Why You Should Play With Your Savannah Cat

The feline has become the most popular pet in America, surpassing the canine in terms of ownership. It is now more common for families to have cats than dogs, and many households with cats have multiple felines. Due to the dangers of letting cats roam outdoors, more people are choosing to keep their cats indoors for safety reasons. However, this shift has coincided with an increase in feline behavior problems, such as self-mutilation, excessive licking, and vocalization, without any clear physical or medical cause.

Cats are naturally curious, social, and playful creatures, and when they experience boredom, loneliness, or a lack of stimulation, it can be very stressful for them. Without opportunities to explore new things in their environment or engage in exciting activities, they may become depressed and feel like their lives lack purpose. This can lead to lethargy and increased vulnerability to illness, so it’s important to provide them with plenty of opportunities for mental and physical stimulation.

There are several options available to provide more stimulation for your indoor cat. Two important keywords that feline behaviorists agree upon are “variety” and “randomness”. Indoor cats that are left alone all day miss out on hearing their humans’ voices, observing their interactions, witnessing visitors, and even receiving affectionate pats on the head and cuddles. One relatively simple solution is to consider getting another cat. Taking care of two felines is not much more work than taking care of one, and they can keep each other company when their humans are away. They can engage in activities like wrestling, chasing each other, grooming each other, talking to each other, and even sleeping together. This can provide them with the social interaction and stimulation they need.

One alternative solution is to provide a variety of toys for indoor cats. It’s important to give them toys sporadically and then hide them for a while so that they don’t lose interest. The great thing is that toys don’t have to be expensive at all. Cats often enjoy chasing wadded up aluminum foil or playing with plastic drinking straws. Before you leave in the morning, you can try hiding your cat’s favorite toys and turn it into a fun “treasure hunt” for them, tapping into their natural hunting instincts. Just make sure your cat sees you hiding a few of the toys to pique their curiosity. Additionally, introducing a special new toy with fresh catnip can keep your cat entertained for hours. However, it’s important to note that most catnip sold in pet stores is not fresh enough to elicit a reaction from cats. Fresh catnip is safe and our adult cats love having “catnip parties” where they excitedly tear at the toy, releasing more and more of the catnip, which they then roll in blissfully.

The importance of cat furniture

Cat furniture plays a vital role in the well-being and happiness of our feline friends. Cats are natural climbers and scratchers, and providing them with appropriate furniture allows them to engage in these behaviors in a safe and fulfilling way. In addition, cat furniture helps to create a designated space for cats within our homes, promoting a sense of security and territory.

One of the main reasons why cat furniture is important is that it meets the innate needs of cats. Cats have a strong instinct to climb and perch up high, as this behavior helps them feel safe and in control of their environment. Cat trees and shelves provide them with vertical space to climb and explore, mimicking their natural habitat. This not only encourages physical exercise, but also allows cats to observe their surroundings from a higher vantage point, which is comforting for them.

Furthermore, cat furniture provides cats with a dedicated space to scratch. Scratching is an essential behavior for cats, as it helps them keep their claws healthy and strong, as well as mark their territory. By providing them with scratching posts and boards, we can redirect their scratching behavior away from our furniture and walls. This not only saves our belongings from damage, but also prevents cats from becoming frustrated or anxious due to the inability to fulfill this natural behavior.

Moreover, cat furniture helps to create a sense of territory for cats within our homes. Cats are territorial animals, and providing them with their own furniture, such as beds or hideaways, gives them a space that is their own. This promotes a sense of security and comfort, as they have a designated area to retreat to when they need some alone time or want to rest undisturbed.

In conclusion, cat furniture is of utmost importance for the well-being and happiness of our feline companions. It allows them to engage in natural behaviors, such as climbing and scratching, in a safe and fulfilling way. Additionally, it provides them with a sense of territory and security within our homes. By investing in appropriate cat furniture, we can ensure that our furry friends lead enriched lives and thrive in their environment.