8 tips for happier cat housing
Use these ideas to help your feline friends stay calm (and safe, and even sane) when they stay with you. Some of them dont cost a dime or require any changes to your housing. And some require a little more. Dare to dream!
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1. Not the ground floor
If you have the choice between a cage that's low and a cage that's high, pick the high one. Cats like to be up.
Courtesy of Cary Street Veterinary Hospital
2. The sweet smell of home
Encourage pet owners to bring in a blanket or some other personal item from home that smells sweetly of security.
Photo courtesy of Veterinary Medical Center of St. Lucie County
3. An end to the staring contest
If your cat wards line both sides of a room facing each other, look for a creative way to block the view. You could pull in a screen or hang a hospital grade curtain. Maybe install a fish tank. (Can't blame us for dreaming cat dreams.) Also-avoid realistic images of cats on the walls for the same reasons.
Courtesy of Heather Lewis
4. A little decor
Find someone with sewing skills to make little curtains that can attach with Velcro to horizontal cage bars. When you have a cat that's freaking out, a little curtain to hide behind can be just the shelter he or she needs to calm down.
Courtesy of The Mason Co.
5. A quiet upgrade
Many manufacturers now offer cage upgrades that minimize the noise of the latch. Check into options for your existing cages.
Courtesy of Snyder Manufacturing
6. A realignment
If your cages have vertical bars, consider replacing them with doors that have horizontal bars, which give your cat visitors an unobstructed view out.
Courtesy of Olde Town Pet Resort
7. Better, bigger digs
Housing that gives each cat more room really does make a difference in the level of stress your feline visitors experience. New condos that take this thinking into account offer each cat a space that's about 30 inches square rather than 18 inches square, which used to be standard. Also, keep in mind that cats prefer matte finishes to shiny finishes in their surroundings.
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8. Your brilliant idea
We know you're looking for ways to keep cats happier in their housing. Send us your “cut the cat fear” idea
(and a pic) and we'll share it! Email dvm360@advanstar.com to send your idea.
