Understanding your cat’s behavior
Although every cat is unique, there are certain signs you can observe that could indicate something is wrong with your cat. You can keep an eye on your cat’s behavior to see if they’re acting strangely. Here’s how to keep your cat happy.
Signs that your cat could have a problem
Your cat might be stressed or afraid.
- More than usual, grooming oneself is a priority
- Hiding
- To sleep in a hunched position
- Change their toileting and/or feeding habits
- Spraying indoors
- If your cat is scared or in pain, you may also notice it.
- Adopting unwelcome, new habits such as aggression
- Avoiding people or disappearing
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a veterinarian or clinical animal behaviorist.
How to keep your cat happy
Here are some suggestions to help your cat be happy and decrease the likelihood of their developing bad behavior.
They should be able to reach all their needs – cats are easily scared, so make sure that they can reach all the necessities (such as water, litter, or outside) without having to pass other animals or things that might frighten them.
- Make sure your cat has a safe place to hide – A scared cat may be aggressive if they don’t have a safe escape point. You should ensure that your cat has safe hiding places so they can flee from fear.
- Keep them moving – cats are able to sleep through the night, but they still need to get active when they’re awake. You can keep them busy indoors if they don’t like to go outside.
- Provide a scratching surface for them.Cats are naturally drawn to objects that scratch, mark territory and strengthen their claws. You should make sure that they have strong scratching posts that they can fully stretch (this is especially important for indoor cats).
- Toys for cats – play allows your cat to have fun and be active. You can provide safe toys for your cat and allow them to play both alone and with others. Your cat will be entertained at mealtimes by puzzle feeders and hiding dried food.
- Kindness is key – Your cat will not understand if you shout at them or punish them.
How to stop your cat from hunting wild animals
Although cats naturally instinctively hunt their prey, there is a concern that domestic cats could be affecting the welfare of local wildlife. To prevent unwanted surprises from being brought home by your cat, and to help protect the wildlife around you, we suggest:
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- You should keep them inside during the most active times of wildlife, such as dusk and dawn.
- To allow birds to come out for food, keep them inside during rainy weather.
- Attaching a Bell to a Quick-Release Safety Collar
Additional Resource:
https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/cat
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cat
https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/cat
