Animal Education Corner

Think Like a Cat

It is no secret that cats are unique beings, mysterious even. Really they aren’t so hard to understand if we just stop to see things as they do. Those that have been well-loved by a special cat will certainly argue there is no other relationship like it.

Do cats recognize “their” person’s voice? A recent study published in the journal Animal Cognition suggests that in fact cats can tell the difference between their owner’s voice and that of a stranger. They clearly responded to that voice--- they just did not always respond by doing as told!

Can your cat be happy indoors all the time? The answer to this question is a resounding yes, but some special attention to details will make everyone truly happy. Cats need safe, comfortable resting areas where they know other animals or humans will allow them to rest and where they know they are free to come and go. Cats like the option to perch up high to observe their world. Many cats need to scratch, both as exercise and to mark their territory. They can be trained to use acceptable scratching areas by observing the material they prefer, whether vertical or horizontal, & experimenting to find the right location (usually near sleeping areas and room entrances). If already scratching an unacceptable site, make it unappealing by temporarily covering with double-sided tape, aluminum foil, sandpaper, or underside of plastic carpet runner. Also attaching cloth soaked in citrus smell or perfume can repel cats from an area.  Placement of scratching posts can be gradually moved (2-3 inches daily).  Cats love to play with things, whether purchased toys or random bags, boxes, etc, found on the floor. They get bored with them quickly too, so for an enriched cat, rotate the choice of play items weekly. Try different types for more laughs for you and the cat.

You know where the toilet is, WHY aren’t you using it?? Failure to use the litterpan is the most common cause for cats to be given up to shelters, alternate homes, or the outdoors. There can be medical reasons & complex behavioral causes, but if both urine & stools are found outside the box, start with really looking at the box. Look & SMELL it as if you were 8 inches tall & had to walk into it. Cats like clean, really clean. For best results have at least one more litterpan than would provide one box per cat (e.g., 3 cats need 4 boxes) and pay attention to litter choices. Most cats don’t like perfumes and most have strong opinions about the way the litter feels. There are many, many choices & you can make several available to try out. A study found that most cats like sandy, soft litter, 2-3 inches deep. Scoop litter daily and completely dump and replace with new litter weekly. Litterpans should be placed in low traffic areas with more than one way in or out. Most cats don’t like pans with covers because it makes them vulnerable to ambush by other pets.  If bathroom problems occur, consult a veterinary office early before bad behavior becomes a habit.

Introducing cats to changes requires patience and sensitivity. Cats do not like sudden change, even if it means good things. So bringing a new cat home and just letting them loose in the big, open house to meet the whole furry household all on the first day is not likely to go smoothly for the newcomer or the ones who may feel their home is being threatened. First start small by setting up a place for the newbie that is small and quiet and has some bedding and toys that are familiar, even if there are no other animals in the home. Let the household animals come investigate by sniffing through closed solid doors first. After a day or several, start feeding the animals gradually closer to one another with the door still closed. Determine how quickly to decrease the distance between feeding stations based on the reaction of the pets. Stop moving them more closely as soon as anyone looks stressed. Playing with toys shared under the door is another good tool for gradual introduction. Next start rotating location of the cats for several hours a day to allow sharing scents. Once everyone seems relaxed, allow brief visual contact with a physical barrier while doing something pleasurable (eating, playing, or petting), then work toward allowing contact in a large space with plenty of escape routes. Be ready to interrupt with noisemakers or water spray bottles. Don’t try to pick up cats that are upset as they sometimes will lash out at whoever is nearby. The key is to gradually reduce the distance to that which may be scary without causing panic or feeling threatened. Going too fast can result in causing fear that cannot easily be unlearned.