Environmental Enrichment for Cats, by Dr. Suzanne

Photo by Cuba Gallery
(Click to see original on Flickr)

Indoor cats live longer and healthier lives due to the fact that they are not exposed to the dangers that outdoor cats have (cars, other animals, toxins, etc.). However, environmental enrichment is extremely important for indoor only cats to prevent them from being deprived of natural behaviors such as hunting, exploring, and social interaction. The stress of limited environmental stimulation can negatively impact your cat, and lead to many behavioral and medical problems such as obesity, inappropriate elimination, inflammation of the urinary tract, anxiety, and aggression.

Photo by Matt Ducke
(Click to see original on Flickr)

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, cats eat 10-20 small meals over a 24 hour period. Therefore, feeding multiple small meals throughout the day is more consistent with natural feeding habits. While leaving dry food out all day ,ay make this easier, most wet foods tend to be lower in carbohydrates and higher in protein which can help with maintaining lean body weight. In addition, there are many ways to encourage your cat to hunt for their food such as food balls or food pyramids. It is also best to provide at least one bowl per cat in the home to prevent any competition, and place food bowls in a quiet or elevated area so that they may feel safe.

Photo by Amy Shojai
(Click to see original on Flickr)

Litter Boxes

Litter boxes should be placed in different locations throughout the house, and be in places where your cat will feel safe. They should be cleaned at least once daily, and washed with soap and water once a week. As a general rule, you should have one litter box per cat in the home, plus one. Large, uncovered boxes are usually preferred, however some cats prefer covered boxes. There are many different types of litter available, and it is best to alow your cat to choose by providing as assortment of litters, and ultimately selecting the one that he/she likes

Photo by Angus
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Scratching Posts

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats to both sharpen their claws and to mark their territory. Cat scratchers should be placed in your cats favorite areas of the house. Most pets prefer vertical to horizontal scratchers, but try both and entice your cat by placing cat nip, toys or treats on it. Never yell or punish your cat when scratching furniture, but instead use double sided tape to defer him from that location. In addition, praise your cat when he/she uses the scratcher.

Photo by Jasar Creative
(Click to see original on Flickr)

Perching or Climbing Towers

High places, such as perches are very important to their natural behavior because cats like to climb and prefer high places. It allows them to feel safe, and watch from above. One perch per cat is ideal, and should be placed in your cats favorite places, preferably near a window.

Photo by Adam Russell
(Click to see original on Flickr)

Toys and Mental Stimulation

This is also an extremely important factor in an indoor only cat’s life. Mental stimulation can be provided by window seats near a bird feeder, or a variety of cat toys (laser light to simulate bugs, toys tied to a string to simulate rodents). Be sure to rotate toys, and put them away after playing to prevent a loss on interest.

Photo by Niklas Pivic
(Click to see original on Flickr)

Social Interactions with Humans

Spending time every day brushing, petting, or playing with your cat is one of the most important aspects of environmental enrichment for your cat. At least 15 minutes per day is encouraged.

Written by Dr. Suzanne Brough, DVM

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Read more or contact Dr. Suzanne:

Suzanne Brough, DVM
Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice
Naples Florida
drsuzanne@lapoflove.com |drsuzanne@lapoflove.com www.lapoflove.com

 Dr. Bansel services towns in and around Collier and Lee counties including: Naples, Estero, Bonita Springs, Ft Myers, and Port Charlotte.

What Your Puppy Needs To Know, by Dr. Jen

So you just came home from the shelter or breeder with a cute new puppy. He is curled up on your lap, or maybe falling all over himself running around in the yard, and your heart is so full of love that you know you'll never let him go.

But sadly, many puppies like this will end up at the shelter, often because their behavior became unpleasant as they grew.

Fortunately, a few training commands can help your puppy grow up to be a loved family member, instead of a nuisance. I recommend that you find a good trainer for either private lessons or group lessons. There are also many books and videos with training tips. Look for a method that focuses on reward-based training, and where the corrections are not harsh, for a good bonding experience with your pup.

Sit and Down

Your dog knowing how to sit is invaluable. Once he has learned it, practice in many places and situations, especially with other dogs and people around. Having a dog sit can help calm an overexcited mind, or redirect behaviors such as jumping up on house guests or pouncing on a much smaller dog, Teaching “down” also gives you another tool to ask him to do something calmer.

 Come

This is a biggie. If your dog slips out of the house or off his leash and heads for a busy street, having the “come” command reliably trained can save his life and prevent injuries. Using it when he's headed for a scared dog or child can make for happy neighbors! Always praise and/or reward him when he comes to you, even if it wasn't right away.

Leave it

This one can save your dinner if he can reach it before you can. Or it can save your dog if he's headed for something disgusting or dangerous, like a snake!

Kennel (or crate or bed)

Having your dog go to a kennel or bed on command is very useful. Sometimes you might need him out of the way, with a friend or child visiting who is afraid of dogs, or when he is begging for food and you want him away from the table. If you are house training, the kennel can be very useful when you are gone.

Walk nicely on a leash

There is nothing fun about being dragged down the street by an 85lb dog who just saw a squirrel! Your puppy can start learning right away that you only go forward on the leash if it is loose. He doesn't have to do a perfect “heel” unless you want him to, but you should be the one deciding where you go when you walk.

Although all you might want to do with your new family member is play, spend just 10-15 minutes a day working on these commands. Keep the training sessions short, and don't introduce too many new things at once. Be patient and consistent, and your cute little furball will remain a loving and welcome family member for many years to come!

Written by Dr. Jeni Bansel, DVM

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Read more or contact Dr. Jen:
Jeni Bansel, DVM
Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice
Charleston, SC
drjen@lapoflove.com  |  www.lapoflove.com

Dr. Bansel services towns in and around Alachua county including Gainesville, Hawthorne, Alachua, Newberry, Micanopy, Hawthorne, Ocala, Starke, Archer and High Springs.