How to make your cats feel at home

Here are some ideas to help you maintain your cat’s physical and psychological well-being and cater to their individual needs.

Think about how you feed your cat

Most cats will have always been fed from a bowl. Try stimulating your cat by hiding biscuits or treats around the home for them to find, this will make feeding time more fun! You can also buy or make special feeders like puzzle feeders or feeder balls. Introduce these gradually so your cat has time to get used to them. Whilst most cats enjoy the challenge of a puzzle feeder, there will always be the odd exception of a cat who prefers to eat their food from a bowl.

Automatic pet feeders are very useful if you want your cat to eat specific amounts at set times. The voice activated ones work well, as you can record your voice calling your cat and set it for 4am. This way your cat eats at the time they would normally wake you up to be fed, play, or let out to hunt.

Lots of ways to drink water

Keep food and water bowls separately. Remember that cats are lactose intolerant, so milk is not a good replacement for water. Cats will often only drink from something that their whiskers don’t have to touch (this is why they often drink from a full glass of water).

Encourage your cat to drink by offering larger water bowls, water fountains, or a running tap, as these stimulate your cat’s desire to drink and are great way to keep them occupied.

Toileting areas

Cats need several options for toileting. Allow for one litter tray per cat plus one, placed away from each other in areas where they won’t get disturbed.

Litter trays come in a variety of sizes, and can be open or covered, if you want to provide your cats with more privacy. Buying a litter tray that suits your cat’s size means they are more likely to use it and won’t make the mistake of toileting over the edge of an open tray.

Relaxation and sleep

Quite often cats like places out of the way or high up. On top of the fridge or underneath a chair are often favourites, so they’re well protected and undisturbed whilst they sleep. Provide your cat with a nice comfy bed in the areas of their choice. Also consider cat beds that incorporate perch and hide opportunities, like radiator or covered beds.

There are also complimentary products available which can relax cats, relieve their anxiety and help them get along together. Feline diffusers can help your cat feel more relaxed in the home, some are specifically designed to help improve relationships between cats. Cat anxiety remedies, available in tablets or as supplements, can take the edge off any anxious feelings your cat may have. Discuss with your vet which supplements may be suitable for your cat.

Plenty of scratching areas

Give your cats at least one scratching area like a sturdy scratching post, scratch pad (old carpet tile) or disposable scratcher. Where possible vertical scratching posts must be high enough for the cat to stretch up and scratch and placed in entrances and exits of rooms. Your cat may also like a carpet tile to scratch in these areas as well.

Scratching is a form of scent marking and something you should encourage. Let your cat build up a scent profile around their home, to feel safe and secure. Your cat will get distressed if another cat enters their territory – a microchip cat flap will prevent any unwanted visitors.