Cats may seem like the most independent of creatures, but they
are really quite social and do need a lot of attention. And even
though they appear to nap constantly, they also need to be
occupied, even when you're not around.
Cats love to play. Regular playtime helps
cats maintain fitness, improve their social skills and mental
alertness. It will also reduce the likelihood of them scratching up
your furniture, carpets - and you. Perhaps the best thing about
playing with your cat is that it will strengthen your mutual
bond.
There are so many cat toys on the market
today, you can build up a collection over time and rotate them to
ensure your cat is constantly stimulated. When you're not at home,
leave a toy to keep kitty happy. Spend time each day playing with
your cat.
Encourage your cat to find its inner tiger
through play and you'll see that domestic cats' behaviour is
not so far removed from their wild ancestors after all. Their
hunting habits in the wild translate to playful antics in the home.
Anything that replicates the 'hunt' will keep your cat amused.
Ever seen a cat dashing around like mad,
leaping over furniture, under tables and bouncing off the walls?
It's their playful part of their behaviour through which
they expend some of the energy they've conserved cat-napping
all day. If you have a garden, let your cat out during the day so
they have plenty of time to run around. Make sure they come in
again at night.
There are many exciting ways for you to keep
your cat occupied when you're not around. As modern life becomes
busier and people are away from home most of the day, this has
become increasingly important.
Cats are a little easier to leave home alone
rather than dogs, as dogs need constant reassurance from their
owners. Cats are quite easily amused and will often find the
simpler things in life very stimulating.
Kittens and young adult cats love the
opportunity to play-hunt almost anything you have lying around the
house. Throw bottle tops on the floor, screw up newspapers, wiggle
carpet fringes and waggle old socks at them. They will take up the
game immediately: pouncing, leaping and running at their toy
'prey'.
Cats love scratching posts, climbing frames
(they love to be up high), balls and toys with string or feathers.
Most of the time cats will amuse themselves but they also need a
daily dose from their owners. Spending time with your cat is really
important as it allows you to maintain the bond you have with your
animal. Another thing that you can try is having a bird feeder or a
fish tank. Bird feeders will have to be in visible view outside and
the fish tank will have to have a secure lid on it as they might
decide to do a little fishing… which could be bad news!
If you really want to spoil your puss go the
local pet shop and splurge on some treats. They will love you for
it! Exercise is a must for cats, so take the time to sit around and
spend some time hanging out with your furry friend.
Scratching comes naturally to kittens and
cats. It's a form of playing, which also has the benefits of
keeping their claws in good condition and toning their back
muscles. A multi-tiered scratching post will be an endless source
of amusement for your cat (and could save your furniture).
Different levels give your cat plenty of
leaping opportunities whilst the 'nest area' provides a
well-protected vantage point from which to observe the house. Place
your scratching pole in a high traffic zone of the house to allow
your cat a good view of the entire living area.
Naming your kitten is fun and if you have a
family it's a great way to get everyone involved in your new
arrival. It's also important in kick-starting training and
establishing a relationship with your new companion.
When selecting a name, try for something
simple and avoid names that sound like commands as these will
confuse your kitten. For example, 'Joe' sounds like 'no'. And don't
pick something you'll be embarrassed to call aloud - a name needs
to suit both you and your cat.
Once you have settled on a name, use it every
time you play with, stroke, feed, or talk to your kitten.
If you live in a multi-cat household you are
bound to see some fighting amongst your feline tenants. Causes of
in-house fighting vary and may include 'playing', sexual aggression
or territorial aggression.
You can help avoid fighting by spaying or
neutering your cats, which reduces aggression levels, and by not
keeping too many cats. In the event of a fight, you should never
physically intervene but there are others ways you can break it up
- try turning on the vacuum cleaner or hissing loudly as a
distraction.
When the fight is over, it can pay to
separate the cats, giving them time to get over the scrap. Any
visible bite wounds or deep scratches should be given prompt
veterinary attention.
For people looking to bring a cat into their
lives, there are numerous advantages to adopting an adult cat,
opposed to a kitten.
Adult cats are much less destructive than
young kittens, and it is easier to discern their size and
personality and so avoid the surprises that can come with a
kitten's growth. Being more subdued and settled, adult cats will
learn a new owner's routine quicker than a kitten, and they are
often safer if you have young children.
Also, because the adoption rate of adult cats
is lower than that of cute kittens, animal shelters are usually
overrun with fully grown cats. So by choosing an adult cat, you
will be reducing the strain on shelters, as well as giving a second
chance to a loving and deserving pet.
Search for and block any small spaces or
holes in and around your home and always be sure your kitten
doesn't get shut in drawers, cupboards or your clothes dryer. If
you have a yard, check your fence for gaps and ensure any swimming
pools or fish ponds are fenced off.
If you have a yard, be sure to check your
fence for gaps and ensure any swimming pools or fish ponds are
fenced off. Also be aware of the plants you have in your garden -
some can be dangerous to cats.