Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
KEYS TO GOOD FELINE MENTAL HEALTH
Environmental enrichment and awareness of your cat's needs are
important factors in making her happy in your home. If left outdoors,
a cat would spend a large part of her day stalking and eating prey.This
activity would provide mental stimulation and challenge. It would also
provide exercise and keep the cat in good physical condition.
Cats scratch to communicate visually and by scent, and to keep
their nails in shape. Give your cat at least one tall, sturdy scratching post
in an easily accessible area. If she is not given appropriate items to
scratch and then trained to use them, she will seek out alternative
objects in your home.
Indoor cats don't have to work to eat, so boredom and obesity can
result.Train cats to perform tricks and reward them with treats.Throw
the treats and let your cat chase them. Consider placing small amounts
of food in several locations and making your cat roam around to eat.
Create vertical space to keep your cat happy. Cats love to jump up
on things and watch the world from a high vantage point. Jumping up
keeps cats active, and giving them a high perch gives them an appro-
priate place to hang out and retreat from other cats, animals and peo-
ple in a household. If two or more cats must live together in a small
home, cat trees and elevated perches give cats more space, create verti-
cal territory, and decrease the stress of sharing a small area.
Cats enjoy climbing and having a high perch for sleeping.
