When we live with a furry friend, we want it to be an animal that leads a good life and, above all, Be happy and healthyHowever, we can sometimes forget that blood runs through its veins. feline bloodThat is, even if they can adapt to living in a flat or apartment, it does not stop being a predator with very specific needs.
You have claws with which it can penetrate the skin, some strong teeth capable of breaking the bones of their victims (rodents and small birds), a sense of hearing which allows him to hear the sound of a mouse from several meters away, and a powerful vision which allows her to see at night and detect very subtle movements. If we want to know how to make life easier for a cat, we have to take all this into accountbecause that will be the only way we can make it truly an animal balanced and happy at home.
Respect the cat as a species and as an individual
We have to respect the cat as a species (felis catus) and as an individual (Blacky, Sasha, or whatever we may have called him), because both aspects, species and individualThey are part of our beloved friend. Each cat has its own with a dash of rebelliousness his energy level, his fears, and his preferences—all of this must be taken into account when living with him; learning to earn their trust It is basic.
Knowing this, it is necessary that Before we even take it home, let's get what you need: scraper (or several) that it will use to sharpen its claws and climb, one high quality food (grain-free or with a very low percentage) that allows him to grow strong and healthy, cat-friendly toys (ropes, small balls with or without sound, interactive cat toys, tunnels, feather wands…) that we will use every day to keep him entertained, and patience.
In addition to these basics, it is highly recommended to prepare a own space For the cat: a soft bed, soft blankets, and one or more safe hiding places (such as cardboard boxes, caves, or cat igloos). Having a quiet place to retreat to helps your cat better manage daily stress, especially if there are visitors, noise, or changes in routine; you can find specific tips at care for adopted cats.
It's true. Patience is not a material thing and therefore cannot be bought, but if we are not patient people we will have to calm down if we want to live with a catWhy? Because he'll want to climb on the furniture and might scratch it, he'll explore unexpected corners, and while he's young, he'll be a real whirlwind. Learning to understand their languagerespect their timing and apply education tips Not taking their behavior personally is key to harmonious coexistence.
How to adapt your home so your cat can live better
A cat can live perfectly well in an apartment as long as its needs are taken into account. physical and mental needsAdapting your home isn't just about providing a litter box and food bowl: it's about creating an environment where your pet can... explore, observe, climb, hide, scratch and play Safely.
If you live in a high-rise apartment or with a balcony, it's essential protect balconies and windows Use sturdy nets or mesh. Cats are very agile, but a miscalculated jump, a slip, or a sudden fright can cause a serious fall. Make sure the safety nets are securely fastened and check their condition regularly.
It's also a good idea to check shelves and tall furniture: many cats enjoy climbing, but it's important that there are no obstacles. unstable objects that could fall on them. Leaving them a free space on a high shelf or placing a raised bed allows them to have a observation point, something that makes them feel very safe.
Another good idea is to create a “feline circuit” with shelves, boards, or interconnected furniture so it can move around at different heights. For many cats, being able to explore the house "above" greatly reduces stress, especially when they live with other animals or children.
Scratching posts, heights and observation areas
Scratching isn't just about claws: when a cat scratches, it also... mark territory with pheromones and leaves a visual signal that makes him feel safer. If we don't offer him suitable surfaces, will use sofas, door frames or furniture.
Therefore, in addition to a basic scratching post, it is advisable to have various types of scratchersProvide tall vertical scratching posts so your cat can fully stretch out, horizontal ones for when it prefers to scratch on the floor, and, if possible, some angled ones. Place them in walkways and near areas where your cat usually scratches to make it easier to redirect its behavior.
A good trick to encourage its use is reward the cat Each time your cat uses the scratching post, reward them with gentle strokes, kind words, or small feline treats. In this way, will associate the scratching post with something positive and they will be less likely to choose your furniture.
Furthermore, cats are very happy when they can walk at a certain heightIf we have the possibility of creating a small circuit for them or placing beds above our heads, we will greatly enrich their space. Look out the window It's one of their favorite pastimes: we can place a scratching post next to or under the window, little beds on the windowsill, or hammocks with suction cups on the glass, always with secure protection in the window to prevent accidents.
Food, water and physical well-being
Nutrition is one of the cornerstones of making a cat's life easier. A quality diet, adapted to its age and health status, helps it maintain a healthy lifestyle. adequate weighta shiny coat and good energy. Ideally, offer a high-quality food, rich in animal protein and with a controlled percentage of carbohydrates.
Many studies indicate that problems such as renal insufficiency Urinary tract infections are common in cats. Therefore, in addition to dry food, it is highly recommended to offer wet food daily. This type of food provides more water, improves intestinal transit, and promotes better overall hydration, which is very important for feline health.
Water is also essential. They must always have access to it. fresh and clean waterMany cats drink more if they have a running water fountain, which mimics the flow of a stream and is more appealing to them. Changing the water frequently and washing the bowl or fountain regularly prevents unpleasant odors that might discourage them from drinking.
If you want your cat to have a calmer routine at night, it can help to offer it a light dinner before bedAdjusting the size of the other meals to avoid overfeeding him. In the wild, cats eat small prey several times a day, so dividing their daily ration into several meals is usually better suited to their biology and reduces food-related stress.
Play, enrichment and emotional bonding
In its natural state, the cat It performs a "play ritual" when hunting prey. This behavior is part of its predatory instinctsIt is important to offer them small toys that imitate their prey: feather dusters, toy mice, balls, squeaky toys, wands with ribbons, interactive toys with irregular movement, etc., in addition to interact with themA little bit of playtime each day will improve his physical fitness, his mental well-being, and incredibly strengthen our relationship with him; for practical ideas, see [link/reference]. How to entertain a cat.
To keep the game interesting, it's very useful. rotate the toysYou can store them in a box and take out only a few at a time. Change the available toys each week so your child always has something new to explore. You can also make homemade toys with safe objects, such as a crumpled ball of paper or a cardboard tube filled with treats.
The game can also be used for establish routinesFor example, dedicating a few minutes to active play before dinner helps the cat release energy by following the hunt-catch-eat sequence, and afterwards it will be calmer and ready to rest. This type of routine is very well suited to its feline nature.
Of course, you have to spend time with him and teach him that there are things he cannot doas the scratch us o bite usBut for that, you have to be very consistent. The cat isn't going to learn it in two days, or three, or four. It's going to need much more time. Anyway, you should know that with love and patience Anything is possible. Shouting and mistreatment won't achieve anything; it will only make them afraid of you and increase their insecurity.
It's also important to respect that the cat prefers to receive affection on its own terms. Instead of always going to pet it, try... Call him and wait. Let him be the one to approach you. If he asks for cuddles or to play, respond as much as possible: this will strengthen your bond and make him feel more secure.
Feline stress: how to reduce it in everyday life
Cats can become stressed by seemingly small changesMoving, renovations, new furniture, unfamiliar people, loud noises, the arrival of another pet, or even changes in our routine can all affect our cats. Some cats are more sensitive than others and need more help to adapt.
One of the best ways to help him is protect him from stressful situations as much as possible. If you know there will be construction, lots of visitors, or loud noises, prepare a quiet room with their bed, litter box, food, water, and toys where they can retreat with the door closed. Introduce changes gradually so they have time to explore and adjust; if the stress is intense, consult a veterinarian. treating anxiety in cats.
It is very useful to create a safe haven Exclusively for your cat: a bed, blankets, their favorite toys, and, if possible, a high place or something semi-enclosed, like a box or an open carrier, where they can hide. Having several hiding places scattered around the house makes your cat feel more confident.
Another key aspect is to make sure you have easy access to all your resourcesFood, water, litter boxes, scratching posts, and resting areas should all be accessible to your cat (closed doors, other cats blocking the way, etc.). If several cats live together, it's ideal to have multiple food points, several water fountains or bowls, and more than one litter box, distributed in different areas to avoid conflicts and tension.
Routine also provides a lot of security. Maintaining relatively stable schedules food, play and rest This helps the cat anticipate what will happen and reduces its sense of uncertainty. Speaking to it in a calm voice, avoiding shouting and sudden noises, and allowing it to retreat when needed are small gestures that make a big difference to its emotional well-being.
Sandbox, hygiene and maintenance care
The litter box is the cat's "bathroom," and its cleanliness and hygiene They greatly influence their comfort. Ideally, you should remove the waste at least once a day (twice is even better) and do a more thorough cleaning regularly with mild soap and water, depending on the type of litter you use.
If you have more than one cat, it is advisable to follow the general rule of having one litter box per cat plus one extraProvided space allows. Furthermore, litter boxes should not be placed near food or water, nor in overly noisy areas. A quiet, easily accessible location with some privacy will make the cat feel more comfortable using it.
El grooming Brushing is also part of feline well-being. Just as they groom themselves and each other, we can brush them too. It's an act that greatly strengthens the bond with our cat and is also very important to prevent excessive hair ingestion and the formation of hairballs in their digestive system. We should get them used to brushing from a young age, using specific brushes that they are not disturbed and turning it into a pleasant ritual, with caresses and, if necessary, some reward; to improve their coat consult How to make hair shiny.
Companionship, communication and life abroad
From a very young age, we observe how kittens interact with each other through playful "war games." Like all cats, they enjoy having some of their own around them. The idea of the cat as a completely independent and solitary animal needs to evolve, as it has been proven that in many situations they live in organized communities and they carry out group activities (hunting, caring for litters, surveillance, alert notifications).
It can always be beneficial for a cat to live in the company of another of its species, provided that a correct presentation and that adaptation periods are respected. Having a feline companion can increase their daily activity, prevent obesity, and enrich their environment. Even so, every cat is different: some enjoy company, while others prefer to be the only one in the house.
Communication with us is also key. Cats address people with meowssomething they hardly use among themselves in adulthood. It will be very important to respond to their "attention calls," maintain that dialogue, and pay attention to their body language (tail, ears, posture). Many caregivers recognize that their cats are capable of identifying even their emotional state: sadness, illness or joy.
Lastly, provided you live in a quiet area (in the countryside, small town, or sparsely populated areas) it can be very beneficial to allow your cat to go outside safely. There are many more stimuli outside than inside the house, so it can live like a cat and, upon returning, will feel much more relaxed. To minimize risks, it is essential to use a secure collar with identification tag Or, even better, an extra identification system such as a GPS collar, and wear it properly identified according to the regulations of your area.
If it's not safe for him to go out alone, another alternative is to teach him to walk with a... comfortable and well-fitting harnessAlways introduce it very gradually and respecting its boundaries. Some cats enjoy walks in quiet areas, others don't adapt; never force it. Likewise, in addition to vaccinations, it will be necessary to have it properly identified according to regulations and castrate him before its first heat. A neutered cat tends to wander less, reduces behaviors such as marking and fighting, and generally lives a more peaceful life with fewer risks.
With these tips, you can make sure that your furry one He's going to be a much calmer, more confident cat and feliz. Attend to their physical, emotional, and social needsrespect their feline nature and create a home adapted to him It is the foundation for him to fully enjoy life by your side.
