There are so many soothing and relaxing behaviors that animals need to engage in for emotional and mental well being. Today we will talk about cats! But over the next few days we will talk about other species too (horses, small pets).
These necessary behaviors are often seen by humans as destructive or annoying. They can also been seen as a nuisance. By allowing cats to engage in these behaviors, you are providing them with natural ways to relieve stress, tension and promote well being and mental enrichment.
Hunting
Cats NEED to hunt. They may bring you their kills. Be happy and thankful. A cat bringing you a kill is giving you a gift quite literally from the heart. You will hurt your cat’s feelings if you are grossed out.
If your cat is indoors only, you can engage in interactive play that encourages your cat to stare, hide, stalk, and then ambush and catch its “prey”. This can be a laser, a feather toy, etc.. It is important to let you cat “catch” its prey to simulate hunting.
Key hunting skills – * Staring * Hiding * Stalking * Pouncing * Catching
All of these must be used to mimic indoor hunting.
- Scratching
This is how your cats take care of their nails! If you cat is using an undesirable area for scratching and causing damage, try not to punish your cat. If you punish your cat, your cat will feel the scratching is the problem. Instead, redirect. Catch your cat scratching in the wrong place? Bring your cat to where you DO want your cat to scratch. Or place your cats scratching area near the undesirable item. Praise your cat for using the appropriate spot.
You can also put cat nip on the post. You can also play with the cat near the scratching area to make it a “fun” spot! Whatever you do, encourage your cat to scratch in the right places.
- Kneading with claws
Kneading is very soothing to cats. It relaxes them and releases oxytocin. Cats accidentally use claws, especially when kneading. Yes it can hurt! But try not to react. Your cat is NOT trying to hurt you. Cat’s use kneading as a sign of affection and happiness. If they use claws (many do) it is not to make it uncomfortable. It is over eagerness. Instead of reacting to asking your cat NOT to knead. Keep a blanket close, pick up your cat, put the blanket over your lap or whoever the cat is kneading that is causing pain or damage. Put the cat back on top of the blanket. Allow your cat to knead, with claws if that is it’s preference. A cat doesn’t know its ok to knead without claws but not with claws. They just each have their own unique way of kneading. Kneading helps their emotional well being.
Encouraging your cat to participate in these soothing and relaxing behaviors will help create enrichment, well being, and relaxation. The inability to participate in these necessary behaviors can cause stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety will later create behavioral issues and/or health issues. These simple, natural behaviors are beneficial in so many ways.
