PetHealth

Catify your home

Cats are descended from the territorial Near Eastern wildcat, and need to sense that ‘this space is mine’ to feel confident. They love to climb and explore elevated surfaces, claiming them, and what’s below, as their own. Fulfil their natural need to climb by designing spaces where they can move around without the need to touch the ground. That means cat perches, window beds and cat towers.

Going up

Scratch match Another cat instinct is scratching to leave their

scent and mark their area. Cats generally prefer to scratch

By nature, cats are

something tall, sturdy and covered in a stiff fibre like sisal or jute. Satisfy this need with a designated scratching post or cat tree. This also helps to protect your home, furniture, rugs and carpets, from inappropriate scratching.

independent and curious, not to mention territorial. And their homes need to reflect their needs for security as well as their innate instincts to hunt, stalk and play – so much so that creating such a space has been coined ‘catification’ by cat behaviourist Jackson Galaxy. The added benefit is helping to minimise behavioural

You snooze, you win

On average, your cat sleeps 12–16 hours per day. A space to rest with a clean, cosy bed is necessary and gives your cat choices – and thereby, a sense of control and calm. Noticed how your cat will retreat to a shelf or cupboard? A cat’s ability to easily hide and feel secure also reduces stress. This is an evolutionary by product, as hiding means safety from danger and an advantage in an ambush when hunting.

Hunt high and low

Your cat’s home needs to stimulate their senses and hunting instincts. To mentally challenge your cat and get them moving, use puzzles that mimic the way they hunt ground prey, with scooping, clawing and biting actions.

Air prey toys, such as fishing rods and wand toys, mimic the movement of a bird. Once your cat successfully ‘catches’ their prey, wiggle it around in their paws or mouth to mark the end of the hunt.

problems, stress and anxiety.

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