AAFP and ISFM feline environmental needs guidelines

Abstract

GUIDELINES RATIONALE: A cat's level of comfort with its environment is intrinsically linked to its physical health, emotional wellbeing and behavior. Having a basic understanding of the cat's species-specific environmental needs and how cats interact with their environment will provide a foundation for addressing these fundamental requirements. ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS: Addressing environmental needs is essential (not optional) for optimum wellbeing of the cat. Environmental needs include those relating not only to the cat's physical surroundings (indoors or outdoors; in the home environment or at the veterinary practice) but also those affecting social interaction, including responses to human contact. FIVE 'PILLARS' FRAMEWORK: The authorship panel has organized the Guidelines around five primary concepts ('pillars') that provide the framework for a healthy feline environment. Understanding these principles and the unique environmental needs of the cat will help veterinarians, cat owners and care-givers to reduce stress, the incidence of stress-related disorders, and unwanted behavior in their feline patients and pets. The recommendations in the Guidelines apply to all pet cats, regardless of lifestyle.

Figure 1

For those cats who enjoy the company of their own species, it is often with related individuals or, if unrelated, those they have been together with since kittenhood. Courtesy of Ilona Rodan

Figure 2

Access to an elevated area allows a cat to monitor its environment. Courtesy of Patricia K Putnam

Figure 3

This box has several features of a ‘safe place’ for a cat. The cat can conceal itself inside while still being able to see its outside environment, and it has a perch where it can maintain vigilance and a sense of isolation. Courtesy of Sarah Ellis

Figure 4

A carrier is a transportable safe place where a cat has the option of concealing itself. Courtesy of Sarah Ellis

Figure 5

An ideal perch for a cat is elevated, with a padded cover and a hammock-style depression to provide a sense of concealment. Courtesy of Deb Givin

Figure 6

Examples of how to create a safe outdoor environment for a cat: (a) a fenced enclosure with various objects that enable the cat to hide, exercise and play; and (b) a leash for outdoor exercise or walking. Images courtesy of Ilona Rodan

Figure 7

Two types of scratching areas are shown: (a) a sisal-covered surface on an elevated perch; and (b) a scratching pad. Courtesy of Sarah Ellis (a) and Deb Givin (b)

Figure 8

Body rubbing and tail wrapping (a), and allogrooming (b) are behaviors that indicate cats are in the same social group and should have environmental resources separate from other cats or social groups. Images courtesy of Anne Marie Dossche (a) and Sarah Ellis (b)

Figure 9

(a) This homemade feeding device made from empty toilet paper tubes combines access to food with an element of play. (b) Plastic food containers or an egg carton are good alternatives. (c) A store-bought feeding ball allows the cat to mimic predatory behavior. Images courtesy of Adrian Bovey (a and b) and Sarah Ellis (c)

Figure 10

A feather toy can be used for exercise and to mimic a cat’s prey. Courtesy of Ilona Rodan

Figure 11

Head bunting is a signal that the cat wants human attention. Gentle head rubbing or stroking, as the cat permits, is an appropriate response. Courtesy of Irene Rochlitz

Figure 12

Location of the feline scent glands

Figure 13

Facial rubbing (a) allows a cat to deposit its scent throughout its environment. In order to maintain scent continuity, avoid cleaning facially marked areas (b). Images courtesy of Sarah Ellis