When the human’s away, us little kitties will exercise! Exercise??? Maybe that’s taking it to the extreme so let’s go for playing and eating and napping! Hey! Where’s my catnip?
There are times when the humans must have time away so to speak, maybe a movie, perhaps a walk in the park or even a weekend getaway. That means the ‘little’ felines will be home alone. So, what do we do to be sure they don’t get bored?
Here are some tips but don’t say them out loud… little kitties have BIG ears!
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• SOUND! Got to have music or talking…anything to break the silence. Leave the radio or TV on so he/she can hear human voices in the house. You might find the little kitty soon has a favorite weekly animal program.
Hey! Anything’s possible…our little feline friends do have eyes and ears AND they are smarter than you may think! Tune your TV to a program like National Geographic or the Animal Channel. Be sure your cat is nearby. Watch the body language; you can tell when your cat is listening by the movement and position of the ears.
It’s called “cat communication!”
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• CLIMBABILITY! Add a carpeted cat tree bungalow to your house decor – cats love to sit up high watching the world go by. Or just place a chair near a busy window so your cat can watch the birds, squirrels and folks in the neighborhood.
Did you know either option is called “vertical territory?” Cats make use of both horizontal and vertical aspects of life’s environment. Vertical planes offer stations of security, spaces of comfort and of course, places for fun. So, whether you are home or gone, the cat tree is not just a cat luxury or simply a piece of cat furniture but a crucial part of the feline’s life.
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• COMPANIONSHIP! For single cat homes, consider getting a second cat. That’s right! Get another cat! Most cats like company, which leads to entertainment for each during the day…run, chase, jump, climb, play! With that second cat in the home, the little feline will not feel alone when left alone.
Guess what? Two cats are often cleaner than a cat living alone! I know what you are thinking…two litter boxes cannot be cleaner than one! Right? Well, that is not the point at all. Cats will groom each other’s ears and coat, often getting at places that can’t be reached without help. Just think…you leave your two cats home while you go to a movie. When you get home, they do not need a bath before going to bed!
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• STIMULATION! Toys. There must be toys. Toys that have moving parts and challenges. Cats like shiny bits, noisy bits, moving bits and bits they can hook their claws into (better than the leather couch!). Track-balls, crinkle balls or balls that contain a cat treat inside require work at releasing the treat.
Do you think you have to buy an expensive toy? Well, you don’t have to buy the toy at all! Cats love to hunt and seek! Get an old gift box and put some holes it it. Trap a few foam balls inside. Your feline friend will be entertained for hours…a fun, inexpensive way to overcome boredom, obesity and loneliness. Or better still, just leave an empty box lying around!
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•CUDDLEPOWER! Nap time is snuggle time! Being able to curl up and snuggle in one’s own bed is a must! While the human’s ‘big’ bed is always inviting, there is nothing like the cuddleness of a cat’s own bed. Keep it in the same spot as when you are home, close to the radio or TV.
Cats will sleep just about anywhere and in any position imaginable! But, did you know, just like the little doggies, they like napping in their own bed? Yes! There are luxury cat beds, heated cat beds, pillowed cat beds, feathered cat beds, domed cat beds, cat radiator beds, computer mounted beds and the list goes on and on and on…
Do you have anything to share that you set up or leave for your feline friend when you are away? I would love to hear from you…
catnipoflife 