Training cats: 6 points to improve stress behaviour
Once you decide to take a new cat into your home, the next step is to learn about training cats. A badly behaved cat can seriously complicate family life.
One point to bear in mind is that a cat’s behaviour is directly related to its level of stress. It is much harder to moderate the behaviour of a highly stressed cat.
If the cat’s stress levels can be reduced to a minimum, its behaviour will improve. Changes in the cat’s environment can increase its stress and even provoke urinary tract diseases, such as FLUTD, which we have already mentioned in the post on oxalate and struvite stones.
Environmental enrichment is key to controlling the cat’s behaviour
Start by explaining environmental modification. It involves making changes in the cat’s environment to decrease its level of stress, thus improving its behaviour and quality of life (Buffington 2006). They are also known as MEMO (multimodal environmental modification) interventions.
Environmental modification consists of 6 key points to improve a cat’s behaviour by reducing stress.
Training cats: Key points
1. Social contact. The cat must be able to choose whether or not to play with other animals, interact with humans or be alone.
2. Place different bowls with fresh food and water, and they must be well away from any litter trays. Choose quiet locations where the cat can eat without unwanted interruptions. Food and water should be changed frequently.
3. Provide an elevated resting area in a quiet and secluded part of the house. Ideally, they should also positioned away from any draughts.
4. Clean the litter tray frequently. Litter trays should be changed daily. And they should be given a thorough clean weekly.
5. Alternate toys so the cat keeps discovering new ones. Scratching posts are always a good idea as well.
6. The cat must be free to move around as it wishes, climb and explore the environment. It is important to have hiding places with escape routes.
As you can see, all of the measures are easily implemented. No major changes around the home are required, just minor tweaks that will make both your cat’s and your family’s lives more comfortable. Get ready to live in harmony with your cat!
