CAT BEHAVIOR
LITTER BOX
We recommend keeping 1 letterbox per cat plus one extra (2 for 1 cat, 3 for 2 cats, etc). Litterboxes should be spread out as far as possible from each other and their should be at least one box per floor. Cats need their litterboxes to be very clean. Scoop them every day. Some cats have strong litter preferences, but they generally gravitate to unscented, clumping litter with no coverings or liners. Litterboxes should be kept in secluded areas that are easy to access and not near loud noises or frequent traffic. Inappropriate elimination is a common problem in our cat populations. Seeking veterinary advice early can make a huge difference.
TOYS
Cats need enrichment. It is important to try to figure out your cats’ toy preferences. Actively playing with your cat for at least 10 minutes per day can be a great benefit to their overall health and wellness. Great cat toys include laser pointers, wind-up toys, balls, feather toys, catnip toys and many others. Feeding your cat from activity toys is also a great way to activate healthy prey drive.
MULTI-CAT HOMES
When left to their own devices, cats live largely by themselves on several acres of land. Though cats can get along with each other in our households, they will often cope with their tight quarters by subdividing our homes into territories. Make sure to provide food, water, litter and elevated sleeping spaces in all territories.
Tools like Feliway pheromone sprays (Feliway) and catnip can go a long way towards eliminating cat stress. If your cats are showing signs of aggression, try putting a bell on the more aggressive cats to reduce their ability to sneak up on other cats in the home.
When introducing new cats to your home, introduce smells first by exchanging towels or bedding. Then allow access to sounds (under a door in neighboring rooms). Then allow supervised interactions. Make sure that there are plenty of separate areas for feeding, litter, and sleeping.