Image Credits: Pixabay
When you have a cat in your household, you must make the environment as stress-free as possible. It doesn't take a lot for the feline to become anxious due to the characteristics of its species. Anxiety and stress are significant problems, as they increase the risk of suffering from various diseases.
Fortunately, you can avoid this from
happening by implementing the tips highlighted below:
Ensure there are places to hide
When your cat is unhappy with the
situation or it feels overwhelmed, it will want to retreat to a safe location
until things settle down. As a pet owner, it is your job to ensure there are
plenty of places to hide. Failing to do so can cause immense stress in the cat.
Clear space under your furniture and set up paths that allow the feline to
climb to safety.
Keep dedicated scratching areas
Your cat tends to scratch your furniture,
as it is the feline’s way of marking its territory. If you don’t provide
objects or areas where it can conduct this activity, it can cause anxiety and
stress.
If you allow the cat to select the thing
it wants to scratch, you won’t be happy with how things turn out. Make sure you
provide horizontal and vertical scratching surfaces for the feline.
Set up places to perch
Every cat loves to sit in high places
and observe what is going on in the household. The reason is that it gives them
the opportunity to survey the environment and identify danger before it becomes
a problem.
While the second statement may not be
true in your case, setting up a perch is good for your cat’s state of mind.
There are plenty of options available in a nearby pet shop or an e-commerce
store. If you are up for the job, there are plenty of guides available online,
where you can create custom perches for your cat.
Select the right litter box
It isn't as simple as going to the
store, picking up a litter box, and any brand of litter. You should pay
attention, as it will help eliminate stress in your cat. The litter box you
select should be of the right size.
When you have to choose the brand of
litter, you must spend time researching the companies. Avoid going for products
with heavy fragrances, as your feline may not enjoy it, due to the sensitivity
of its nose. Similarly, the location of the litter box is essential, as your
cat feels vulnerable when it has to attend nature's call. Keep it in a place
where there is a minimal distraction, so that it is comfortable for the cat to
use it.
Do you know other
ways to create a stress-free environment for cats? Let us know in the comment
section!