Proper Cat Etiquette and Setting your Kitties Up for Success

Proper Cat Etiquette and Setting your Kitties Up for Success

There seems to be a never-ending plethora of information regarding cats and proper care, and it can become very overwhelming to sift through it all. How many litter boxes are recommended, and what type of litter? Where should their food bowls be in relation to their litter boxes? What about in multiple cat households? Cat owners want to be able to take an active role in their cats’ home health and be able to have a single source where all this information can be found. This post is meant to help with this task and provide insight for helping your cats put their best paw forward. If you have additional questions that are not answered here, please reach out to us at 4 Paws Animal Clinic.

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Litter Boxes- Cleaning, Litter Types, and Where to Put Them

This particular topic appears to generate the most questions associated with proper cat etiquette as it can lead to significant consequences, including your cat not using their litter box properly. This is a common question that we receive at 4 Paws Animal Clinic so here are some basic guidelines for proper litter box etiquette for you and your kitties:

1- The number of litter boxes in a household should be the number of cats plus one. For example, if you have two cats, the rule states that three litter boxes are best. The litter boxes should be separated in different areas of the house. If the house is multi-level, be sure to include boxes on all levels of the house. Try to avoid high traffic areas and store boxes in a dark, quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of the household.

2- The type of litter box chosen can play a major role in your cats’ comfort level as well. While hooded boxes are seen as a great alternative for keeping litter from being scattered, it can induce anxiety with cats and cause them to not want to go inside. Instead, it is recommended to use a litter box that is at least 1.5 times the length of your cat and that is not covered. Self-cleaning boxes can also cause some issues for some cats if they start to function while the cat is inside, and therefore should be used with caution.

3- It is recommended to scoop litter boxes daily and clean them fully at least once a week. For litter choice, most cats seem to do well with fine-grained, unscented litter. It is recommended to avoid litter that is too dusty, and/or is pine-based. Our veterinarians at 4 Paws can help to navigate these suggestions, along with others if your kitty seems to have trouble using the litter box at home.

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Food and Water

Providing your cats with adequate nutrition is imperative for overall health, and it starts with choosing a food that is nutritionally balanced and appropriate for their age, weight, and lifestyle. Hills, Purina Pro Plan, and Royal Canin are great brands to consider, and our veterinarians at 4 Paws Animal Clinic would be happy to help in choosing a diet that is right for your feline friend. It is recommended to feed a combination of both wet and dry food as most cats do not drink enough water, and the added moisture in the wet food is great for providing this extra hydration. Getting your cat on a schedule via timed feeding is also beneficial as it will help you to monitor their food intake and make sure they are getting the nutrition they need, while not overfeeding. Cats should be fed away from their litter boxes, in a calm place, but with the ability to view and monitor their surroundings while eating. It may also be beneficial to find a higher spot, like a counter or top of the stairs, as they will appreciate the height advantage and keep them away from other pets that may disturb them while eating. The type of bowl to be used can also make a huge difference Cats use their whiskers to “taste” their environment, and deeper bowls with high sides can negatively impact their ability to use their whiskers and thus their eating. The best type of bowl is a shallow and wide bowl with low sides. As mentioned previously hydration is also key for cats as most cats do not get proper hydration throughout the day. Wet food is great for adding in more moisture, but you can also consider a water fountain for them to drink from. Cats tend to prefer running water over stagnant water in a bowl, and a water fountain placed in a quiet area of the house is great for encouraging them to take in more water.

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Basic House Rules

Other suggestions for taking care of your feline friend include suggestions for enrichment, grooming, and stress management. Cats love to have places to hide, and enjoy “vertical space”, or places higher up where they can observe their surroundings. Cat trees are a great way to provide both things as they provide spaces that are higher than floor-level, and usually have several small hidey-holes for your cats to enjoy. Otherwise, a seat by a window, or a cardboard box to hide in are also great ways to provide enrichment opportunities. Cats also enjoy scratch posts and chase-type toys as ways to let off some energy. For our more anxious kitties, Feliway diffusers and sprays are a great product for stress management. This product looks and functions like a Glade plug-in, but it diffuses calming pheromones throughout a room instead of scents. These are great to plug in next to litter boxes, common sleeping/hiding places, and/or where your cats are fed to reduce stress and anxiety in the household. Grooming is also important, but especially for our longer-haired friends. It is recommended to brush long-haired cats at least once weekly to prevent their fur from matting, and to trim the hair between their toes/ around their rear end for mobility and sanitary purposes.

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To Conclude

Our furry feline friends make great companions, and the above suggestions may help both you and your kitty feel more at-ease in your home. For any questions regarding this information, or for more tips and tricks, please visit our veterinarians at 4 Paws Animal Clinic.

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