunters and providing opportunities to practice these behaviours increases welfare and reduces the need to hunt outside.
- Hide food or toys in multiple locations.
- Scatter-feed dry food or kibble, or toss for cats to chase.
- Provide puzzle feeders, handmade or store-bought timed feeders.
- Move a rod or wand with a fur or feather toy on the end.
- Use large, soft toys that can be raked and bitten.
4. Positive, Predictable Social Interaction
While cats benefit from regular contact with humans, many cats like to be able to initiate, moderate and end their interaction. Cat owners should learn each cat's individual preferences and not force interaction. The more you allow your cat to choose their style of interaction, the more they will want to interact.
5. Respecting the Cat's Sense of Smell
Cats have a highly developed sense of smell and detect pheromones left by other cats. Scent marking by facial and body rubbing helps them feel secure. Avoid using cleaners with strong smells and avoid scented cat litter!
If your cat is stressed or having behavioural issues, let us know!
We can help get effective strategies in place for them.
Book your cat in with usNeed behaviour help for your animal?
Consultations available in-person across North Island and via online consultation NZ-wide.
Related Articles
