What is the healthiest environment for a cat? Cats are wonderful pets, but people don’t always understand them well. By providing the things a cat needs in its living environment, we can help it be happier and healthier.
What is the healthiest environment for a cat?
This applies not only to the physical environment but also to social interaction with us and any other animals in that space. If these needs are not met, a cat may become stressed and display behavioral issues.
Cats love to feel safe. They prefer to avoid confrontation, and their natural reaction to something stressful is to hide. From a cat’s perspective, a safe space is somewhere enclosed and appropriately sized for them.
Cats also love to be in high places, where they can observe what is happening around them. Good hiding spots can also be elevated. The good news is that a safe space can be as simple as an overturned cardboard box with a cut-out hole for easy access.
If you look around, you might find other spots that make great hiding places. You could leave the closet door slightly open and create a cozy little hideout there (or your cat might learn to open the door on its own and burrow into a pile of freshly laundered clothes waiting to be ironed).
Play and hunting behavior in cats
Cats are solitary hunters, and if not cared for by humans, they would need to spend a lot of time hunting every day. Play is important for cats as it allows them to satisfy their predatory instincts, such as chasing a wand toy or catching a toy mouse.
Play also helps cats exercise, which is especially important for indoor cats. Cats can have toys to play with on their own, as well as toys for interactive play with you.
Wand toys can move to mimic prey, allowing the cat to chase and exercise. The cat may grab it with its front paws, chew on it, or kick it with its hind legs. Cats like smaller toys they can carry in their mouths, as if they just caught their prey. Puzzle toys that involve food also provide a great way to engage and play with your cat.