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Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour (view source)

Revision as of 15:16, 28 August 2014

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===Privacy and Choice===

:Privacy is partly provided by giving cats plenty of choice. If cats can choose to feed or rest away from each other they are more likely to tolerate each other. Some cats, especially those which are timid, elderly or infirm, prefer to have ground-level hiding places where they can run in and hide. Empty cat baskets or cardboard boxes are perfectly suitable.

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~~==Indoor Environment==~~

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The indoor part of the cat’s [[Feline Territorial Behaviour|territory]] is somewhere that the cat should feel secure. In the wild this [[Feline Territorial Behaviour#Core Territory|‘core’ part of the cat’s territory]] is never invaded or overlooked by other cats because it is surrounded by an area that the cat patrols and [[Feline Communication Behaviour#Olfactory Communication|scent marks]] in order to repel other cats. Indoor-only cats are unable to do this and they may feel very vulnerable if outside cats can look in at them through the windows. Even cats that do have outdoor access may not be able to maintain a suitable buffer distance that keeps other cats away from their home. It is therefore important to block views from windows that are overlooked, perhaps close to places where your cat has urine marked or shown signs of aggression or fear in the past. This is easily achieved using ‘glass etch spray’ which is used to make bathroom windows opaque. Light still comes through but the cat cannot see clearly what is on the other side of the glass. Other cats tend to hang around less when there is no chance to threaten the indoor cat. Changes may also be made outdoors to deter other cats from lurking and menacing the indoor cat. Spraying the door of the cat flap so that it is opaque and not see through may also be of benefit.

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The indoor territory should only be available to the resident cat. To avoid problems of other cats entering the home, which can cause [[Indoor Marking - Cat|urine spraying]] or [[Feline Aggression Towards Other Cats in the Same Household|aggression between the resident cats]], it is best to fit an electronic cat flap with personalised coded collar keys that allow only the selected cats to enter.

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~~===Giving indoor housed cats some fresh air===~~

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~~'''Harness and lead'''<br>~~

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Some cats can learn to walk on a leash and harness if this is introduced while they are young. However, cats should not be taken on walks in the same way as dogs because this can be terrifying and distressing for them. Walks should be confined to a garden within easy access of the house so that the cat can build up familiarity with the landscape and odour marks that are there. If the cat shows signs of [[Feline Fear and Stress|fear or anxiety]], walks should be stopped.

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~~'''Outdoor pen '''<br>~~

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Indoor cats should ideally be given access to an enclosed outdoor area. Free access is via a cat flap so that the cat can choose when it goes in and out. A well-designed pen should mimic the outside world as closely as possible, providing a multitude of tree trunks, toys, scratching posts and high-up resting places. Introduction to the pen should be gradual, perhaps involving play or searches for food treats. The cat must always be able to return to the house voluntarily.

==Outdoor Environment==

Jon Bowen

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