The Cat Behavior Answer Book - Arden Moore [79]
In their book, The Cats’ House, Bob and Frances share tips on how to build ramps, catwalks, and other feline features. Each year they open their home for touring, with proceeds donated to a local cat protection society.
In this house, there are no worries about a sofa being clawed or a sock being stolen. There are far too many cat-cool functional furnishings to occupy the minds and physical needs of the tabby troop. As Bob puts it, “If possession is nine-tenths of the law, then our place is truly the cats’ house. After all, our cats are at home more than we are.”
The Joy of Toys
Q My five-year-old cat, Indie, has so much energy that he tires me out. He is constantly bugging me to play with him, even though I give him plenty of attention. Can you suggest some safe toys that will keep him busy and allow me to be able to read a book without his persistent pawing?
A Are you sure you don’t have a Labrador puppy disguised as a cat? It brings a smile to my face to hear of felines who love to play well into their adult years. But I can empathize with your request to be able to read a book, watch a television show, or work on the computer without Indie’s persistent pleading.
Indie seems to have a giant need to exercise. Since cats aren’t welcome at the local gyms to work up a sweat and unleash their pent-up energies, you need to bring the gym to your cat. I’m not talking about bringing in live mice for Indie to hunt or planting a tree in the middle of your living room for him to climb, though he would probably enjoy both of those! But do provide him with a couple of places that he can jump up onto — perhaps a carpeted cat tree with several levels or a shelf in a corner overlooking the television room.
Another suggestion is to encourage Indie to play with his food. Instead of filling his bowl with kibble, make mealtime a tasty treasure hunt. Scoop up pieces of kibble and place them on each step of a stair or on a long hallway for Indie to sniff out and eat. Do this each morning before you leave for work to occupy his time and again in the early evening when you come home and want to relax. You can also put some special treats in a treat ball that features small openings. When nudged or pawed, the ball moves and releases tasty prizes one at a time. Watch Indie as he goes on a food hunt.
FELINE FACT
Don’t let an urban legend cloud the truth. Veterinary toxicologists report that Febreze fabric freshener products are safe for use in households with cats as long as you follow label instructions for use.
As editor of Catnip magazine, I enjoy the opportunity to test products, including toys, for our feline friends. Here are some types of products that have been tested and given paws up approval by the team of Catnip test cats.
BALLS IN BOXES. These toys resemble the feline version of a Rubik’s cube. Some of the more popular ones feature square-shaped pressboard boxes with holes on the top and sides that are big enough to insert toy balls for cats to fish out with their paws.
ROUND AND ROUND WE GO. For cats who love to give chase, try a ball in a heavy plastic track that goes round and round with each paw swat. In the center of some track balls are corrugated cardboard insert pads suitable for scratching. Cats get the double bonus of stalking a ball and honing their claws.
MOVING TOYS. Toys with batteries and a remote control device rotate and move erratically to mimic insect motion. Some of these toys come in the shape of popular cat cartoon characters like Garfield.
My final advice: Please book 10 to 15 minutes of interactive playtime each day with Indie as well. Teach Indie some tricks through clicker training or introduce him to indoor agility. (See Click! Click! Train Your Tabby, page 280, and Make Way for Feline Athletes, page 284.) You are doing your part to build his confidence and keep him in shape. As invaluable as keep-busy toys are, they should never be used as replacements for that special bonding time you can share with your