Is your home ´Feline Friendly´?

Cats are now the most popular pets in the UK, having over taken dogs, and they make fabulous companions. One of the main reasons for their popularity is that they are seen as ‘low maintenance’ animals who fit in well with our modern, busy lifestyles. While this is true, cats are also very susceptible to stress in their environments, but are very bad at showing it. It is important, therefore, that we as pet owners ensure our houses are as ‘feline friendly’ as possible.

Signs of stress

High levels of stress in cats can lead to both behavioural (mental) problems and also physical illness. One of the most common behavioural symptoms of stress in cats is ‘over-grooming’. Cats will use grooming as a displacement activity and stress reliever but if they are chronically (long term) stressed they can groom themselves bald. Another behavioural change which can indicate stress is a cat urinating or defecating in the wrong place. The underlying causes for this can be varied, from strange cats in the house or garden, to not enough litter trays. Never punish your cat for this, always try to think about the possible causes.

There are also physical signs of stress which can include recurrent cystitis (painful bladder infections) and chronic diarrhoea. However, while it is important to always be aware that these problems can have a stress related component, it is vital to rule out physical illnesses first. If you cat is showing any of these symptoms they should be checked over by a vet to ensure they don’t have problems such as fleas or bacterial infection.

Do remember that not all stressed cats will show obvious symptoms, the majority will simply become withdrawn, grumpy and distant. Some may not show any signs at all, which is why it is so important that we are vigilant and put the measures below in place, even if we don’t think there is a problem.


Multi cat households

Many households have more than one cat, some will be litter mates, but others have been brought together as ‘companions’ by their owners. What is important to realise is that cats are naturally solitary creatures, who in the wild live in loose family groups. They do not have the same need for companionship as humans. Litter mates will often live well together, but living in a group of unrelated cats can be a significant source of stress, particularly if they are of a timid nature.

The most important thing for a cat is that they do not have to compete for their resources, of which there are five principle ones; food, water, a latrine, a rest area and access to the outdoors. Therefore it is vital in multi-cat households that we provide our pets with enough resources so there is no competition and therefore no stress.

Food and water

In practice, this means providing one more food bowl than there are cats, and in households with several cats, more than one feeding area. The best way to feed cats is with dry food left down as they are naturally grazing feeders. Feeding a set meal once or twice daily will make the cats feel under pressure to eat, this can cause competition for food and, as they tend to gorge at these times, over eating and obesity. Also, cats hate to drink water next to their food source. This stems from a time when they were hunters and any water supply near to the prey was likely contaminated. They prefer a wide bowl filled to the brim as they don’t like to catch their whiskers on the sides. Both these reasons are why cats will often drink from the dogs bowl or outside and completely ignore the lovely bowl of fresh water you have left for them!

Rest areas

Always make sure you have enough rest areas in your home for your cats, and they are suited to the preferences and needs. Cats like to get up high, they are after all natural climbers, especially when they feel threatened. Cat trees, combined scratching posts and raised beds are excellent, but ensure you provide one for each cat, so there isn’t competition for the highest spot. If you find your cats clustered in one spot, next to a radiator for example, it is unlikely they are doing so because they like each other, it is more likely it is the only available warm spot or comfy area!

If you have a cat who likes to hide away, ensure they have the facilities to do that, a covered bed is perfect. Remember, to a cat, they are ‘hidden’ if they can’t see you, it doesn’t matter if you can see them!

Litter Trays

Don’t forget the litter trays! Cats hate a dirty tray and will often defecate or urinate elsewhere rather than use one. If you do have trays in the house, always ensure that there is at least one per cat and that they are spread out. Cats will not view two trays next to each other as separate, they are one and the same to them!

Interacting with your cat

Cats are known as ‘high intensity, low frequency’ interactors. This means they prefer to rub past your legs several times a day and accept a quick stroke, rather than spending a whole evening being fussed. Humans, on the other hand, are ‘low frequency, high intensity’ interactors and this can often cause cats unnecessary stress as we would prefer to sit and cuddle for ages while we watch TV in the evening.

As cats are generally solitary, they will not seek out our company like dogs, although they are happy to sit on you when they please! They are at their most secure when they can chose the level of interaction, this is why some cats hate to be picked up but will happily sit on or near you when you are watching TV or on the computer. It is important to remember that cats find unrequested interaction stressful, which is why one the worst things you can do to a timid cat is take them from their hiding place and ‘force’ them to be sociable.

Pheromones

The use of pheromone diffusers and sprays can really help a cat to feel secure and relaxed in their environments. These contain a pheromone scent derived from the one which cats spread when they rub against things. Plug the diffuser in as near as possible to where your cat spends the majority of his time and don’t forget to check it regularly and replace it when it runs out.

If you are concerned that your cats may be stressed, have a chat with your local vets. They should be able to give you advice specific to your situation and make sure your house is as ´Feline Friendly´ as possible!