Guest Blogger Shawn Downs Discusses Environmental Enrichment for Your Cat

Feed the Tiger:  Cater to the Beast Inside

            You see them all the time on Animal Planet—the panther, the lion, the cheetah, the tiger. Kings and queens of their habitat, they rule jungles and grasslands of far off continents. Their stealthy advance speaks to the thrill of the hunt. They stalk, they slink, they pounce—they survive!

            After watching those safaris on TV, take a careful look around your house. There, just past the end of the couch, a graceful orange tabby is slinking toward his prey. A sleek black “panther” enters from the kitchen, intent on the same victim. They compete, one predator circling the other until the victor is crowned and takes his reward . . . a purple mouse made of felt you picked up last week at Petco.

            Your average house cat, from purebred to rescued stray, remains in touch with its wild instincts. Despite their domesticated status, our feline pets carry within them natural urges to stalk, hunt and capture prey. Although most folks believe that cats spend all their time sleeping, they actually enjoy physical activity and playtime. Toy mice, laser pointers, catnip and feather wands can inspire even Grumpy Cat to have a play date! The toys and images serve as “prey” to arouse the hunting instinct.

            When it comes to feeding, cats are solitary creatures and prefer not to share. Feed each of your cats in a separate space and also provide opportunities for them to “forage”. Place small amounts of kibble throughout the house, or try using a puzzle toy or treat ball. (When you do this, keep in mind that the extra kibble counts as one meal to avoid overfeeding.)

            Also think about your cat’s physical environment. Look at your home through the eyes of a cat and decide how to enhance it. Would he climb a tree if he lived in the wild, or hone his claws on the trunk? Give him a carpeted perch along a window or wall, a cat tower or tree with different levels, and a scratching post covered in sisal rope.

            At Patton’s Cat Hospital in Red Lion, we see a wide variety of cats that come to us with recurring issues. Whether the owner’s concern is behavioral (inter-cat aggression, destroying furniture, urinating outside the box) or physical (feline obesity, diarrhea, urine crystals, cystitis, etc), our veterinarians are able to offer help and answers.

Thankfully, many of these issues may be dealt with and even resolved by following the enrichment tips found in this article. But please do not hesitate to contact us or your own vet for further information and advice.

          Article by Shawn Downs, Client Relations and Feline Friendly Committee Member at Patton Veterinary Hospital. 

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding areas. 

Come visit Patton's Cat Hospital during our Open House Saturday April 11, 2015  2-5PM!!!