The Purrfect Guide to Thinking Like a Cat Read online

  INDOOR CATS

  452.RESTRICTED BOUNDARIES

  More frequently, cats are kept indoors, without access to roam outdoors. This is due to the potential danger of predators, traffic, and theft, as well as the possibility of expensively bred kittens. Gardens or enclosures are provided, but they are wired off to prevent the cats from leaving the area.

  453.TERRITORY

  A cat loves to explore a wide-ranging territory. If this is not available due to indoor living, extreme care must be taken to provide the cat with other activities to maintain life quality.

  454.STIMULATE

  A cat without appropriate stimulation indoors may appear to sleep a lot. However, this is a sign that the cat is actually frustrated, depressed, and has given up. Try some of our fun cat activities instead!

  455.HEIGHT ACTIVITY

  Cats love to climb, so provide cat trees, which are designed for this purpose. Allow extra shelving to let them navigate your home. You can also provide plenty of beds in high locations, as many cats prefer an aerial resting place.

  456.PRIVACY

  Indoor cats don’t get much opportunity to stay undisturbed, so they must be afforded hiding spaces, such as within cupboards, where they can easily enter and exit, or in extra cardboard boxes, which they can sneak off to. Never disturb them in these refuges.

  457.FRESH AIR

  Provide special mesh across windows, so that your cat can breathe in the scents from the outdoors, without your worrying about your cat’s escape.

  458.VARIETY

  Indoor cats cannot seek out their own entertainment. You are responsible for providing a variety of toys, games, and other stimulation to help them remain happy and motivated.

  FUN CAT ACTIVITIES

  459.FORAGING GAMES

  Hide cat treats or dinners inside cardboard boxes, cat tunnels, paper bags, or even the cardboard from a toilet roll, so your cat can dive on these items and fish out the lovely goodies inside. This provides important stimulation of the cat’s natural instincts.

  460.CAT FISHING!

  Feathers on a string attached to a small rod can be dragged around and flicked upward so that they seem to come alive for your cat to chase. The longer rod helps to protect your hands from overexcited claws.

  461.FOOD TOSS

  Instead of putting the food in a bowl, roll pieces of cat treats or food across the floor, so your cat can chase them. You can feed part or all of the cat’s dinner in this way to really tire your pet out.

  462.KITTY GRASS

  Kitty grass, or cat-friendly herbs and other plants, can be grown in trays indoors, using special seed. Always check that the plants you use are safe for cats, as some can be toxic!

  463.LASER TOYS

  These toys encourage the cat to chase the light that emits from them, as the light moves quickly and is easily spotted, but they can also create a lot of frustration, so be cautious!

  SCRATCHING

  464.CLAW MAINTENANCE

  Cats stretch out their pads and scratch, usually with their front paws on vertical surfaces, to help keep their claws in good, sharp condition. Ensure your cats keep their claws neat by checking them regularly, especially as they age. The claws may need a little extra help from your vet at this stage.

  465.MARKING LOCATIONS

  Scratching also helps to mark territory, which explains why cats aim for similar locations to claw and pull in this way. Their paws stretch out, and their claws scratch at the surface, sometimes leaving visible marks but also plenty of scent.

  466.UNWANTED DAMAGE

  Unfortunately, scratching can cause damage to homes, including tearing wallpaper, pulling carpet, or damaging furniture and upholstery. Stay calm, and don’t punish your cat for this natural behavior.

  467.SCRATCHING POSTS

  Provide a vertical post, specially designed for this purpose instead. Ideally, the post should be enough for the cat to stretch out and use. It commonly has a roughened rope surface as well. Some cats prefer to scratch horizontal surfaces, so allow for both.

  AGGRESSION

  468.AGGRESSION TOWARD OTHER CATS

  When a cat roams freely, it can be hard to know what to do if the cat comes home with ragged ears or other damage. There may be a neighborhood cat encroaching on your cat’s territory. Or it may be that your cat is doing the bullying!

  469.NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

  Look out for neighboring cats on fences or on trees, peering in, and provide your cats with plenty of cover in the yard or garden so they can come and go without easy detection. You may wish to mask windows if the outsiders are staring into the home, something all cats find very stressful.

  470.TIMESHARE

  You can reach agreement with your neighbors on when cats are allowed out. Perhaps yours likes to explore in the mornings and theirs, later on, at dusk. Agree to let your cats out only at these times, or look for a timed cat flap.

  471.INTRUDER DETERRENTS

  It’s common to find other cats entering your own cat flap and dining on your poor pet’s food, or spraying around it, for scent marking. Get a cat flap that is operated by a special magnetic tag or microchip that admits only your pet.

  472.AGGRESSION TOWARD PEOPLE

  A sufficiently stressed cat may scratch or bite humans. This can range from simply not wanting to be petted to active self-defense. This is a sign of extreme stress. Never force a cat into such a situation, and ask your vet to refer your cat for professional help.

  LIVING WITH OTHER CATS

  473.MULTIPLE CAT HOUSEHOLDS

  In houses with many cats, there are complex relationships between owners and cats, and among the cats themselves. Cats are not inclined to seek companionship, although some enjoy it at times. Not all cats enjoy living with others, as cats are highly self-sufficient.

  474.COMPATIBILITY

  Ideally, littermates living in the same home should be compatible and learn to live together. Hormones, overpopulation, or simply housing a young cat with an older cat can lead to problems. Each cat must have its own bed, a space to rest undisturbed, plus there should be an extra bed.

  475.COMPETITION

  Cats may compete for food, but mostly locations. They don’t understand the concept of sharing! Provide one food bowl, water bowl, litter box, and bed per cat, plus one extra. This is to ensure they don’t begin a fight over access.

  476.GROUP GROOMING

  Happy companion cats will groom and wash each other (allogrooming) as well as curl up together. They often purr and seek out each other’s company, not to knock one another off a perch but to share the resting space happily.

  477.INCOMPATIBILITIES

  Cats may not be compatible due to territorial or resource clashes. There may be a sense that the space is overpopulated. This is not easy to resolve without a clinical behaviorist’s assistance, so ask your vet for a referral.

  INTRODUCING NEW CATS

  478.DOES YOUR CAT NEED A FRIEND?

  Often, we wrongly assume that cats need a companion, or maybe we just want more cats! However, cats like to be solitary. Don’t assume that friends are exactly what your cats want or need.

  479.NEW CAT AND RESIDENT CAT

  Aim to keep the resident cat’s routine, and keep the new cat in its own room, where the resident cat doesn’t usually go. Always provide each cat with hiding places to allow each one to move away.

  480.RESIDENT CAT TIPS

  If the resident cat likes attention, give plenty of treats and praise whenever the resident smells or sees the new cat. The first cat can come to learn that being around a new cat means fun interactions with you, rather than a worried owner who sounds anxious.

  481.SCENT INTRODUCTION

  Use a cloth to gently rub around the resident cat and a different one for the new cat. Allow each cat to separately sniff the cloths and get used to the scent. After a week or more at minimum, the cats may be allowed to actually see each other, but use a stair gate or other barrier first, so they can peep and hide if
they wish.

  482.GIVE IT TIME

  It may take several weeks for the cats, or a cat and kitten, to get used to each other’s presence. Never force an introduction. If it goes wrong due to your rushing them, you will harm their chances of living happily in the future.

  LIVING WITH PEOPLE

  483.START EARLY

  From early kittenhood, cats must become used to all kinds of people, especially children, in a way that is fun and enjoyable. Choose a kitten from a household that can guarantee the kittens were regularly played with and exposed to people from all walks of life.

  484.NEW BABY

  Your cat will need time to adjust to a new baby. Allow the cat to sniff a baby-scented blanket before bringing your baby home. Keep the crib secure, and follow your midwife or doctor’s advice on how to protect the baby, as a cat may decide to use the crib as a convenient resting place and the baby as a warm companion.

  485.KIDS

  Children behave in ways that may appear startling and unpredictable to a cat. Teach children to behave calmly around the cat and not to disturb your pet when eating or resting. Children are often taught not to hurt animals, but many will still hug a cat to show affection, which a cat finds highly threatening.

  486.PLAY

  Cats play by chasing one another, climbing around, clawing at toys, and pouncing and pummeling toys with their back legs. If they get to use humans as playthings, this can cause scratches. It may be time to invest in toys with which your cats can mimic these same behaviors without contacting human skin.

  487.ROUTINES

  Routine is important for a pet, as routines allow predictability and safety. A human household runs on routines, but the cat cannot always predict various celebrations, such as fireworks or parties. Give your cat a quiet, safe place to retreat to when routines change. Not every family cat wants to join in!

  488.VISITORS

  Visitors to the home may be very interesting for a cat, or they may cause a cat to become fearful and flee. Never ask visitors to greet your cat. If your pet wants to come and say hello, this will happen! Let the cat decide when, where, and whom to engage with. Don’t take it personally if the cat would rather disappear.

  489.ATTENTION

  Human attention is rewarding for cats, but it can reinforce unwanted behavior. Cats may learn to paw at you to gain attention or to get food you are attempting to eat! Avoid punishing or paying attention to cats at these moments. Encourage the cats to go to other locations, where treats can be provided to enjoy instead.

  490.EMOTIONS

  Cats can be sensitive to the emotional atmosphere in human families. It doesn’t mean cats understand, but they will naturally feel unsafe around conflict. At times of stress, grieving, or arguments, let your cats leave the room if they choose. Don’t be surprised if their behavior changes at these times, too.

  HOUSEHOLD RULES

  491.HOUSEHOLD RULES

  Cats don’t understand human rules, and it is unfair to punish or get cross at them when they are behaving naturally, even if that behavior involves climbing the drapes! Provide other areas for them to climb, or let them enjoy the trees outside perhaps.

  492.TEAM EFFORT

  Everyone who comes into contact with the cat must understand cat behavior and needs, such as letting the cat rest, allowing the cat to wriggle free when in need of a break, and even training the cat to come in at night.

  493.WHO IS IN CHARGE?

  It is helpful if one member of the household takes responsibility for ensuring the cat’s routine is maintained. This is usually a responsible adult, but often youngsters make great pet caretakers if adults make time to teach them. Read them sections of this book!

  494.CHILDREN AND HOUSEHOLD RULES

  Kids make excellent caretakers for a cat, as long as the children know the rules. Put small signs around the house to remind them to let the cat sleep undisturbed, to use specific toys rather than their hands when playing with the cat, and not to hug the cat.

  495.SET A ROSTER!

  To make sure rules are followed, a roster will help the family share tasks, such as cleaning the litter box, ensuring the cat is fed little and often, playing with the right cat toys, and letting your cat rest when needed.

  496.STAR CHART FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

  Cats must learn that little kids are fun, not the loud and scary creatures that some cats, not socialized properly, believe children to be. Every time young children behave responsibly toward cats, give them stickers for a star chart!

  497.RULES ARE RULES

  If a member of the household refuses to follow the rules, simply prevent that person from interacting with the cat until he or she agrees to them. A cat doesn’t want to live in stress and fear. Your cat will thank you for your care and attention to its needs!

  HARMONY WITH YOUR CAT

  498.SPEND TIME ENJOYING YOUR PET

  After reading these tips, you may feel a little overwhelmed by the numerous things you could/should be doing. But be sure to simply spend time just enjoying your cat for the lovely pet and companion your cat is.

  499.LET YOUR CAT BE ITSELF

  Although cats often do things we humans don’t like, work out what you can live with. Cats will be much happier if they can live as naturally as possible. Cats like to be loners and are very self-sufficient, but they need our shelter and care, too. It’s important to get the right balance.

  500.COMPANIONS TO THE LAST

  We are privileged to spend our time with cats, and they often choose to be with us, too. Cats come and go freely, the way they like to live, which often suits our busy human lives.

  501.AND FINALLY

  We hope you’ve enjoyed this little tour through the wonderful world of the cat. A cat can make the most fantastic companion and be your best friend in the world, but we have to live up to that friendship, too. Hopefully, these tips will help make you the best friend your cat can have!

  INDEX

  adoption 36–7, 39

  adulthood 92–119

  diabetes 96–9

  exercise and obesity 92–5

  multiple-cat households 106–13

  parasites 100–5

  poisons 114–19

  stress-related disease 106–13

  advertisements 46

  aggression

  body language 20, 21

  and neutering 73

  problem breeds 26, 27, 29

  towards other cats 73, 171, 190–1

  towards people 191

  and vocalization 25

  ancestry 12

  animals, poisonous 118

  anxiety 172

  appetite 84, 85

  arched back 22

  arthritis 32, 120, 123

  babies, and cats 196

  backs, and body language 22

  bald breeds 33

  bald patches 87, 176

  behavior chains 17

  behavioral health 160–5

  bladder problems 109–10, 125, 126

  blood pressure 123

  health checks 135

  Body Condition Score (BCS) 92, 93

  body language 18–23

  boosters (vaccinations) 69, 70, 71

  bottoms, checking in kittens 45

  brain food 140

  brains, older cats 136, 138–41

  breathing

  checking in kittens 45

  problems with 87

  breeders, choosing 36–9, 41–2

  breeds

  choosing 30–5

  historically 12

  traits of 26–9

  burial 145

  calcium 64

  cancer 133

  cartilage, problem breeds 31

  cat behaviorists 160

  cat flaps 111, 112, 190, 191

  cat flu 68, 69, 70

  cat haters 6–7

  children, behavior with cats 15, 59, 196–7, 201

  claws

  declawing 90–1

  maintenance of 188

  n
ails 122

  scratching (of things) 90, 91, 122–3, 177, 188–9

  clicker training 167

  coats see fur cognitive dysfunction 136, 138–41

  collars 59

  communication

  body language 18–23

  vocalization 24–5

  conditioned responses 15

  core vaccinations 67, 69

  costs of owning cats 9

  cremation 146

  crouching 22

  deafness 153

  death of cat 141–7

  burial 145

  cremation 146

  euthanasia 144–5

  declawing 90–1

  defensive signs 22

  dementia 141

  development stages of kittens 50–3

  diabetes 96–9

  diarrhea 86

  diet see nutrition domestication 12

  drinking 8

  amount 85, 158

  free-flowing source 159

  milk 64

  and stressed cats 110

  water bowls 65, 159

  drugs (human) 116

  dry food 61, 158

  ears

  and body language 21

  checking in kittens 44

  hearing 152–3, 164

  eating see nutrition

  Egyptian cats 13

  environment

  appropriate 9

  learning from 16

  euthanasia 144–5

  exercise 94, 164–5

  see also playing

  exploring 19, 163

  eyes

  and body language 21

  checking in kittens 43

  problem breeds 29

  problems with 89

  sight 148–9

  eyesight 148–9

  faces

  and body language 21