Although your cat is domesticated, they share many traits with lions and other wild cats. All cats need to scratch and stalk, and you can help your whiskered pal stay mentally and physically healthy by allowing them to express these and other natural behaviors. Your team at MountainView Veterinary Hospital explains how you can do this. 

Provide physical activity for your cat

In the wild, cats are natural stalkers and hunters, and your domesticated cat retains many of those instincts. Indoor cats may become bored if they are not allowed to mimic as many of those natural behaviors as possible. Tips to keep your cat engaged include: 

  • Playtime with interactive toys — Engage your cat’s need to stalk, pounce, and hunt for their food. Feather wands, toy mice, interactive feeders, and laser pointer games stimulate your cat’s natural hunting behaviors.
  • Scratching posts — In the wild, cats use their claws to scent mark their territory, and stretch their legs and bodies. Your kitty has a strong need to scratch, so give them various scratching posts and pads. Each cat is an individual, so try out several styles until you find one they love. Provide several options so your kitty can choose their favorite.
  • Climbing structures and perches — Cats instinctively love to perch in high places to survey their surroundings and are natural climbers. Provide your feline friend with a cat tree with several spots to perch and hide or a space-saving wall hammock system. Even a high shelf or cabinet can allow your cat to express their natural need to climb.

Provide your cat with mental stimulation 

Just like they need to express their physical instincts, cats must have ways to use their minds. Give your whiskered pal various experiences each day, and watch them thrive. Providing opportunities to keep your cat’s mind sharp will help them stay mentally and physically healthy. Some ideas are: 

  • Toys — Provide various toys and games that encourage their instincts. Rotate pouncing and jumping toys to prevent boredom.
  • Tricks — Teach them a new trick. Cats can learn to fetch, come when called, and high-five with their paw. Search the internet for ways to teach your cat something new to keep them mentally fit. 
  • Puzzles — Give your cat food puzzles and interactive feeders, and hide treats throughout their favorite spots to encourage natural foraging behaviors.
  • Bird watching — Hang a bird feeder outside a window with a hiding spot for your cat to encourage hiding and watching.

Learn your cat’s social cues 

Contrary to popular belief, cats are social animals who thrive on interaction in the wild. While each cat is an individual and some may crave more attention than others, they all need bonding time with their human family members. Some ways to encourage this include: 

  • Observing your cat’s natural needs — Make an effort to observe and get to know your cat. Spend time petting and brushing them, and prioritize some snuggle time if they seek it out. 
  • Providing personal space — Cats are great communicators and will let you know when they are ready for some alone time. Some cats flatten their ears, twitch their tails, or dilate their eyes when overstimulated or irritated. Watch for these signs that your cat needs some personal space. 
  • Introducing new pets and people gradually — Because cats like routine, new pets or people in the house will likely throw most of them off. Take your time to introduce new family members gradually.

Encourage your cat to practice instinctive behavior

Recognizing your cat’s natural instincts can help you relax and allow them to practice certain behaviors. Sometimes, cats have a natural burst of energy, which is perfectly normal. Allowing this without calming your cat down is healthier for them and you. 

Never punish your cat for expressing natural behaviors. Cats have natural instincts to scratch, climb, hunt, and play, and punishing them for these behaviors can lead to stress, fear, and anxiety. Rather than punishment, providing your cat with appropriate outlets for these behaviors, such as scratching posts, climbing structures, interactive toys, and mental stimulation, is essential. Understanding and accommodating your cat’s natural behaviors can build a healthy and fulfilling relationship with your feline friend.

Every cat is an individual, so pay attention to what your cat enjoys. If your whiskered pal is experiencing behavior problems despite your efforts to provide for their natural instincts, call our team at MountainView Veterinary Hospital for an appointment. We can determine whether your feline friend has underlying medical problems that may be causing inappropriate behavior.