No.not just basic needs (such as eating, drinking, resting, relieving). The cat has many behavioral needs: such as climbing, exploring, clawing, playing and overcoming the boredom that, in a “banal” domestic environment like our home, constantly assails him.
Here then is the advice of Sabrina Giussani, veterinarian expert in animal behavior, to meet your wishes and make our apartment comfortable and interesting.
The cat’s meals, many and small, in ceramic bowls
The cat eats several times a day, even at night, up to 15-16 small meals in 24 hours. For this reason, the full dose of dry food must always be available to the cat. To this you can add a wet food, to be consumed in the company of the family meal. It is preferable to use a ceramic or glass bowl, materials that keep the taste of the food unaltered.
Running water, away from the baby food
Many cats like to drink running water (from the bidet or the tap); for this reason, in addition to the classic bowl, it is advisable to place a recycled water fountain, possibly in ceramic. Water should always be accessible, fresh and in abundance, and preferably should be placed away from the food bowl.
Litter boxes: two, large and fragrance-free
The cat loves privacy and cleanliness: for this reason it is advisable to place the boxes in a discreet area of the house, far from the passageways and from the noisiest rooms. Better to opt for a fragrance-free litter, with medium-sized granules and clumping. The cat also likes to use a clean litter tray: it is necessary to remove the dirty part at least twice a day. Most cats prefer to use two cassettes, one for urine and the other for feces.
The rest of the cat, everywhere and in its own way
The little feline loves sleeping in the company of the human family so as to feel welcomed and safe. He does not rest for long periods in the same place but changes it frequently.
Green light therefore to the free positioning of bunks, cushions or pile covers in hidden places or in plain sight, at floor level (such as the walk-in closet, the lower shelves of the library, under the bed), in raised areas ( such as the chairs or the sofa) or even very high, for example leaving some space free on the high shelves of the bookcase. There are cats who prefer miniature kennels to feel content and others who love them big, to slouch. To the human, all that remains is to observe and try.
The scratcher, how wonderful
With the scratches the cat leaves parallel marks between them and interdigital pheromones, chemical communication signals that indicate its passage and its presence.
Often, the cat performs its feats near favorite resting places or in places of passage (for example, the front door or leading to the balcony). To protect the furniture in the house, it is a good idea to place at least two vertical or horizontal scratching posts.
To expand the available space, it is a good idea to place a sturdy scratching post that is high up to the ceiling, with multiple poles and with high rest surfaces, so that it can also observe the world from above, activities that, as a feline hunter which it is, it is very welcome.
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Accessible and furnished balconies and windows
It is useful to place the scratchers near a window: the cat has an extreme need to overcome boredom and every pastime is good. For example, look at what happens outside. It can therefore be very convenient to install a cat flap, which allows him to go out on the balcony when he prefers, even at dawn, to listen to the birds and imagine himself stuck in daring ambushes. To help him in the fiction, a large box can be enough, which can serve as a hiding place.
Games, many, various and “possible”
First of all, it is better to avoid games that prevent the little feline from “capturing” the object of desire such as the laser light: it would become prey to opposite feelings of excitement and frustration, difficult to manage. On the other hand, fabric objects, balls, games with feathers are perfectly fine, even better if hidden and to be discovered inside boxes, cartons or bags.
It is useful, as is done with children, to create small sets and alternate them every 2/3 weeks: as mentioned, the cat gets bored, it is enough to see something new appear every now and then to feel better. Besides playing alone, he also needs to play with the human family. His play activity doesn’t last long, just a few fun and precious minutes to get to know each other, have fun together and strengthen the emotional bond.
Plants, which the cat can play with (and taste)
Even plants can entertain him but it is worth considering that he could also taste them: well the aromatic and fruit ones, therefore, pay attention to the fatty ones and, in any case, to most of the plants, which can be toxic. Beware of flowers too: they attract bees, which are also dangerous for felines.
Long live the fabrics but watch out for the sofa
The cat really likes fabrics. To avoid including them in his games, it is better to avoid lines: they remind him of his own scratches, they are an invitation to finish the work by scratching a little more. As for his tasteful colors, it seems that bright yellow and electric blue are more evident in his eyes: information that is naturally useful in the choice of games rather than furnishing fabrics.
Ambient fragrances, pheromones and aromatherapy
The cat is a macrosmatic: it has a very powerful olfactory system. Our home fragrances are very intense and tend to be annoying.
On the contrary, aromatherapy can help in dealing with any discomfort but only if studied with an experienced veterinarian: in general, the essential oils of lavender and lemon balm are relaxing, citrus fruits are exciting, woods can soothe but also trigger mental processes of re-elaboration of memories. Improvising is prohibited.
A similar argument applies to pheromones: very useful in case of stress, for example that caused by a move, they must be chosen wisely and punctually.
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