Happy & Healthy Cats

Several years after our 18 and 19 year old cats had passed we got two kittens. Soon after it became obvious we had to give our newly acquired tigers their own piece of furniture in order to leave ours alone. So there is where my hunt for the perfect cat tree began.

After a good search I was thrilled to find Hicat!! And that is how my communication with Mark started. From the start it was obvious we had a common interest, happy and healthy cats! 

As a veterinarian I like to share why I am such an enthusiastic supporter of Hicat.

I am not a feline specialist, nor am I a behaviorist but after practicing for over 15 years at the Paris Hill Cat Hospital, NY, a feline only clinic I believe I know a little about them.

We do not always realize that our domesticated cat is still a solitary, hunting and highly territorial species. Climbing, scratching, exploring and playing are all typical and natural for cats.

Strictly indoor cats are often not able to express this behaviour, they often live in a multiple cat household and their lifestyle is predictable and quite boring. This is all in contrast to their innate needs, making a strictly indoor life stressful! And that might be the beginning of stress related illnesses and unwanted behaviour. 

At the recent World Feline Veterinary Conference, San Francisco 2019, the role of stress in illnesses and the importance of enrichment of the environment was emphasized again. Chronic stress may cause chronic increase of stress hormones resulting in suppression of the immune system. Since cats are masters of hiding stress (as well as pain and sickness) it might be hard to recognize. Symptoms of stress can be obvious but are sometimes quite subtle. Examples are changes in appetite or drinking, hiding, inactivity, overgrooming, aggression, urinating/ defecating outside the litter box and compulsive behaviour. 

It should be quite obvious that we want to avoid stress! So what can we do for our indoor housed cats. Let’s look again at their species specific needs. 

Since cats are solitary and highly territorial it is important to offer multiple AND separated feeding, litter (uncovered boxes with unscented, clumping litter) and resting areas. Their living space can be enlarged by creating vertical space. Use shelves, perches, climbing structures and scratch posts. A safe place has an access and exit from at least 2 sides so escape is possible if needed.

Stimulate play to satisfy their hunting behaviour. Use cat toys, not your hands or feet and don’t forget to make it a successful catch once in a while to avoid frustration.

Keep in mind that all cats have individual preferences and they all interact differently with humans.

Create challenges and hunting opportunities. Nowadays there is a wide variety of puzzle feeders available and you can hide them throughout your house to simulate some hunting activity. Our own cats love their treasure hunt! Prevent boredom by switching things up and offer options to explore and exercise. Turning on the television and playing a nature show with chirping birds and squeaking mice was a favorite for our old cats. 

This by far did not cover all there is to know about our cats but I hope it gives some insight into your cat’s needs and some tips to lower stress and how to keep them happier and healthier.

You might now understand why I am such an enthusiastic supporter of Hicat!!!

The Hicat is a masterpiece for our cats and I truly believe it serves as an important tool in health management. 

Jacqueline Stanton - Clinton, NY, USA