PURR-FECT

We want the best for our feline family members. What is the purr-fect environment for them?

I think our cats would agree with this: the purr-fect environment would be one that is built on the foundation of love; one where they feel safe and protected. One where their instinctual needs to climb, to explore and to hunt are met.

The following three areas will be helpful as you create your cat’s environment:

One of the most common myths about cats is that are aloof and solitary. Learning the unique and subtle ways cats communicate requires time and patience. With cats, learning their eye language is important. A very easy yet almost magical eye movement to learn is the slow blink. If your cat stares at you with wide-open eyes, then blinks slowly, they’re saying “I love you” and “I trust you”. The slow blink has become known as kitty kisses. In response, you can return the slow blink. First, establish eye contact for a very short time and then slowly blink. You’re telling your cat “I love you”. Many times, a cat that won’t tolerate being held or cuddled will still send kitty kisses to their person. The experience of seeing your cat say “I love you” and being able to return that love in a language your cat understands establishes a new level of trust and deepens your bond.

Cats love to be in high places and climbing is normal behavior for them! They’re “hardwired” for it. In the wild, cats are prey for larger animals and quickly climbing a tree allowed them to escape large predators who couldn’t climb trees. The leaves and branches also hid them from the flying predators such as owls and eagles. Their high vantage point allowed them to pounce on unsuspecting prey on the ground. Physically cats are well equipped to climb; their muscular hind legs and strong backs help propel them up a tree quickly. Their claws hook into the bark to aid in their ascent up the tree. Though modern indoor cats are safe from predators and do not need to pounce on unsuspecting prey the innate need to climb is strong. To satisfy this need provide a safe space that enlarges their “territory” such as a cat tree, perch or a window seat. Respect your cat’s need to claw and climb their way to the top to view their world, their kingdom.

Cats need to play! Their play helps them learn the necessary skills of stalking, pouncing, catching and killing prey. Cats in the wild had to hunt birds, mice, and small animals to survive. They were always ready to pounce and catch their next meal. Domesticated cats need toys and activities to provide opportunities to use their prey behaviors. Toys that mimic quick-moving prey, that can be picked up, carried or tossed in the air are favorites with most cats. Small stuffed mice can be hidden in a variety of places for your cat to discover. Play sessions should be anywhere from five to fifteen minutes twice a day. It’s important to finish their play or prey time with treats or food. This completes the prey sequence of hunt, catch, play and eat.

The purr-fect feline environment nurtures and deepens the bond and connection between you and your cat. It helps keep them content and healthy!