Cats are solitary by nature and value control over their surroundings. To help them thrive, provide a safe, secure home environment with private hiding spots—such as boxes, carriers, or raised perches. Each cat should have multiple, accessible “safe zones,” especially in multi-cat households. Ensure elderly or young cats can reach them easily.
Key environmental resources—food, water, litter trays, scratching posts, play, rest, and sleep areas—should be spread out and duplicated across the home. Avoid placing food near litter trays, and offer water separately from food. Outdoors access is ideal if safe, or consider leash-training with a harness. Distributing these resources supports natural behaviours, reduces stress, and prevents conflict.
Cats have strong hunting instincts unrelated to hunger. Satisfy this need with interactive toys (e.g., feather wands), food games (e.g., puzzle feeders), and regular play. Let them “catch” the toy after several pounces to mimic a real hunt. Never use your hands or string-based toys that could be swallowed. Kittens need more intense, longer play and should never be encouraged to play-attack people.
Cats prefer low-intensity, frequent, and predictable social contact. Let them initiate interaction, and respond gently with strokes on the head or cheeks. Learn their cues—like slow blinking, purring, or head bunting—to understand when they want affection. Respect their boundaries and avoid picking them up unless clearly welcome.
Cats rely heavily on scent to feel secure. Avoid strong-smelling cleaners and introduce new objects by rubbing them with a cloth carrying your cat’s scent. Provide scratching posts (tall enough for a full stretch) to allow scent-marking. Synthetic pheromones like Feliway® can reduce stress and encourage positive behaviours.
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