Is Your Cat Bored?

Cat playing with toy Due to environmental and health factors, cats are increasingly being kept 100% inside. This lifestyle certainly has many benefits as they are at much less risk of contracting infectious disease, hunting wildlife or sustaining injuries as a result of fighting or being hit by cars. However, due to this restricted environment, indoor cats could be at risk of developing behavioural problems including inappropriate urination, anxiety, aggression, over vocalisation and excessive grooming. This is often a commonality for outdoor cats adjusting to indoors.

These behavioural issues could develop if your feline friend is not receiving enough enrichment from their indoor environment. All cats need mental stimulation that promotes their natural behaviours such as chasing, pouncing, climbing, hiding and scratching, so for our indoor cats, it’s important to create an environment that allows your cat to engage by using their natural instincts.

Social interactions with humans are one of the most effective ways to enrich your indoor cat’s environment. Interactive toys are also important for your furred feline especially when they are home alone or when you are asleep.

Consider if your home environment is cat-friendly:

  • Are there a variety of interactive toys for your cat to play with?
  • Do you dedicate play time with your feline friend on a daily basis?
  • Do you have a scratching pole to allow your feline to climb, scratch and exercise?
  • Can your cat see outside?
  • Is your cat’s litter box private, do you a litter tray for each cat in the household, and are they easy to access and a suitable size?

A stimulating environment is very important for a happy cat! Ensuring that all of the above points are implemented in your home will assist in providing a good balance of physical and mental stimulation and will help to avoid developing behavioural issues.

If you’re looking to improve your cat’s environment, visit Petbarn; they have a great range of products that will keep your feline friend entertained and enriched.

 
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