As veterinary staff, we all understand the importance of addressing the environmental needs of cats, for both their mental and physical well-being. Stress, the inability to express innate behaviours and lack of resources can all cause, or contribute to, unwanted behaviours. These include scratching, aggression and inappropriate toileting; not to mention feline lower urinary tract disease.
However, it can be hard for owners to appreciate that their well-loved and cared for indoor cat might be stressed. They may feel they are providing everything that the cat needs. They may feel a sense of guilt if we suggest that their cat is stressed. This is where the importance of education comes in! Our waiting room script is ideal for educating clients while they wait, prompting them to ask further questions and learn more about how to keep their indoor cat entertained.
The indoor environment
How to care for and entertain indoor cats , video explains the intricate link between a cat’s environment, their mental and their physical wellbeing. It highlights the importance of a cat’s ability to express their natural behaviours, such as scratching. It explains that cats need to be able to choose which people and other animals they interact with, with the ability to escape to a safe place if they prefer.
Entertain Cats
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Our video moves on to explain how we achieve this, by providing:
- A safe space to rest and to hide if they feel threatened
While most cat owners will have bought a cat bed of some description, they may not understand that a cat bed does not necessarily constitute a ‘safe space’ for their cat.
- Multiples of each key resource
The video explains what the key resources include, and the fact that they should be separated.
- The ability to express natural behaviours
We explain that innate behaviours (such as hunting, climbing, scratching and sniffing) can be recreated indoors using toys, puzzle feeders and scratching posts (to name a few).
- The ability to choose their interactions and to escape if needed
We remind owners never to force interactions with their cats, and to allow their cat to choose.
The video concludes by highlighting the health conditions that can be prevented by ensuring appropriate environmental enrichment. We all know that certain illnesses and unwanted behaviours (such as scratching, inappropriate toileting and aggression) are commonly caused by a stressful environment. However, we can’t expect our owners to see the link without being educated. Especially as most owners believe they are already providing their cat with everything they need to thrive.
Use our latest video
So use our video to start educating your clients on the complex environmental needs of indoor cats today! Head to www.vetchannel-media.co.uk login to see our latest content.
Alternatively you can find out more by visiting Cats Protection