At their core, cats think they are still wild animals, and while we’ve invited them into our homes to share our lives, we can’t expect them to completely give up all their instincts. We have to look at our living space from the cat’s point of view and provide an environment that keeps them stimulated. The concept of “Catifying your Environment” means providing a space for your cats where they can exercise their natural instincts in the comfort and safety of our homes.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) introduced the five pillars of a healthy feline environment in their Feline Environmental Needs Guidelines. The guidelines address the needs of cats in the home, as well as in veterinary hospitals and shelters.
When cats needs are not met, cats will be stressed, and this stress will often demonstrate itself in behavior issues such as inappropriate elimination, scratching, and aggression toward other cats and even the humans in the household. Accommodating cats’ needs is critical to ensuring that cats are happy and healthy.
Click here for Practical Tips for Pet Owners on Your Cat’s Environmental Needs
