Cats are fascinating pets with ingrained instincts that can erupt out of nowhere such as a sneak attack on your ankle. While amusing, your feline friend’s instincts contribute to their mental and physical health. Behaviors, such as scratching or perching, are necessary for your whiskered friend’s happiness and quality of life. Our Memorial Animal Hospital team explores ways you can help your cat express their natural behaviors in a safe and ever-so-fun way.

Understanding feline instincts

Cats are obligate carnivores whose hunting instinct was once necessary for survival. Domestic cats are descendants of a wild cat species that once roamed Africa and the Middle East. While our indoor kitties differ significantly from their ancestors, the following wild traits remain: 

  • Hunting — Cats are natural hunters; even indoor cats retain this instinct. As tiny hunters, cats engage in stalking, pouncing, and chasing, which are crucial for their mental enrichment and physical stimulation.
  • Territory marking — Cats are territorial animals and use scent marking to establish their turf. Territorial behavior can include scratching, rubbing against objects to release their scent, and spraying urine.
  • Social structure — While cats are often viewed as solitary creatures, they have social hierarchies, especially in multi-cat households. Understanding their social dynamics helps prevent conflicts and ensures a harmonious environment.

Providing your cat with enrichment

Mental and physical enrichment are necessary to ensure your cat’s well-being. Enrichment helps your whiskered friend fulfill their instincts. Our Memorial Animal Hospital team recommends the following cat enrichment items:

  • Interactive toys — Toys that mimic prey, such as feather wands, stuffed mice, and laser pointers, can satisfy your cat’s hunting instincts. When you engage in play with your cat, you strengthen the bond you share with them.
  • Scratching posts — Cats scratch to mark their territory and maintain their claw health, despite this behavior being annoying to cat owners. However, scratching is necessary for cats to fulfill this instinct. By providing your cat with scratching posts in various textures, angle orientations, and heights, you allow your cat to engage in this natural behavior without damaging furniture.
  • Vertical spaces — Cats love to climb and perch in high places where they can survey their surroundings. Cat trees, shelves, and window perches provide vertical space for your cat to explore and survey their environment.
  • Puzzle feeders — Rather than feeding your cat from a traditional bowl, consider using puzzle feeders or interactive food toys. These puzzles encourage them to “hunt” for their food, stimulating their mind and entertaining them.

How to create a cat-friendly environment

Along with enrichment activities, your cat must have a comfortable, safe environment to explore. Because cats are territorial creatures, familiarity helps prevent anxiety and alleviate stress. Offer your furry pal the following for their enjoyment, interest, and safety:

  • Supervised outdoor access —Consider creating an outdoor space, such as an enclosed patio or screened porch, for your cat. You can also teach your cat to walk using a harness and leash so they can safely experience outdoor sights, sounds, and smells.
  • Hideaways and safe zones — Your cat appreciates having quiet retreats where they can rest undisturbed. Provide your whiskered pal with cozy hiding spots, such as covered beds or cardboard boxes, where they can retreat when they need privacy.
  • Scent enrichment — Introduce new scents to your four-legged friend to stimulate their senses. Consider offering your cat catnip, silvervine, or freshly cut grass clippings.

When you understand cats’ instinctive behaviors, you can provide your whiskered pal with essential enrichment for their physical and mental well-being. By embracing your cat’s wild side, you help them thrive. Contact our Memorial Animal Hospital team for additional suggestions on how you can encourage your cat’s natural behaviors.