How to keep your cat purr-fectly happy!
Zazie Todd is an animal behaviour expert exploring how science can help us have happier pets. Her blog Companion Animal Psychology is read by over 50,000 people a month
24% OF BRITS OWN A CAT
Q MY CAT KEEPS FIGHTING WITH OTHER CATS NEARBY – WHAT CAN I DO?
A Many cats don’t like sharing space with other cats, so stick to a routine to help them avoid one another. If the fights are happening at a particular time of day, keep your cat in then. If you have a garden, try fencing that is angled at the top to keep your cat in and other cats out.
Q My cat keeps coming in with mice – how can I stop this? A Some cats are great hunters and will naturally catch mice or birds. Recent research suggests feeding cats a high-meat-protein diet and giving them more play time with a wand toy can reduce these natural instincts. You can also try keeping your cat in at dawn and dusk – prime hunting time. And if you haven’t spoken to your vet about preventing parasites, which cats can catch from mice, do.
Q Is my cat okay if they don’t like being stroked? A Every cat is an individual and some like to be stroked more than others. Always give your cat a choice. Crouch down, put your hand out and wait to see if they approach. Most cats prefer to be petted around the face and head, not near the tail or tummy. Pay close attention to their body language so you can learn what they like – are they leaning in or is their tail twitching? If you notice any sudden changes in behaviour, see your vet.
Q HOW CAN I TELL IF MY CAT IS HAPPY?
A A happy cat engages in eating, sleeping, grooming and toileting appropriately. They will be interested in play and will like to spend some time in the same room as you. Make sure your cat has all their resources (food, toys, litter boxes) separate from each other in quiet places. This will help them to be less stressed.
Q HOW CAN I STOP MY MOGGY DESTROYING THE FURNITURE?
A Scratching is a natural behaviour for cats and helps them care for their claws, so it’s important to provide sturdy scratching posts. They should be nice and tall, so your cat can get a good stretch. Cat trees are a good idea, too, and have the added benefit of providing spaces to perch. Most cats like sisal rope posts, but some prefer carpet, wood or cardboard, so find out what your cat favours. To encourage your cat to scratch in the right place, reward them with a treat immediately after they use their post or cat tree.
Q What kind of toys are best for my cat? A Your cat should have a range of different toys. Think toys with a tail, toys with feathers, something long they can kick at and so on, to represent different types of ‘prey’. And cats love interactive toys, such as wands with feathers, that enable them to play with you. Cats get bored with toys over time, so have their toys on rotation and put some away for a while. When they come out again, they will be greeted as new! You can also ‘marinate’ the toys in fresh catnip, valerian or silver vine, if these are substances that your cat likes.